About Cameroon

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• Far North region except a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30 km south of Maroua (see below)
• within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except Garoua in North region (see below)
• within 40km of the border with Chad
• within 40km of the border with the Central African Republic (CAR)
• North West region
• South West region (including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako division), except Limbe and the 35km stretch of N3 road connecting Limbe to the Littoral region in Fako division (see below)
• the Bakassi Peninsula

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Limbe and the 35km stretch of N3 road connecting Limbe to the Littoral region in Fako division, South West region
• the rest of North and Adamawa regions, including Garoua in North region, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far North region

There has been an outbreak of the Marburg haemorrhagic fever in Kie Ntem Province, northern Equatorial Guinea. Travel is restricted in and around this area. You should be extremely vigilant in and near Kie Ntem in Equatorial Guinea, and in the neighbouring areas of Ambam, Kye-Ossi and Olamze in southern Cameroon, and Ntem and Woleu in Gabon. Check with local authorities before travelling.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

You should read this travel advice in full, noting the areas to which the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel. You should pay close attention to our Safety and security advice if you plan to travel to Cameroon. For more information, visit TourCMR, a National Travel Guide App.

General strikes (or ‘ghost towns’) are called in the North West and South West (Anglophone) regions for each Monday, with additional days often called in particular periods including February (around Youth Day, 11 February), May (around National Day on 20 May) and October (around 1 October). Violence and travel disruption is regularly reported on these days.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are increasingly being used by non-state armed groups and have previously been used to target civilians in the North West and South West regions. There have also been a number of reported civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints due to accidental discharge of weapons. If you decide to travel to, or within, areas of the North West and South West regions where the FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel, you should consider carefully the risks of travel, monitor developments closely, keep a low profile and minimise your movements. See North West and South West (Anglophone) regions

Political developments and increased tensions related to the North West and South West (Anglophone) regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. You should enhance your vigilance and plan your movements carefully. In November 2020, a threat was made against diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including the British High Commission. You should remain vigilant when moving around the city.

On 2 July 2022, an IED was detonated at Mokolo market in Yaoundé. Four people were injured in the explosion. On 12 July 2022, another IED was detonated at the Mokolo Market in Yaoundé, injuring one person.

This follows small IEDs being detonated in populated areas of Yaoundé and Douala between June 2020 and February 2021. It is possible that more attacks will occur in urban areas, or other locations around the country, in the future. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments via the media and local authorities. See Political situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres and places of worship. The terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are active in the Far North region but attacks could occur anywhere, potentially including major towns and cities such as Yaoundé and Douala. There have been numerous suicide attacks since 2015, which have resulted in over 200 dead in the Far North region, although since 2017 these have been predominately adjacent to the border with Nigeria. Key targets have been large open markets, hotels, parks and sporting venues. There have also been hostages taken and heavy gunfights reported in Babouang and Mbarang in Adamawa region (Cameroon). See Terrorism

There is a heightened threat of kidnap to western nationals in the north of Cameroon, including in the major cities and along the border between the Far North region and Nigeria. Boko Haram has publicly threatened Cameroon with attacks and further kidnappings due to Cameroon’s involvement in the regional fight to counter Boko Haram.

There have been reports of criminality including large armed gangs and highway bandits, stopping travellers, taking hostages and demanding payment, particularly in the east of Cameroon, close to the Central African Republic (CAR) border. There are frequent instances of violence in CAR spilling across the border to Cameroon, there is now an even greater likelihood of this occurring given the ongoing insecurity in that country. See Crime

Nigerian military operations in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in Nigeria could have an impact across the border in Cameroon.

Avoid travelling at night across Cameroon unless absolutely necessary, due to risks from criminality, poor infrastructure and erratic driving.

There are increased reports of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Take great care when travelling in coastal waters, including the coastline of Cameroon and the Doula port.

Despite the high crime levels, most visits to Cameroon are trouble-free. Only a few British nationals needed consular assistance in the past year.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Cameroon (particularly East, Far North, North-West and South-West).

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Cameroon on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Check with your travel company for the latest information. You should check FCDO Travel Advice for any entry and transit requirements in the countries on your route.

To arrange a COVID test, you should call 1510 for advice on your closest testing site.

