Cameroon

Terrorists are active in Cameroon and there is a high threat of attacks, particularly in the Far North Region. This includes Lake Chad and the area within 40km of the border with Nigeria.

Terrorist attacks could take place at any time. Attacks may be random and target a wide range of places visited by foreigners such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres and places of worship.

To reduce your risk, be alert to suspicious behaviour and items near Cameroonian government and security installations.

Several small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were detonated in Yaoundé and Douala in 2020 and 2021. Future attacks in both urban and other areas around the country remain possible. Travellers should remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Terrorism in Northern Cameroon

Terrorist groups operate in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Central African Republic (CAR). Terrorist acts include, suicide bomb attacks, kidnappings and armed violence.

Violent conflict in north eastern Nigeria by militant groups affects the safety of northern Cameroon. These occur in the adjacent Nigerian states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

Militants cross the border to attack the Far North, North and Adamaoua regions of Cameroon.

Foreign nationals could be targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. 

Cameroon and its neighbours, including Nigeria, conduct regular military operations against against terrorist groups. The security of Cameroon's border regions has worsened.

Large numbers of people have moved into and across parts of northern Cameroon. This includes displaced Cameroonians and Nigerian refugees.

Kidnapping is a risk in Cameroon. The threat is very high in:

• the Far North Region
• South-West and North-West Regions
• border areas close to Nigeria's Borno and Adamawa states (North and Adamaoua regions in Cameroon).

Militants have kidnapped several foreigners from this area.

Kidnappers have also targeted foreigners in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to an area where there's a risk of kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice
• arrange effective personal security

More information:

• Kidnapping

Violent crime

Violent crime is common in urban areas and on intercity highways. Armed highwaymen operate across the country.

Armed bandits are common in the border areas with the CAR.

Muggings, robberies, attacks on motorists and petty theft occur in:

• Yaoundé, the capital
• Douala
• Kribi
• Maroua

Avoid isolated and poorer areas of town, particularly at night. In Yaoundé, areas such as la Briquetterie and Mokolo are considered dangerous.

Criminals target roads close to the borders with Nigeria, the CAR and Chad.

Armed robberies and attacks on motorists also occur on:

• Bamenda to Banyo road
• Bafoussam to Banyo road
• Bafoussam to Doula road
• Bafoussam to Yaoundé road

Piracy

Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Guinea and particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula.

Pirate attacks have been reported in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea and, in some cases, further out at sea.

Pirates are known to frequent the waters around the ferry crossings between Limbe or Tiko, Cameroon, and Calabar, Nigeria.

Pirates are heavily armed.

Attractive targets for pirates include:

• local fishing dhows
• commercial boats
• pleasure crafts
• luxury cruise liners

Don't travel in the Gulf of Guinea waters or surrounds.

If you need to travel by boat, you should:

• stay out of designated high-risk War Listed areas 
• travel in groups or in convoy
• always stay in close contact with convoy members
• arrange personal security

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) publishes piracy reports.

Personal security

There is a high risk of mugging and armed robbery throughout Cameroon but particularly in Yaoundé, Douala, Ngaoundere and Bafoussam.

Foreigners have reported incidents of robbery and rape in Douala.

Gangs of armed gunmen have attacked restaurants and hotels that cater to foreigners.

To reduce your risk of crime:

• avoid travel after dark, especially outside city limits
• always pay attention to your personal security
• when travelling by car, keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight.

If you become a victim of violent crime, including rape, seek medical help straight away. The HIV/AIDS infection rate in Cameroon is high. See 'Health'.

Petty crime

Thieves are active on trains, coaches, bush taxis and around bus stations. Always take care of your belongings when using public transport.

Scams and fraud

Commercial and internet fraud often originates in West African countries, including Cameroon.

Online scammers defraud victims. Victims who have travelled to the originating country have put their lives in danger.

Criminals often seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas, such as yours. They claim they will transfer large sums of money into the account. Victims believe they will get a donation or a percentage of the amount involved.

Be aware of other scams where criminals:

• give fake cheques for 'urgent' shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for fake government contracts
• extort money from people the scammers convince to travel to Africa for a business opportunity.

