Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[237] 22220 1500; US Embassy in Yaoundé, Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaoundé, Cameroon; https://cm.usembassy.gov/; YaoundeACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
237
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Cameroon is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north
Currency (Code)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
24 major African language groups, English, French
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 38.3%, Protestant 25.5%, other Christian 6.9%, Muslim 24.4%, animist 2.2%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Yaounde; Limbe; Douala; Waza National Park; Bamenda; Foumban Palace; Lake Nyos
Major Sports
Soccer, tennis, boxing, basketball, cycling
Cultural Practices
Government officials are regularly referred to as "excellency" instead of by surname.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping $2-5 (USD) per service rendered is considered acceptable for porters and waiters; $8-15 (USD) per person per day is considered normal for guides and safari drivers.
Souvenirs
Pottery, carved wooden tribal masks and animal sculptures, native beadwork dresses, woven mats and rugs, jewelry, tree sap paintings, spices
Traditional Cuisine
Ndolé — stewed nuts, ndoleh (bitter leaves), and fish, beef, or shrimp traditionally eaten with plantains or bobolo (fermented ground manioc or cassava wrapped in leaves)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, May 03, 2023