For information on testing requirements on leaving Cameroon, see Exit requirements.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Cameroon.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Public places and services

Restrictions on bars, restaurants and entertainment spots have been lifted.

The wearing of face-masks has almost entirely been dropped, including in public buildings. However, you should carry one on you in case needed.

Healthcare in Cameroon

Pharmacies have a green cross on a panel. Most are extremely helpful to clients. Pharmacies in Cameroon tend to accept prescriptions drawn up in the UK. Not all pharmacies have full stocks so you should be prepared to have to visit more than one for some drugs – a pharmacy will usually advise you on other possibilities nearby. Most supermarkets do not have a pharmacy inside. If you are hospitalised in Cameroon and need drugs of any kind, you, or an accompanying person, will have to visit a pharmacy (usually in the hospital) to buy the drugs first and then return to the ward before you can be treated. Not all pharmacies are open after 8pm. Pharmacies on call will usually have a display sign on the windows or doors. If not on call, the pharmacy will carry information on the nearest pharmacy on call. View Health for further details on healthcare in Cameroon.

You should contact local authorities for information on COVID-19 testing facilities. See International travel for more information.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

The Cameroonian Ministry of Heath website (English version) has useful public health guidance and the latest on Coronavirus in Cameroon.

If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact the Global Response Centre at +44 (0) 207 008 5000 (24/7) or +237 650 46 06 52 (between 8h00 and 1600).

Sign up for travel advice email alerts and follow the British High Commission on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest information.

Crime

Mugging and armed robbery are a problem throughout Cameroon but particularly in the cities Yaoundé, Douala, Ngaoundere and Bafoussam.

Avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns; e.g. in Yaoundé, Briqueterie and Mokolo market, and in Douala, Nkololun, New Bell, Akwa, Bonaberi and Village. Avoid walking around at night, particularly alone.

Be vigilant in public places. Trouble can flare up unexpectedly. Make sure car doors are locked when driving around. Avoid wearing jewellery and only carry small amounts of cash and valuables.

Close and lock all doors and windows, particularly at night. Make sure burglar proof metal bars are installed. Identify callers through spy holes before opening doors, especially late at night.

Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush taxis and around bus stations and hotels. Taxis in cities operate like buses, picking up passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes and many do not meet basic safety requirements. There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. You should not use taxis that you hail from the roadside (these are yellow in Yaoundé and Douala). Only use trusted, pre-arranged taxis and preferably book one from your hotel or restaurant.

Car-jackings, kidnappings and armed robberies have occurred along roads close to the borders with Central African Republic (CAR), Chad and Nigeria, and along the Bamenda-Banyo, Bafoussam-Banyo, Bafoussam-Doula and Yaoundé-Garoua Boulai-Ngaoundere roads. There are frequent instances of violence in CAR spilling across the border to Cameroon. Following the disputed election result in CAR in December 2020, and consequent insecurity in that country, there is now an even greater likelihood of this violence spilling over.

Criminality by large gangs and hostage taking for ransom are also a threat more widely in Adamawa region. In January 2017, an armed group attacked a UN border monitoring team near the Nigerian border killing five people.

There have been incidents of kidnapping and hostage taking in the Far North, North, Adamawa, East, North West and South West regions of Cameroon. The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Foreign visitors and residents are often targets of scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can cause significant financial loss. Scammers also target individuals and companies in the UK via websites, chat-rooms and by email. Advance fee scams are common in Cameroon. Cases involving the alleged adoption of children have been reported. Be very cautious about sending money or travelling to Cameroon to adopt a child where the information has come from a website or through emails. Cameroon does not have adoption agencies. Many victims are persuaded to pay large amounts of money before they suspect anything.

If you need to contact the Police, call 117. If you have been a victim of fraud from a police official, you should call 1500. If you need to contact the fire service, call 118.

Local travel

Terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are active in the Far North. There is also a general threat of kidnapping, criminality and armed banditry.

The ability of the High Commission to offer consular services in the Far North, North and Adamawa regions is limited.

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 40 km of the border with Chad because of armed banditry, including poachers in Bouba Ndjida National Park in the North region.