To protect yourself against a scam, be wary of:

• any request to send money to a person in Cameroon
• any invitation to Cameroon to meet someone you have met over the internet.

Be careful about giving out personal information or disposing of personal documents while in Cameroon.

Scammers can access your personal data when you use open networks. Be careful when and where you use internet banking and other sites that transmit or store your data or passwords.

Do not travel to Cameroon to try to get your money back or seek revenge. You could be in danger.

Bogus dating schemes

Criminals in West Africa operate fake online friendship, dating and marriage schemes.

Scammers use these schemes to defraud and threaten the lives of Australians. They do this by targeting Australians and other foreigners on internet dating sites or chat rooms. They may pose as a prospective friend or spouse.

Once a friendship develops, the scammer asks for money to allow them to travel to Australia. In some cases, the scammer ends the relationship once the money has been sent. There's little chance of getting the money back.

In other cases, foreigners are lured to Africa to meet their prospective friend or marriage partner. Once in Africa, they may become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.

More information:​

• Scams

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Northwest and Southwest regions

Tensions in the Northwest and Southwest (Anglophone) regions have increased since March 2018 and remain high. This is due to conflict between Anglophone separatists and Cameroon government forces. There have been multiple clashes between the Cameroonian security forces and armed groups in recent years. We advise you avoid travelling to these regions, including the Bakassi Peninsula, due to the high threat of localised violence and kidnapping.

People have been killed and injured in armed clashes and explosions in the regional capitals of Buea and Bamenda. IEDs are increasingly being used by armed groups and have previously been used to target civilians in these regions. There's continuing potential for this civil unrest to degrade into armed conflict. Restrictions including night curfews and a ban on public meetings, remain in place in some areas.

The Northwest and Southwest regions may have:

• general strikes
• telecommunications disruptions
• movement restrictions
• curfews.

Adamaoua and East regions

Sometimes civil unrest and armed conflict in the CAR has spilled across the border into Cameroon. That conflict mostly affects outposts in the Adamaoua and East regions.

Public protests, demonstrations and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Civil unrest is possible in other parts of Cameroon, not only the Northwest and Southwest regions.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings
• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Curfews are sometimes imposed in parts of Cameroon. Obey local authorities on all curfews and movement restrictions.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Cameroon experiences severe weather, flooding and volcanic eruptions.

To protect yourself during a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

Flooding

The rainy season is:

• June to September in the north
• July to November in the south

Rain may cause flooding and make roads impassable during these periods.

Volcanoes

Mount Cameroon is an active volcano that may experience explosions and lava flows. Ask local authorities before climbing it.

Nyos and Monoum volcanic lakes sometimes give off toxic fumes. Seek advice from local authorities before visiting.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring any medication, check if it's legal in Cameroon. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is prevalent throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• filariasis
• dengue
• African sleeping sickness
• loiasis (African eye worm infection)
• river blindness

Yellow fever is widespread in Cameroon. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

To protect yourself from diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against yellow fever.

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Countries where yellow fever is a risk

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Cameroon is high. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.

Other infectious diseases

Mpox (Monkeypox) is endemic in parts of Africa. In areas where Mpox is found, you should avoid contact with animals (especially primates and rodents), infected people and items that may have come into contact with them.

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• cholera
• meningitis
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• schistosomiasis
• COVID-19

To protect yourself from these diseases:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea or you suspect poisoning.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in urban centres are basic. They're extremely limited in rural areas.

Medical facilities often lack trained staff. They may have poor hygiene and outdated equipment, and lack medical supplies.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Make sure your insurance covers this risk.

You are subject to the all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter, but we can't get you out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or in prison

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They may include long jail terms and large fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

Always carry proof of your identification (ID), such as a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport.

You might be detained by police if you can't show valid ID.

Other laws

Penalties for serious crime, such as murder, include the death penalty.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are illegal. Penalties for same-sex activity include both:

• 6 months to 5 years jail
• a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 CFCA francs.

