Cheap car hire Gabon - Crime

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Crime

CRIME: In Gabon, petty thievery is common. Violent crime is more common in urban areas and there have been cases of armed robberies in homes and in restaurants frequented by foreigners. While crime in general does not appear to specifically target Americans or westerners, it continues to affect the neighborhoods and establishments frequented by foreigners.

The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans to take extra precautions when traveling in Libreville. To prevent carjacking, citizens are encouraged to travel with their automobile windows up and doors locked. Marginal neighborhoods, poorly lit streets and unfamiliar areas of the city should be avoided, especially at night. Walking or running on the beach alone at night should be avoided. If you do decide to visit the beach at night, do so with friends. When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, it is recommended that you carry only minimal amounts of cash and avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry. The Embassy encourages citizens to choose restaurants with locked entrances and security guards to minimize the risk of armed attacks. Credit cards are not widely accepted except at hotels, and because of the high rates of credit card fraud, their use is not recommended. If involved in an attempted robbery or carjacking, citizens are encouraged to comply with attackers to avoid injury and to report all incidents to the police and to the U.S. Embassy.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to the local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.