Cameroon is a country in Central Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. It is known for its Mount Cameroon, the tallest mountain in West Africa. The country’s soil is rich in minerals and other natural resources like oil, hydroelectric power, natural gas, iron, and a lot more. If you love coffee, then Cameroon is the place for you! They are known for producing, coffee, cocoa, cotton, bananas, and oilseeds.

Facts About Cameroon

Language

French and English are the official languages of Cameroon due to its colonial past.

Currency

CFA Franc / Central African CFA Franc

Religion

There are three main religions in Cameroon; Christianity, Islam, and Traditionalists.

Main requirements in applying for a Tourist Visa to Cameroon

Passport (should be valid for 6 months after you depart)
Two visa application forms should be completed and signed by the applicant.
Two identical passport size colored photos with a white background. Must staple to each of the two application forms.

Photo requirements:

1. Colored Photos with plain white background and without areas of shadow – Size: 2 inches by 2 inches;

2. The head should be positioned directly facing the camera, with eyes open and looking at the camera;

3. Neck, chin, nose, forehead, both ears, and eyes must be perfectly visible;

4. Natural facial expression (the mouth must be closed, no smiling or frowning);

5. Eyeglasses and head-covering accessories (hat, scarf, hairclip) are prohibited.

6. The photo must reflect the real complexion of the applicant.

Please remember that the Cameroon Government has a really strict visa photo requirements.

Proof of flight or trip reservation from Airline or travel agency.

Note: You are not required to finalize your ticket purchase until the visa is issued. A reservation is ok.

Proof of a yellow fever vaccine certificate (You can check here for the yellow fever vaccination clinics near you.)

Note: You do not have to send the original copy of the vaccination certificate.

Recent Bank Statement or an invitation letter from the inviting party in Cameroon, legalized by the Police.

Visa fee:

Tourist visa, short stay (up to 3 months), and transit visa (1 day up to 5 days): $93.00
Long stay visa for up to 6 months: $184.00
Long stay visa for up to one year (only applicable for United States citizens): $275.00

If you will apply in person please bring the exact amount of fees required. Fees can be paid in cash, money-order or cashier’s check.

If the application is by mail, fees must be paid ONLY in a money order or cashier’s check with an EXACT amount of fees required.

Processing time: The processing time for visa application is up to 7 business days.

Application Procedure

There are two ways in applying for a Cameroon visa:

In-person by appointment
By mail

In-person:

To apply in person, applicants must schedule an appointment first.

How to schedule an appointment?

Applicants must call the appointment line (202) 286-0984. An agent will help you in selecting an appointment date and will ask all the necessary information.

After setting an appointment, review all your requirements and make sure that they are complete before your appointment day.

By mail:

To apply BY MAIL, send the visa application(s) to the following address:

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON CONSULAR SECTION
2349 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW WASHINGTON, DC 20008

Please remember that you must provide a prepaid return envelope with tracking, addressed from the embassy to the applicant (input your full name and address). You can use FedEx, UPS, or the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Note:

Please be advised that the consular will not process your visa application if you will not provide a prepaid return envelope.
For applications sent by mail, the applicant CANNOT come in person to pick up their documents. That’s why you need to provide a prepaid return package.

Embassy in the United States

Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon
Address: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008
Email and contact number:
cs@cameroonembassyusa.org
Tel: (202) 265-8790
Fax: (202) 387-3826

Office hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a Tourist Visa to Cameroon

1. When should I apply for a Cameroon visa?

You should submit your visa applications within 90 days of your intended date of entry in Cameroon. Applications for which the expected date of entry is beyond 90 days will not be processed.

2. Is it safe to travel to Cameroon?

Violent crime is still common in Cameroon, especially armed robbery and carjacking. However, if you still want to explore the country, the US government provided safety measures for its citizens such as; do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches, handbags, or jewelry and monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Click here for more information about the precautionary measures that you should remember when you go to Cameroon.

3. Should I get travel insurance before heading to Cameroon?

Everywhere you go, travel insurance is important. Of course, that includes Cameroon.

4. How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US to Cameroon. You need a connecting flight to any international airport in the country. There are two major international airports in Cameroon; Yaounde Airport and Douala International Airport. Visit Skyscanner to check more flights available.

5. What transportation should I use to go around Burundi?

Trains and buses are the most convenient public transportation in going around Cameroon. Traveling by train is highly recommended as it is faster than a bus. The main service provider is Cameroon Railways (CAMRAIL).

6. Why should I visit Cameroon?

If you’re thinking of Africa as a destination for your next trip, then you should include Cameroon, also known as the “Africa in miniature”. Why? It’s because it has all major climates and vegetations in the continent such as coast, desert, mountains, rainforest, and savannah. All in one country. Not only that, with its rich culture that is consists of numerous religions (Christianity, Islam, and Traditionalists), it is really exciting to discover what this beautiful country has to offer. Its diversity is one of the main reasons why you should visit Cameroon.