Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded e-Visa System
Cameroon has streamlined its e-visa process for most nationalities, allowing online applications with faster processing times of 3-7 days. The fee starts at €50, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 90 days. Always apply at least two weeks in advance to account for any documentation reviews.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cameroon, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Children under 18 traveling without parents need additional notarized consent forms.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged, as this can lead to entry denial at airports like Yaoundé or Douala.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Nigeria and Ghana) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel. Other nationalities, including most from Europe, the US, and Asia, require a visa in advance.
Always verify with your embassy, as exemptions are limited and subject to change based on diplomatic relations.
Visa Applications
Apply for a tourist visa (€50-100 fee) through Cameroon's e-visa portal or at embassies, providing proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (at least €50/day). Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all arrivals.
Processing can take 5-15 days; include a letter of invitation if visiting friends or family to strengthen your application.
Border Crossings
Airports in Yaoundé and Douala handle most international arrivals with standard immigration checks, including visa and health screenings. Overland borders with Nigeria or Gabon may involve longer waits and require pre-approved visas.
Carry multiple photocopies of your documents, as officials sometimes request them at remote crossings.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (essential in remote areas like the Far North), trip delays, and activities such as wildlife safaris in Waza National Park. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases like malaria.
Choose providers with 24/7 assistance; costs start at €10/day for basic plans, but opt for higher limits given limited healthcare facilities.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 days can be requested at the immigration office in Yaoundé or Douala before your current visa expires, with fees around €30-50 and proof of onward travel. Reasons like medical issues or extended tourism are typically accepted.
Overstaying incurs fines of €20/day and potential deportation; apply early to avoid complications.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Yaoundé or Douala by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at maquis (street eateries) for affordable meals under 5,000 XAF, skipping touristy hotels to save up to 50% on food costs. Try local dishes like poulet DG or grilled fish from markets.
Markets in Bamenda or Yaoundé offer fresh produce and ready-made meals at bargain prices, often half the cost of restaurants.
Public Transport Passes
Use bush taxis or moto-taxis for intercity travel at 5,000-10,000 XAF per leg, far cheaper than private hires. No formal passes, but negotiate group rides to split costs.
For longer routes like Douala to Garoua, shared minibuses save 40% compared to flying, with frequent departures from main stations.
Free Attractions
Visit public sites like the Black Heritage Museum in Douala (free entry days), volcanic hikes around Mount Cameroon, and community markets, which are cost-free and offer authentic cultural immersion.
Many beaches in Kribi and national parks have nominal fees waived for locals or during off-peak times, allowing budget exploration.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Yaoundé malls, but carry cash (XAF) for markets, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce. Exchange at banks for better rates than airports.
Withdraw from Ecobank or BICEC ATMs to avoid high fees; inform your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Park & Site Passes
Opt for multi-day permits for national parks like Waza or Korup at 20,000 XAF, covering multiple entries and reducing per-visit costs for wildlife enthusiasts.
It pays for itself after 2-3 visits, including guided walks that might otherwise cost extra.
Smart Packing for Cameroon
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito repellent during evenings. Include modest attire for cultural sites in the North and quick-dry items for humid conditions.
Layer for cooler highlands like the Bamenda plateau, where evenings can drop to 15°C even in dry season.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E), solar charger or power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a rugged phone case for dusty roads.
Download French/English translation apps and wildlife identification tools for safaris; consider a satellite communicator for off-grid treks.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a full first-aid kit with anti-malarials (like Malarone), bandages, and rehydration salts, plus your yellow fever certificate. Include high-SPF sunscreen, DEET repellent, and water purification tablets.
Pack prescriptions for any chronic conditions, as pharmacies outside cities may lack supplies; consult a travel clinic for typhoid and hepatitis vaccines.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for hikes, a reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight sleeping sheet for guesthouses, and XAF in small notes for tips and markets.
Include passport copies in a waterproof pouch and a money belt; binoculars are essential for birdwatching in Dja Reserve.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes for volcano treks in Mount Cameroon and national park trails, paired with breathable sandals for beach days in Kribi.
Waterproof options are vital for rainy season mud; break them in before travel to avoid blisters on long walks in rural areas.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toiletries, plus antifungal cream for humid climates and lip balm with SPF. A compact mosquito net or permethrin-treated clothing adds protection.
Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer for areas with limited facilities; eco-friendly products respect Cameroon's sensitive environments like rainforests.
When to Visit Cameroon
Dry Season (November-March)
The best time overall with sunny days (25-30°C) and low humidity, ideal for safaris in Waza National Park to spot elephants and giraffes, plus hiking Mount Cameroon without mud.
Fewer rains mean better road access to remote sites like the Sangha River; festivals like the Ngondo in Douala add cultural vibrancy with mild evenings.
Early Wet Season (April-June)
Lush greenery peaks with temperatures around 28-32°C, perfect for birdwatching in Korup National Park and waterfall visits in the Southwest. Rain is moderate, enhancing the vibrant landscapes.
Lower crowds and prices make it great for beach relaxation in Limbe; pack rain gear for afternoon showers that cool the heat.
Late Wet Season (July-October)
Heavier rains (30-35°C with high humidity) but fewer tourists, suiting indoor cultural experiences like markets in Yaoundé or cooking classes. Some parks close trails due to flooding.
Harvest time brings fresh fruits and local festivals in the West; it's budget-friendly with 20-30% off accommodations, though travel between regions slows.
Shoulder Periods (Transitions)
October and April offer transitional weather (25-30°C) with emerging rains or drying out, ideal for gorilla trekking in Campo-Ma'an and exploring Bamenda's grasslands without extremes.
Balanced crowds allow for authentic village stays; monitor forecasts as variability can affect northern desert-like areas versus southern rainforests.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF). Fixed rate to euro; cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and markets.
- Language: French and English are official; over 250 local languages spoken. English more common in the West, French in the rest.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin); power outages common, so bring a flashlight.
- Emergency Number: 117 for police, 18 for fire, 19 for ambulance; medical services vary by location.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, 500-1,000 XAF for guides and porters.
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock up on basics like antimalarials. Look for "Pharmacie" signs.