Cameroon

Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, are active in Cameroon. There's a high threat of attacks, particularly in the Far North Region, including near Lake Chad and the area within 40km of the borders with Nigeria, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). However, attacks could occur anywhere, including in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé.

Terrorist attacks could take place at any time or timed specifically to coincide with holidays and important events and dates. Attacks may be indiscriminate and target a wide range of places visited by foreigners or where crowds gather, such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, sporting and cultural venues, transport hubs, places of worship, government buildings and security installations.

Attacks could include the use of explosive devices (including suicide bombers and armed drones), knives, machetes, gunfire, kidnapping or a combination of the above.
Terrorists may target foreign nationals, including business people, workers in extractives industries, tourists, journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

To reduce your risk, stay aware of your surroundings and be alert to suspicious behaviour and items being left in public places.

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.

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

• the Far North Region
• South-West and North-West Regions
• The borders with Central African Republic and Nigeria

Kidnappers have also targeted foreigners in urban areas of Douala and Yaoundé.

Pirate gangs regularly attack shipping in Cameroonʼs waters and have carried out several successful maritime kidnaps there. The Bakassi peninsula, adjacent to the Nigerian border, has a history of local militancy and kidnapping

If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse

You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping.

 The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

Violent crime 

Violent crime, including muggings, robberies, and attacks on motorists, occurs in urban areas and on intercity highways. Armed highwaymen operate across the country. Armed gangs have targeted restaurants and hotels frequented by foreigners.

Armed criminals and bandits are common in the border areas with the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Chad. They have been known to set up false roadblocks and ambush victims.

Stay only in accommodation with adequate security measures in place. Avoid isolated and poorer urban areas, including in Yaoundé and Douala, particularly at night and when walking alone.  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, buses and taxis, and around bus stations, markets and hotels. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas. Always take care of your belongings when in public and take care to not show signs of affluence, including cash, expensive watches, jewellery and electronic devices.

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Scams and fraud

Commercial and internet fraud often originates in West African countries, including Cameroon. ATM, debit and credit card fraud is also common (see 'Money').

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
• pretend to be calling from your financial institution
• extort money from people the scammers convince to travel to Africa for business opportunities
• persuade victims to pay large amounts of money for false adoption schemes - Cameroon does not have adoption agencies

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 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.

If you're travelling to Cameroon, your family and friends may receive bogus phone calls and emails from Cameroon. Scammers may claim that you're in legal, financial or medical trouble and that you need money.

Some scammers may pretend to work for the Australian High Commission in Abuja and ask you to transfer money to the High Commission. Check with the High Commission first through its official contact details if you're asked to send money or information to them (see 'Local contacts').

Don't 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 and may use a completely false identity.

Once a friendship develops, the scammer asks for money to allow them to travel to Australia. Sometimes, 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.

There have also been cases of sexual extortion or 'sextortion', where scammers develop a fake romantic relationship and then ask to exchange revealing photographs or videos. Once they have these, the nature of the relationship will often change abruptly, and the scammers will demand payment in exchange for not releasing these items to the victim's family, friends or work colleagues.

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 public Wi-Fi networks, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or when using Bluetooth. 

Social media use can 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

Due to conflict between Anglophone separatists and Cameroon government forces, tensions in the Northwest and Southwest (Anglophone) regions are high. There have been multiple clashes between the Cameroonian security forces and armed groups in recent years. You should avoid travelling to these regions, including the Bakassi Peninsula, due to the high threat of localised violence and kidnapping. If you do travel through these areas, monitor the local media and comply with directions by local authorities.

People have been killed and injured in armed clashes and explosions in the regional capitals of Buea and Bamenda. Armed groups are increasingly using IEDs, which have previously been used to target civilians in these regions. Serious incidents have also taken place at informal roadblocks set up by non-state groups. 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 experience:

• general strikes, including 'ghost town Mondays' when markets and offices are closed
• telecommunications disruptions
• movement restrictions
• curfews

Adamaoua and East regions

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

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests, demonstrations and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent without warning.

Civil unrest is possible in all 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 could be 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:

• mid-March to mid-June, then mid-September to mid-November for the central and southern regions 
• mid-June to mid-September for the northern regions

Heavy rain may cause flooding and landslides, making roads impassable during these periods. Essential services may be reduced during this time. Seek local advice and monitor local media.

Volcanoes

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

The Nyos and Monoun volcanic lakes sometimes give off toxic fumes, which have caused deaths in the past. Seek advice from local authorities before visiting.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including hospital stays and 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)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring any medication, check if it's legal in Cameroon. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Don’t assume the same medication will be available in Cameroon if your supply runs out. The quality of medication in Cameroon can’t be guaranteed and local pharmacies may not accept Australian prescriptions.

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
• Zika virus
• 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:

• Countries where yellow fever is a risk (PDF 252KB)

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

There's currently an outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in parts of Africa, including in Cameroon. Maintain strict hygiene standards and avoid physical contact with infected people, animals (especially primates and rodents) and items that may have come into contact with them.