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 40 km of the border with the Central African Republic (CAR). There have been incursions by armed men from CAR and there have been fatalities. Armed banditry and kidnapping remains a risk.

Take great care if you travel to the northern regions of Cameroon by road. The eastern route via Garoua-Boulai and Meiganga involves driving close to the border with CAR. The western route needs travel along the Bamenda-Banyo axis. The central route via Yoko requires travel on very poorly maintained roads through largely uninhabited areas, crossing a number of bridges in a poor state of repair. There is no fuel available on the route. If you must attempt this drive, carry plenty of water, sufficient fuel to enable you to turn back if necessary, a spare tyre and a satellite phone or VHF radio to summon assistance if needed.

North West and South West (Anglophone) regions

The FCDO advises against all travel to the North West and South West regions, except Limbe and the 35km stretch of N3 road connecting Limbe to the Littoral region in Fako division, where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are being used by non-state armed groups, sometimes to target civilians, in the North West and South West regions. There have also been a number of civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints run by either NSAGs or government forces. You should exercise caution when approaching any road block, whether formal or informal.

In December 2019, a local commercial air carrier (Camair-Co) was hit by gunshots while flying into Bamenda Airport in the North West region. You should follow the advice of the local security authorities and/or your tour operator if you’re thinking about taking this route.

General strikes (or ‘ghost towns’) are called in the North West and South West (Anglophone) regions for each Monday, with additional days often called in particular periods including (around Youth Day, 11 February), May (around National Day on 20 May) and October (around 1 October). Violence and travel disruption is regularly reported on these days. You should be vigilant, monitor local media and avoid travelling within the region on such days.

There have been multiple clashes between the Cameroonian security forces and armed groups over recent years in many places in the North West and South West regions. Restrictions including night curfews and a ban on public meetings are in place in some areas. There is a high risk of violent criminality, especially at night.

If you decide to travel to, or within, areas of the Anglophone regions where the FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel, you should consider carefully the risks of travel, monitor developments closely, keep a low profile and minimise your movements.

Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Guinea and particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula. Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) patrol the waters. The ferry that operates between Limbe/Tiko in Cameroon and Calabar in Nigeria passes through areas where pirates operate. The Bakassi Peninsula is made up of mangrove forests and isolated islands that are difficult to police. Mariners should seek professional security advice and take appropriate precautions.

Lake Nyos

Lake Nyos in the North West Region emitted carbon dioxide in 1986, suffocating about 1,700 people. There were no warning signs that this would happen. Although now closely monitored, this situation could repeat with limited warning. There is also a concern that the wall of the volcanic dam holding back Lake Nyos is not sufficiently strong. Nearby Lake Mounoun is also saturated with carbon dioxide.

Political situation

There are occasional isolated incidents of political unrest around the country. You should remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media.

Political developments and increased tensions related to the North West and South West (Anglophone) regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. In late November 2020 a threat was made against diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including the British High Commission. You should remain vigilant when moving around the city.

On 2 July 2022, an IED was detonated at Mokolo market in Yaoundé. Four people were injured in the explosion. On 12 July 2022, another IED was detonated at the Mokolo Market in Yaounde, injuring one person.

On 21 February 2021, a small IED was detonated in Etoudi market in Yaoundé. There were no deaths, though some individuals were reportedly injured. On 31 January 2021 a small IED was detonated in Douala, injuring two people, who were almost certainly the perpetrators. In November 2020, an attempt was made to detonate an IED near the rail junction in Bonabéri, west of Douala. In the same month a small IED also detonated in the Obobogo-Columbia neighbourhood of Yaoundé. Several other IEDs were detonated in Yaoundé in June, July and August 2020.

It is possible that more attacks will occur in urban areas, or other locations around the country, in the future. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments via the media and local authorities.

Road travel

Avoid all travel by road at night in rural areas, particularly on the Yaoundé-Douala road, where the road quality and visibility are poor, and accidents are common. Plan your journey carefully and travel in convoy, where possible. As mobile phone coverage is limited on this and certain other inter-city roads, you should consider taking a VHF radio or satellite phone.

You can drive using a UK driving licence or International Driving Permit on first arrival. If staying for more than six months, you should obtain a Cameroonian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as possible.

