Cameroon

🇨🇲

Phone Code

+237

Capital

Yaounde

Population

28.6 Million

Native Name

Cameroon

Region

Africa

Middle Africa

Timezone

West Africa Time

UTC+01:00

Cameroon is a Central African country known as 'Africa in miniature' due to its diverse geography, cultures, and languages. The country features rainforests, savannas, beaches, mountains, and desert. Yaoundé is the political capital while Douala is the economic hub. Visitors are drawn to Mount Cameroon (active volcano and highest peak in West Africa), Waza National Park wildlife safaris, beaches around Kribi and Limbe, Dja Faunal Reserve (UNESCO site), traditional kingdoms, and vibrant music scene. Cameroon is bilingual (French and English), offering unique cultural diversity. Security concerns exist in some regions; check advisories before travel.

Visa Requirements for Cameroon

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Cameroon except citizens of some Central African countries. Visas must be obtained in advance through Cameroon embassies or consulates as visa on arrival is not generally available. Application requirements include completed visa application form, valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport photographs, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), proof of financial means, and visa fee payment. Processing time typically 5-10 business days. Some embassies may require invitation letters from Cameroonian sponsors. Given security concerns in some regions, check your government's travel advisory before planning travel.

Common Visa Types

Tourist Visa

Typically 30 to 90 days single or multiple entry; apply through Cameroon embassy; yellow fever certificate mandatory; requires hotel booking or invitation.

For foreign nationals visiting Cameroon for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

Business Visa

30 to 90 days; requires invitation from Cameroonian company or organization; letter must explain purpose of visit; yellow fever certificate required.

For business travelers, conference attendees, or commercial activities in Cameroon.

Transit Visa

Typically 72 hours; proof of onward travel and third-country visa required; yellow fever certificate may be required depending on route.

For travelers transiting through Cameroon to third countries by air or land.

CEMAC Entry (Regional)

90 days typically; CEMAC nationals (Chad, CAR, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon) may have facilitated entry; verify current protocols.

For citizens of Central African Economic and Monetary Community states for regional free movement.

Important Travel Information

Yellow fever vaccination: MANDATORY for all travelers entering Cameroon. Certificate must be presented at entry. Vaccination must be at least 10 days old.

Security advisory: Exercise increased caution. Avoid Far North, North, Northwest, and Southwest regions due to armed conflict and terrorism. Check latest advisories.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Ensure you have multiple blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps.