Ali Bongo Ondimba's European exile has taken an unexpected turn. While staying at his residence on Avenue Foch in Paris, the former Gabonese head of state found himself unable to return to London, his main residence, due to a simple visa problem.

A blockade at the British border

According to revelations by Jeune Afrique , what appeared to be a pleasure trip or a family visit is in reality an administrative constraint . Although he was spotted shopping in the French capital in early February, the former president is actually "stuck":

1. The problem: His current travel documents no longer allow him to cross the British border.
2. The reason: Since April 2025, French citizens (of which he is a national) have been required to use an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) . Ali Bongo has reportedly reached the maximum length of stay permitted by this system.
3. The consequence: During an attempt to return to the United Kingdom, border police refused his documents. He now needs to obtain a standard visa to regularize his situation.

A couple separated by the English Channel

This situation has direct repercussions for those close to him. His wife, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba , is currently in London with their children. She is facing a major dilemma:

1. If she leaves the UK to join her husband in Paris, she risks being denied entry on her return.
2. For the time being, she remains in London, waiting for her husband's situation to be resolved.

An exile under close administrative surveillance

Since his departure from Libreville in May 2025 — facilitated by Angolan mediation — Ali Bongo has been making frequent trips between France and England, notably to follow the legal proceedings initiated against the new Gabonese authorities.

Note: Although a visa application is being reviewed by UK immigration services, no timeline for resolution has been given.

This misadventure is a reminder that, despite his status as a former head of state and his real estate holdings, Ali Bongo remains subject to the rigors of the new post-Brexit migration policies.