Cameroon travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Bakassi Peninsula

FCDO advises against all travel to Bakassi Peninsula.

Cameroon-Central African Republic border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Central African Republic.

Cameroon-Chad border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad.

Cameroon-Nigeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region.

Far-North Region

FCDO advises against all travel to the Far-North Region, except for:

• a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua
• 30km south of Maroua

North-West Region

FCDO advises against all travel to the North-West Region.

South-West Region

FCDO advises against all travel to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for:

• Limbé
• the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division

Limbé

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region.

North Region, Adamawa Region and Maroua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of North and Adamawa regions, including Garoua in North Region, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Support from the UK government

The British High Commission can only offer limited support for British nationals in areas where we advise against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cameroon’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cameroon set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cameroon High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Cameroon.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cameroon, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Cameroon.

You must apply for a e-visa online – some people encounter technical problems with this online service, so apply in good time.

You cannot get a visa on arrival at either Yaoundé or Douala airport.

If you travel to Cameroon by road or sea, you must get a physical visa before you arrive by applying at your nearest Cameroon embassy or high commission. You cannot get an e-visa at land or sea borders.

If you are in Cameroon and have questions about your immigration status, contact the General Delegation for National Security in Yaoundé:

Telephone: +237 22221 2884

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. 

Vaccine requirements

To enter Cameroon, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cameroon guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Cameroon. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cameroon.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cameroon

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as:

• restaurants
• bars
• markets
• hotels
• shopping centres
• places of worship
• parks
• sporting venues

The terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are mainly active in the Far-North Region but attacks could occur anywhere, including major towns and cities such as Yaoundé and Douala. There was an increase in the use of improvised explosive devices by violent extremist organisations in the Far-North Region in 2023. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

There are occasional isolated incidents of political unrest around the country. You should stay alert, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media.

Political developments and increased tensions related to the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. You should plan your movements carefully. In November 2020, a threat by non-state armed groups was made against diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including the British High Commission.

Bomb attacks   

Non-state armed groups are increasingly using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target civilians in the North-West and South-West regions and against government forces in the Far-North Region. IEDs have also been seen in the capital Yaoundé.

There could be more attacks in urban areas, or other locations around the country. Stay alert and keep up to date with developments through the media and local authorities.

Crime

Armed robbery

There is risk of armed robbery and mugging throughout Cameroon, particularly in the cities Yaoundé, Douala, Ngaoundere and Bafoussam.

Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns for example, Briqueterie and Mokolo market in Yaoundé and Nkololun, New Bell, Akwa, Bonaberi and Village in Douala. Be cautious at all times when walking, particularly alone, and avoid walking at night.  

Burglary and petty theft

Close and lock all doors and windows, particularly at night. Make sure burglar proof metal bars are installed. Identify callers through spy holes before opening doors, especially late at night.

Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush taxis and around bus stations and hotels. Be particularly careful with your belongings.

Unofficial taxis

Taxis in cities operate like buses, picking up passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes, and many do not meet basic safety requirements. There have been violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. Do not hail taxis from the roadside (these are yellow in Yaoundé and Douala). Only use trusted, pre-arranged taxis, and preferably book one from your hotel or restaurant.

Violent crime near borders and roads

There are incidents of carjacking, criminal kidnapping and armed robbery along roads close to the borders with Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria:

• Bamenda-Banyo road
• Bafoussam-Banyo road
• Bafoussam-Doula road
• Yaoundé-Garoua road
• Boulai-Ngaoundere road

Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Avoid wearing jewellery, keep mobile phones out of sight and only carry small amounts of cash and valuables.

Criminal kidnapping

There have been incidents of kidnapping and hostage taking for ransom by large gangs in the Far-North, North, Adamawa, East, North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Adoption scams

Scam artists often target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause significant financial loss. Scammers also use websites, chatrooms and email to target people and companies in the UK.

Advance fee scams are common in Cameroon. Criminals use child adoption to persuade victims to pay large amounts of money before they suspect anything. Be very cautious about sending money or travelling to Cameroon to adopt a child where the information has come from a website or through emails. Cameroon does not have adoption agencies.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID, either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport showing a valid visa. The police can detain you if you do not have ID.

Camouflage clothing

It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are in the armed forces. Penalties may include a fine and detention.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for using and possessing drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to photograph military sites, government buildings, airports and ports. While photography elsewhere is not illegal, communities can be sensitive to people taking photos or may ask for money in return. Officials may also ask you for money, perhaps suggesting that you need to pay for a ‘permit’ to photograph certain places.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in central African society, and same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Cameroon. Same-sex partners have been arrested and prosecuted.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you are caught buying or trafficking these goods, you’ll be prosecuted and could get a prison sentence or a fine.

Money

It is difficult to exchange sterling travellers cheques in Cameroon. Many banks will only allow you to exchange travellers cheques if you hold an account with them. Euros and US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Shops usually require small notes, which can be difficult to obtain.

