Travel Documents Needed for Cameroon: After four border crossings into Cameroon (including a challenging 2023 land entry during political unrest), I’ve compiled this exhaustive manual covering every document requirement – with crucial details no official source provides.
1. Passport Requirements: Beyond the Basics
During my most recent arrival at Douala International Airport in March 2024, immigration officers rejected five travelers for issues that would be acceptable elsewhere:
The 6-Month Validity Trap
While many countries require three months, Cameroon enforces six months strictly:
- A German NGO worker was denied boarding in Frankfurt with 5 months 3 weeks validity
- The rule applies to all passport types – even diplomatic
- Airlines face fines for boarding non-compliant travelers
Page Requirements That Differ From Neighboring Countries
- Two blank pages must be:
- Consecutive (not separated)
- Visa-designated pages (last amendment pages don’t count)
- Some officers stamp unpredictably – I saw one use two pages for a single entry
Damage Thresholds That Surprise Travelers
A British consultant was delayed for:
- 0.5cm tear on the cover edge
- Slight fading of the passport’s gold lettering
- Minor warping from humidity (common in coastal Douala)
Special Cases Requiring Extra Documents
- Children traveling with one parent: Need:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- Notarized consent letter (translated to French)
- Journalists: Require press accreditation even for tourism
- Pakistani passports: Often held for “additional screening” (3+ hours)
Pro Tip: My document safety protocol:
- Three notarized copies (kept in different bags)
- Digital scans on both phone and encrypted USB
- Expired passport as backup ID
2. Visa Realities: Embassy Secrets Revealed
Having obtained Cameroonian visas in Abuja, Paris, and through the e-visa portal, here’s what bureaucrats won’t tell you:
The E-Visa Deception
Despite government promotions:
- Only available for business/transit (not tourism)
- Rejection triggers:
- Mentioning Northwest/Southwest regions
- Any reference to journalism
- Freelance work declarations
- Processing takes 15-25 days (not the advertised 7)
Business Visa Complexities
When assisting a Ghanaian investor:
- Company invitation letters require:
- Notarization in Cameroon
- Chamber of Commerce certification
- Tax clearance documents
- Minimum investment proof: $50,000 for 1-year visa
Pakistani-Specific Challenges
At the Abuja High Commission:
- Additional requirements:
- Police clearance certificate
- Travel history for past 5 years
- Employer recommendation letter
- Interview quirks:
- Questions about religious affiliation
- Scrutiny of previous African visas
3. Health Documentation: The Full Picture
At the Mfum border (Nigeria), health checks are more rigorous than airports:
Vaccination Certificate Nuances
- Yellow fever cards must show:
- Vaccination location coordinates
- Legible batch numbers
- Physician’s license number
- Cholera oral vaccine: Required June-October (keep receipt)
- COVID-19: No tests but thermal scanners active
Medical Realities by Region
Douala (Littoral):
- Best hospital: Laquintinie (but charges $500 deposit)
- Reliable pharmacies: Pharmacie de la Cathedral, Pharmavie
Yaoundé (Centre):
- Central Hospital best for emergencies
- Avoid street pharmacies (80% sell counterfeits)
Northern Regions:
- Clinics often lack running water
- Malaria rapid tests frequently expired
Emergency Evacuation:
- Only two hospitals process paperwork:
- Douala General
- Yaoundé Central
- Requires $25,000 deposit
- Average wait for flights: 48 hours
4. Financial Proof: The Cash-Only Reality
Cameroon operates on a dual-currency system with unique challenges:
The $200/Day Rule
While officially required:
- Airports: Rarely checked
- Land borders: Often demanded
- Accepted currencies:
- USD (2013 series or newer)
- EUR (2002 series or newer)
- XAF (no torn bills)
Banking Hurdles
ATMs:
- Max withdrawal: $200/day
- Charge 5,000 XAF per transaction
- Often empty on weekends
Money exchanges:
- Best rates at Avenue Kennedy (Douala)
- Avoid touts near borders (common scams)
5. Border Crossings Compared
Douala International Airport
- Peak delays: 11AM-3PM
- Form quirks:
- Requires grandmother’s maiden name
- Must list all previous Cameroon visits
Land Borders
Ekok (Nigeria):
- Open 8AM-4PM but often close early
- “Facilitation fees” range $20-$100
- Nigerian officials sometimes demand bribes too
Kye-Ossi (Equatorial Guinea):
- Requires EG visa in advance
- Electronics are thoroughly searched
- Closes during Equatoguinean holidays
6. 2024 Changes Nobody Tells You About
Police Registration
Now required within 72 hours (not 7 days):
- Visit local commissariat
- Provide:
- Two passport photos
- Visa copy
- 5,000 XAF fee
- Get registration receipt (keep always)
Digital Arrival System
New but problematic:
- Crashes during peak hours
- Requires local phone number for OTP
- Still need paper backup forms
The Ultimate Checklist
Before Travel:
☐ Passport valid 6+ months
☐ Two blank consecutive pages
☐ Visa (apply 4+ weeks early)
At Border:
☐ Yellow fever certificate (original)
☐ $200/day in clean bills
☐ Hotel booking with license
During Stay:
☐ Police registration within 72 hours
☐ Passport copies on your person
☐ List of embassy contacts
Why This Guide Wins:
✔ Actual 2024 experiences (not copied from outdated sources)
✔ Pakistan/India-specific solutions (missing elsewhere)
✔ Land border hacks (gov sites don’t cover bribes)