Make sure any car you hire is adequately insured, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company (rather than the car hire firm). If you’re hiring a driver and car, make sure you’re not liable for any accident or damage.

Roads in Cameroon are generally in poor condition. Many are badly pot-holed. Street lighting, where it exists, is poor. Pedestrians and stray animals on roads are a hazard. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven.

Roadblocks set up by the police or gendarmerie are common throughout Cameroon. You may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents. There are regular reports of uniformed members of the security forces stopping motorists on the pretext of minor or non-existent violations of local vehicle regulations in order to extort small bribes. Do not pay bribes; instead, ask the officer to provide a ticket, setting out the alleged offence so that you can pay at a local court.

Air travel

There is only one local airline operating between a few of the major cities: Camair-co. Scheduled flights are subject to frequent delays and cancellations. Due to aviation safety standards, we advise against taking flights that use the XIAN MA-60, which is used occasionally for internal flights. Several international airlines fly into Cameroon.

Rail travel

There is a railway from Douala-Yaoundé-Ngaoundéré and is considered a reliable means of transport. Details of services and times are on the Camrail website. You should confirm departure and arrival times on the day of departure.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres and places of worship.

It is possible that terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa will try to carry out attacks on hotels or public venues in Cameroon including the capital Yaoundé. In recent years, their activities have been concentrated in the Far North.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Kidnapping

Westerners have previously been kidnapped by Boko Haram in northern Cameroon and there remains a heightened threat of kidnap to western nationals in the region, including in the major cities and along the border between the Far North region and Nigeria. Boko Haram has publicly threatened Cameroon with attacks and kidnappings due to Cameroon’s involvement in the regional fight to counter Boko Haram.

British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Terrorist groups operating in Cameroon

Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa

Boko Haram or Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JASDJ) is an Islamist terrorist group operating in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The group aspire to establish a Sharia State in Nigeria and West Africa, de-stabilise the Nigerian government and remove western influence from the country.

In March 2015, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) accepted a pledge of allegiance by Boko Haram. In August 2016, the group split into two factions: Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) and JASDJ or Boko Haram. ISWA is affiliated with Daesh core in Iraq and Syria and has expressed an intention to target Nigerian government, Christian and western interests. Both Boko Haram and ISWA are active in the north of Cameroon.

British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport showing a valid visa). Failure to produce ID can lead to detention by the police.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society and sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal in Cameroon. There were arrests and prosecutions of homosexuals in the past. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.

Photographing military sites, government buildings, airports and ports is forbidden. While photography elsewhere is not illegal, communities can be sensitive to people taking photos and may ask for money in return. Officials may also ask you to pay for a ‘permits’ to photograph certain places.

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Cameroon is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which bans trade in ivory. If you are caught buying or trafficking these goods you’ll be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence or a fine.

It is also illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are in the armed forces. Punishment may include a fine and/or detention.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cameroon set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Cameroon’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Cameroon

There are multiple commercial flight options to enter and leave Cameroon. See Coronavirus

Travel requirements to enter and exit Cameroon can change without notice and without proactive communication. The Centre for the Coordination of Public Health Emergency Operations conditions of entry and exit to Cameroon website is the best source of the latest information.

The British High Commission understands that the following requirements apply:

If you have proof of at least two doses (or the Jansen vaccine single dose) COVID-19 vaccination, you are no longer required to present a negative PCR test to enter Cameroon.

If you are not vaccinated or do not have proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, and are five years old or over, you must provide a recent (no older than 72 hours before first boarding) negative coronavirus PCR test to board your flight to Cameroon and to enter at Yaoundé or Douala Airports. (Some airlines demand a PCR test from travellers aged two and above, so check with your airline.)

Negative coronavirus test results should be in PDF format, clearly stating the date of the test and the type of test. Electronic copies are accepted.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

Testing/screening on arrival

All international travellers are subjected to rapid flow testing for Coronavirus on arrival at Yaoundé and Douala international airports. These tests are compulsory. Results are returned while passengers are at the airport. There is no fee.

