Visiting Cameroon

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cameroon page at Yoogo.

Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Cash is the primary means of payment. ATMs are available in Yaoundé and Douala but less reliable elsewhere. Cards are accepted at some hotels in larger cities. US dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.

Safety in Cameroon varies significantly by region. The Anglophone regions of the North-West and South-West have been affected by an ongoing armed separatist conflict since 2016, and most governments advise against travel there. The Far North region borders areas of Boko Haram activity and carries high risk. The capital Yaoundé, Douala, and the coastal south are generally accessible but petty crime is common.

Shared taxis and buses connect major cities. Camrail operates a rail service between Yaoundé and Ngaoundéré. Domestic flights are limited. Roads in the south are in better condition than in the north and highland regions. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for rural travel. Always check security conditions on any route before travelling.

The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit, with clearer roads and more comfortable temperatures in the south. The north is best visited between October and April. The wet season from April to October can make roads impassable and reduce visibility in national parks.

Cameroon has two official languages: French, spoken by around 80% of the population, and English, spoken mainly in the North-West and South-West regions. Over 250 indigenous languages are also spoken. French dominates in Yaoundé and most of the country; English proficiency is higher in the Anglophone regions.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all regions. Hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies vaccinations may be advised depending on activities and destinations. Consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.

Tipping is not required but is appreciated. In restaurants frequented by visitors, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest amount is customary. Guides, drivers, and hotel staff value a gratuity for good service.

MTN, Orange, and Camtel are the main mobile operators. Coverage is good in Yaoundé, Douala, and major towns but sparse in rural areas. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available. Wi-Fi is available at larger hotels and some cafes in urban centres.