The media has reported attacks and arrests targeting LGBTI people.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Photography

It's illegal to take photos of:

• military zones, assets or personnel
• government buildings
• airports
• ports.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Cameroon doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Cameroon. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

You'll need to apply for a Cameroonian visa online via the Cameroonian Government's E-visa system prior to departing for Cameroon.

Applicants must sign up to the online portal, fill in the required information, upload supporting documents and pay the required fees before Cameroonian authorities will process it.

Applicants travelling from countries without Cameroonian Embassy or High Commission will be issued an online visa authorisation with a QR code. You must bring a printed copy of this authorisation and original copies of all supporting documents with you to Cameroon. A visa sticker will be issued in your passport only after these are checked on arrival by border control.

Border measures

Entry and exit conditions, including COVID-19 requirements, can change at short notice. Contact the nearest High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon for the latest details or visit the Centre for the Coordination of Public Health Emergency's website (in French). 

Flight availability may change rapidly due to travel disruptions. Access via Cameroon's land and sea borders remains restricted.

All documents presented to border authorities must be in one of the official languages of Cameroon, French or English.

Border information 

In the past, borders with Cameroon's neighbours have closed with little or no warning. Monitor news and consult travel providers for the latest updates.

We continue to advise do not travel within 40km of the border with Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria due to unpredictable security conditions and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, assault and carjacking. If despite our advice, you travel to the border with Central African Republic, Chad or Nigeria, consider engaging professional security support and planning.

Gabon border

Very poor road conditions make it difficult to cross the land border with Gabon. If you plan to take this route:

• plan carefully
• travel in convoy wherever possible
• take a VHF radio or satellite phone
• don't rely on mobile phone coverage, which is limited

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Cameroon, and neighbouring countries.

To protect yourself and to avoid entry issues, get vaccinated for yellow fever before you travel. See Health

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

Cameroon is largely a cash economy.

The local currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Hotels accept US dollars and euros. You can exchange US dollars and euros for local currency. Australian dollars are not accepted.

Credit card facilities are not widespread but most major hotels accept credit cards.

ATMs that accept international cards are limited. Check ATM locations with your bank before you travel.

Road travel

Driving in Cameroon is dangerous. Hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poorly maintained vehicles
• local driving practices
• poor lighting.

If bystanders believe you are at fault in a road accident, they may become hostile.

Avoid driving at night.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Flooding

Road travel during the rainy season may be difficult. Heavy rains and flash floods can make roads impassable. See flooding in Safety

Proof of identity

Police checkpoints are common in Cameroon. Police may ask drivers and passengers to pay money.

Police might detain you if you can't show identification (ID). Make sure you carry ID such as:

• residence permit
• driver's licence
• international driver's permit (IDP)
• certified copy of your passport.

Taxis

Reconsider using taxis and ridesharing services due to high crime levels.

Taxis in cities operate like buses, picking up passengers while there is still room in the vehicle. They often take indirect routes.

Many don't meet basic safety requirements.

There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies of taxi passengers.

The US Embassy in Yaoundé prohibits its staff from using taxis. This is due to the high levels of associated crime.

If despite our advice, you choose to travel by taxi, use only trusted taxis or transportation arranged by the hotel.

Rail travel

Rail travel is possible between Douala, Yaoundé and Ngaoundere. However, many rail tracks and trains in Cameroon are in poor condition. 

Air travel

Arrange for someone to meet you on arrival at the airport. Make sure you have confirmed, prearranged transport.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Cameroon's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline.

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 119 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 117.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for information about what the Australian Government can and can't do for you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Cameroon. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn’t issue Australian passports.

Australian Consulate, Yaoundé

Les Manguiers 
BAT Compound Bastos, 
BP 7063 Yaoundé 
Republic of Cameroon 
Phone: (+237) 222 217 442 
Fax: (+237) 222 208 431 
Mobile: (+237) 696 802 662 
Email: bellah_chambers1@yahoo.com

Limited consular services are also available from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
Twitter: @AusHCAbuja

Check the High Commission website for details about services, opening hours, appointments and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you're unable to contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 from within Australia