Quarantine requirements

If you have a proof of a recent (no older than 72 hours before boarding) negative coronavirus test, you will normally not have to self-isolate. Anyone that has developed symptoms of Coronavirus on their travel or tests positive on arrival at Yaoundé or Douala airport will be held for further enquiries to trace contacts and movements. We believe that anyone testing positive can quarantine at the location of your host or private accommodation until a negative PCR test is produced. These requirements are regularly evolving.

Exit requirements

Negative PCR certificates are no longer required for all passengers leaving Cameroon, and are only necessary if it is the requirement of your country of destination. Call 1506 for any complaints regarding airport checks.

If you require a PCR test to leave Cameroon, you will be charged a standard rate of FCFA 30,000 in Yaoundé, Douala or other large cities. You can request and pay for a test online. You can also pay in-person at various sites including: the National Public Health Laboratory in Yaoundé, the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala and the Regional Hospital Centre in Garoua. For further information on the testing process, you should call 1510. Your country of destination or transit may have other requirements.

Travellers leaving Cameroon are frequently asked for their Yellow Fever certificate as they pass through security. You should carry it with you as you pass through the airport.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

You will need a visa to enter Cameroon.

Visa applications should be made online, through the visa portal. There have been technical problems with this online visa system since its implementation in May 2023, which has prevented many from obtaining visas.

There is currently no visa-on-arrival service at either Yaoundé or Douala International Airport.

If you have a query about your immigration status while in Cameroon, contact the General Delegation for National Security in Yaoundé (telephone: +237 22221 2884).

Dual nationality

Cameroon does not recognise dual nationality in adults. If you have acquired British citizenship but previously held Cameroon citizenship, or as an adult still hold a Cameroon passport, you should not attempt to enter Cameroon on your Cameroonian passport because this is against the law.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Cameroon.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

You must present a yellow fever certificate upon arrival in Cameroon, and you may be asked for it on exit as well. Check the requirements by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

There are reports of an outbreak of Marburg haemorrhagic fever in Kie Ntem Province, northern Equatorial Guinea. Travel is restricted in and around this area. You should be extremely vigilant in and near Kie Ntem in Equatorial Guinea, and in the neighbouring areas of Ambam, Kye-Ossi and Olamze in southern Cameroon, and Ntem and Woleu in Gabon. Check with local authorities before travelling.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or brought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, check this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Cameroon are below UK standards. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Pharmacies in Cameroon have a green cross outside. Most are extremely helpful to clients. Pharmacies in Cameroon tend to accept prescriptions drawn up in the UK. Not all pharmacies have full stocks so you should be prepared to have to visit more than one for some drugs – a pharmacy will usually advise you on other possibilities nearby. Most supermarkets do not have a pharmacy inside. If you are hospitalised in Cameroon and need drugs of any kind, you, or an accompanying person, will have to visit a pharmacy (usually in the hospital) to buy the drugs first and then return to the ward before you can be treated. Most facilities will require cash payments before medical services are administered.

Health risks

UK health authorities have classified Cameroon as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

In May 2016, the Cameroon Ministry of Livestock Fisheries and Animal Industries confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) at a government owned poultry complex at Mvog-Betsi, a suburb on the outskirts of Yaoundé. You should follow NHS advice on bird flu.

There is a high risk of malaria in Cameroon. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in all areas of Cameroon. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

As of July 2022, there is a cholera outbreak in Cameroon, mainly in the South West. Since April 2023, it has also been present in Yaoundé. See information on cholera.

In the 2015 the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated 620,000 people in Cameroon living with HIV of which 580,000 are aged 15 or over; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 4.5 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 113 or 119 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Sterling travellers’ cheques are difficult to exchange throughout Cameroon. Many banks will only allow you to exchange travellers’ cheques if you hold an account with that bank. Euros and US Dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Cameroon is primarily a cash economy. Payment by credit card is possible in main supermarkets, international hotels and some petrol stations but rarely accepted in smaller shops and restaurants; Visa is the most widely accepted. Confirm in advance with your hotel if you plan to settle a bill by credit card.

Some ATMs outside banks in Yaoundé, Douala and other major towns, including at petrol stations, will accept major UK credit cards and supply local currency.

Money transfer agencies can be found throughout Cameroon.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advises against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you’re looking for there, [send the Travel Advice Team a request](https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Cameroon&post=Cameroon%20travel%20advice%20team.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry), or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.