More information:

• Mpox (Australian Government)

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

• cholera
• meningitis
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)

To protect yourself from these diseases:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food or food that may have been washed in untreated water, including salads
• don't swim in fresh water

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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

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

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency. You may need to bring or buy your own basic medical supplies, such as gloves, soap, sheets and other medical resources.

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're subject to 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 showing a valid visa.

Police might detain you if you can't show a valid ID.

Other laws 

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

There are strict rules around what you can import and export from Cameroon. You must declare anything that is prohibited or subject to taxes and duties, check with the Cameroonian Customs service prior to travel.

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wildlife without a licence. Persons found to be trafficking these goods face long jail terms and large fines.

It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Cameroon unless you are a member of the armed forces. Penalties can include fines and detention.

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Cameroon. 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 extra-judicial attacks and arrests targeting LGBTQIA+ people in Cameroon.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Photography 

It's illegal to take photos of:

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

In other areas communities may be sensitive to people taking photos without permission. This may result in locals or officials asking for money for a ‘permit’ to photograph certain places.

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.

Visas

You must have a visa to enter Cameroon.

You'll need to apply for a Cameroonian visa online via the Cameroonian Government's E-visa system before departing for Cameroon. You cannot get a visa on arrival.

You must sign up to the online portal, complete the required information, upload supporting documents and pay the necessary fees before Cameroonian authorities will process it.

Applicants travelling from countries without a 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. A visa sticker will be issued in your passport only after border control checks these on arrival.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon for the latest details and visit the Centre for the Coordination of Public Health Emergency's website (in French) for the latest health measures in place for entry into Cameroon. 

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

Border measures 

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

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 you not to travel within 40km of the border with the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria due to unpredictable security conditions and the high threat of terrorist attacks, 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 and satellite phone
• don't rely on mobile phone coverage, which is limited

You 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 (PDF 252KB)

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 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 an '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:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Cameroon is largely a cash economy.

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

Large hotels usually 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 major hotels may accept them. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.

ATMs that accept international cards are limited and may attract heavy fees. Check ATM locations with your bank before you travel.

Fraud and skimming are high risks when using debit and credit cards with ATMs or EFTPOS machines. Pay careful attention when using these or when others are handling your cards. Report any unauthorised transactions to your bank immediately.

Road travel

Driving in Cameroon is dangerous. Hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poorly maintained vehicles
• local driving practices and unpredictable pedestrians
• poor signage, lighting and lack of working traffic lights

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

Avoid driving at night.

Be alert to security threats, particularly in traffic jams and at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.

Police and gendarmerie roadblocks are common in Cameroon. You may need to show your passport, driver’s licence, visa/residence permit and vehicle registration documents. 

Officers may detain you if you can’t produce identification, or they may seek small on the spot ‘fines’ for perceived infractions. You should ask the officer for a ticket setting out the alleged offence and pay any fines at a local court to avoid inadvertently paying a bribe.

You may be able to use your Australian licence to drive in Cameroon with an international driver’s permit for up to six months. If you are staying longer, you must get a local Cameroonian licence.

Rental cars may be available, but you should confirm their insurance coverage and maintenance record prior to driving. 

Fuel shortages occur occasionally in Cameroon. Local authorities may impose fuel rationing, leading to line-ups at petrol stations. 

If you are driving through rural areas, plan in advance, avoid travelling after dark, maintain an emergency supply of water, food and fuel, and bring multiple reliable means of communication including a satellite phone and VHF radio.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

We do not recommend using taxis or ridesharing apps and strongly advise against hailing taxis from the street 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 and rideshare passengers.

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

Avoid all travel on motorcycle taxis, locally called ‘okada’, as these are driven recklessly, helmets are not provided and they are frequently involved in accidents.

Rail travel

Rail travel is possible between Douala, Yaoundé and Ngaoundéré. However, many rail tracks and trains in Cameroon are in poor condition. Safety and security on board trains and around stations are not up to Australian standards.

Sea travel

At sea or on ships in port, you may encounter piracy, hijacking, kidnapping or armed robbery. While Cameroonian security forces patrol their waters, they may not have the capacity to respond to all events.

Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Guinea, and particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula. Do not travel by boat in this region.

Pirates are heavily armed and target passenger ferries, local fishing boats, commercial boats, pleasure craft and luxury cruise liners.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) publishes piracy reports.

Safety and reliability of domestic and inter-country ferry services, especially between Cameroon and Nigeria, is a concern. Maintenance procedures and safety standards are not to Australian standards. If you travel on these services, insurance may not cover you.

Air travel

Scheduled flights to, from and within Cameroon are often delayed or cancelled. 

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 or 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 112, 119 or go to the hospital. Ambulance service response times are unreliable and may not be available outside of major cities.

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 headed by an Honorary Consul. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn't issue Australian passports.

Australian Honorary Consulate, Yaoundé

Les Manguiers
BAT Compound Bastos,
BP 7063 Yaoundé
Republic of Cameroon 

Phone: (+237) 222 217 442 
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
X: @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