You must pay heavy fees to make cash withdrawals from UK bank accounts and ATMs. ATMs are not often available outside of large towns.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Cameroon, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cameroon for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP).

If you are staying for more than 6 months, you must get a Cameroonian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as possible.

Make sure any car you hire is adequately insured, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company (rather than the car hire firm). If you’re hiring a driver and car, make sure you’re not liable for accidents or damage.

Driving standards

Driving standards are poor in Cameroon.

Roads are generally in poor condition. Many are heavily potholed and are unlit at night. Pedestrians and stray animals are a hazard. Many vehicles have poor-quality lights.

Avoid travelling at night in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas. Accidents are common on the Yaoundé-Douala road.

If you’re travelling between cities, consider taking a VHF radio or satellite phone, as mobile phone coverage is limited. Plan your journey carefully, and travel in convoy if possible.

Roadblocks

Police and gendarmerie roadblocks are common in Cameroon. You may need to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents.

Uniformed members of the security forces stop motorists for minor or non-existent violations of vehicle regulations to extort small bribes. Do not pay bribes – instead ask the officer for a ticket setting out the alleged offence, so you can pay at a local court.

Air travel

Camair-Co is the only local airline operating between some of the major cities. Scheduled flights are often delayed or cancellations. Due to aviation safety standards, we advise against taking flights that use the XIAN MA-60, which is used occasionally for internal flights.   

Check whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Cameroon.

This section has safety advice for regions of Cameroon. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

The Bakassi Peninsula

FCDO advises against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula.

There have been armed robberies and incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula. The ferry that operates between Limbé and Tiko in Cameroon and Calabar in Nigeria passes through areas where pirates operate. Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Brigade patrols the waters, but it is difficult to police the Bakassi Peninsula’s mangrove forests and isolated islands. Mariners should get professional security advice and take appropriate precautions.

Cameroon-Central African Republic border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Central African Republic (CAR).

Large, armed criminal gangs and highway bandits have stopped travellers and taken hostages for ransom, particularly in the east of Cameroon, close to the CAR border. Violence frequently spills across the CAR border into Cameroon. Incidents like these are more likely due to the ongoing insecurity in CAR.

Cameroon-Chad border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad.

There is a risk of armed banditry, including poachers in Bouba Ndjida National Park in the North Region.

Cameroon-Nigeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region.

Far-North Region

FCDO advises against all travel to the Far-North Region, except for:

• a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua
• 30km south of Maroua

Terrorist groups are active in the Far-North Region, see terrorism. There is also a general threat of kidnapping, criminality and armed banditry.

Nigerian military operations in the Nigerian states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa could have an impact across the border in Cameroon. There have also been a number of reported civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints due to accidental discharge of weapons.

North-West and South-West regions

FCDO advises against all travel to the North-West Region.

FCDO advises against all travel to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for:

• Limbé
• the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral region in Fako Division

Non-state armed groups (NSAGs) sometimes use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target civilians in the North-West and South-West regions.

Civilians have been killed at or near road checkpoints controlled by NSAGs or government forces. Be cautious when you approach roadblocks.

In recent years Cameroonian security forces and NSAGs have fought multiple times in many parts of the North-West and South-West regions. Restrictions including night curfews and a ban on public meetings are in place in some areas. There is a high risk of violent crime, especially at night.

There have also been a number of reported civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints due to accidental discharge of weapons.

If you decide to travel to, or within, areas of the English-speaking regions where the FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel, you should consider carefully the risks of travel. Monitor developments closely, keep a low profile and minimise your movements.

General strikes

General strikes (or ‘ghost towns’) are called in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions each Monday. There are often additional days, including in February (around Youth Day, 11 February), May (around National Day on 20 May) and around 1 October (Unofficial Unification Day). There is often violence and travel disruption on these days. 

As events develop, be cautious and regularly check news reports, this travel advice and information from local authorities.

Lake Nyos

Lake Nyos in the North-West Region emitted carbon dioxide in 1986, suffocating about 1,700 people without warning. Although the Cameroon authorities now closely monitor the lake, this situation could repeat with limited warning. The authorities are also concerned that the volcanic dam holding back Lake Nyos is not sufficiently strong. Nearby Lake Mounoun is also saturated with carbon dioxide. 

Limbé

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region.

North Region, Adamawa Region and Maroua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of North and Adamawa regions, including Garoua in North Region, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cameroon
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Cameroon, including:  

• Zika virus
• malaria and dengue
• yellow fever

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Cameroon. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Cameroon

Medical facilities in Cameroon are below UK standards. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Cameroon.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Cameroon

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 119

Police: 117

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Cameroon
• dealing with a death in Cameroon
• being arrested or imprisoned in Cameroon
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Cameroon and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Yaoundé.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cameroon on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.