Medical repatriation from Gabon to France
Whether the patient is in hospital in Libreville, Port-Gentil or Franceville, we organise the journey to a hospital in France.
From Libreville to Paris
[Route to be confirmed by the company]
The country’s main international airport is Libreville Léon-Mba, a short drive north of the city centre. Paris-Charles de Gaulle is about 5,400 km away as the crow flies.
Air France operates direct scheduled flights between Libreville and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, taking roughly seven to eight hours according to the airline. Its timetable has shown an evening departure landing in Paris early the next morning, though schedules change with the seasons.
A patient treated elsewhere in Gabon first needs a transfer to Libreville, by domestic flight or by road, unless an air ambulance can collect them from an airport nearer the hospital.
Three ways to make the journey
The right option depends on the patient’s condition and on medical advice:
Air ambulance
A dedicated aircraft flies the patient from Libreville, or another Gabonese airport where permitted, to an airport near the receiving hospital. Flight time depends on the aircraft, winds and any refuelling stop: indicatively, at least the scheduled flight time. Air ambulance
Stretcher on a scheduled flight
Some airlines can fit a stretcher for a patient who must lie down, depending on their medical approval and the aircraft type. For the Libreville–Paris flight, it is checked with each request. Stretcher on a scheduled flight
Seat with a medical escort
A patient who can sit upright travels in a regular seat with a doctor or nurse, who follows the care plan agreed with the treating doctor, including on a night flight. Medical escort
Before leaving Gabon: visas and health
The patient’s visa for France
Gabonese nationals need a Schengen visa, unless they hold a French residence permit. The application is filed online on France-Visas, an external provider in Libreville collects the file, and the French consulate general in Libreville decides. Its France-Visas page for Gabon advises applying at least 20 days before a short stay.
For treatment, the consulate expects the receiving hospital’s written acceptance with a cost estimate, and proof that the care will be paid for. An accompanying relative applies for their own visa.
A relative flying out from France
French nationals need a visa for Gabon; an electronic visa can be requested online before departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory: the French foreign ministry says the Gabonese authorities check it on entry, and WHO applies the requirement from the age of nine months. See the ministry’s health advice for Gabon.
How long it takes and what it costs
Once the medical plan, the payment and a bed in France are confirmed, our usual time to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off]. On a scheduled flight, the date also depends on seats, or a stretcher, being available on the direct flight.
The price depends on the transport, any domestic leg within Gabon and the medical team. Check first whether an insurance or assistance contract covers the repatriation. See costs and our insurance guide.
Important information
General information only, not a substitute for the treating doctor’s advice. The treating doctor, the medical team and the airline decide whether the patient can fly. In an emergency, call the local emergency number (112 in the European Union).
Questions about this route
Is there a direct flight from Libreville to France?
Yes, Air France flies direct to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Other French cities are reached with a connection, or directly by air ambulance.
The patient is in Port-Gentil: must they go through Libreville?
The direct flight to Paris leaves from Libreville, so a scheduled-flight option starts with a transfer there. An air ambulance may collect the patient nearer the hospital, depending on the airport and permits.
Who decides whether the patient can take a scheduled flight?
The treating doctor and our medical team assess it, and the airline’s medical service approves it on the basis of the MEDIF. Our guide to MEDIF and fit-to-fly documents explains the process.
Organising a repatriation from Gabon?
Tell us the hospital and the treating doctor’s contact details, and we come back with the options and a written quote. Other departures are listed on our routes page.