Cameroon: main airports
Cameroon has two main international airports: Douala Airport, the country's main commercial port, and Yaoundé Airport, the political capital.
Cameroon: recommended activities
Cameroon: visa and entry requirements
A visa is mandatory for almost all nationalities, regardless of the purpose of travel: it can be applied for online through the official e-visa portal (3-5 working days processing) or at a Cameroonian embassy (7-21 days). A yellow fever vaccination certificate and up-to-date routine vaccinations are also required. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa with you: failure to show them can lead to detention by the authorities.
Cameroon: safety
The central, western and southern regions of the country (including Douala and Yaoundé) are generally considered reasonably safe for visitors with the usual precautions typical of a large African city. The English-speaking North-West and South-West regions are instead affected by separatist tensions with a risk of violence, and the far north of the country, near the border with Nigeria, is at risk due to the presence of armed groups linked to Boko Haram: both areas are generally not recommended. Always check the most recent updates before planning travel off the main tourist routes.
Cameroon: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory for entry into the country. Cameroon is a malaria risk area across its whole territory: prophylaxis is strongly recommended together with mosquito protection. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are also generally recommended. Drink only sealed bottled water. Health facilities are limited even in large cities: insurance with possible medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Cameroon: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate. Cash is essential in most situations; credit cards are accepted only at a few international hotels in Douala and Yaoundé. There are no widespread Western ride-hailing apps: local taxis (often shared with other passengers along the route) are the main means of transport. For connectivity, the operators MTN Cameroon and Orange sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
