Cameroon

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117, 17 or 1500 for local police.
• Dial 113 or 13 for the National Gendarmerie.
• Dial 118 for fire emergencies.
• Dial 119 for ambulance service in major cities.
• Dial 8010 for electricity emergencies.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. Groups involved include Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Military posts/vehicles
• Village Raids targeting civilians
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Commercial flights
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Many past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Violent and opportunistic crime is common throughout the country, including major cities.

• Foreigners in Cameroon have been victims of all types of crime. This includes murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, theft, armed robbery, and home invasion.
• Criminals often use violence, particularly when victims try to resist.
• The risk of street and residential crime is especially high. This is even in affluent areas with a large police and private security presence.

Street robberies and muggings

• Street robberies and muggings occur in crowded markets, in bars, near ATMs, and in poorly lit streets.
• Criminals often work in pairs or small groups.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Avoid displaying phones or valuables.
• Avoid isolated areas.

 Pickpocketing, bag or phone snatching

• Pickpocketing is common in taxis, markets, busy intersections, and nightlife areas.
• Thieves target phones held in hand or placed on a table.
• Avoid keeping your phone visible, inattentive behavior in crowds, and carrying an unsecured bag.

High-risk areas to avoid

• Far North Region: Boko Haram/ISIS-West Africa attacks, kidnappings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• Northwest and Southwest Regions: separatist violence, roadblocks, kidnappings, shootings
• East Region (along the Central African Republic (CAR) border): armed banditry, cross-border instability
• Adamawa (remote roads): highway banditry and kidnappings

Urban hotspots to avoid

• Yaoundé: Briqueterie, Mvog-Ada, Melen, Nkolndongo (especially at night)
• Douala: Bonaberi, Akwa, New Bell, Deido, PK11-PK21 (neighborhoods spanning northeast on road P14 through Douala towards Djoukou) (nighttime robberies)

High-risk situations to avoid

• Traveling at night, especially on highways like in Yaoundé–Douala, Ngaoundéré–Meiganga
• Using unregistered taxis or motorbike taxis
• Walking alone after dark in markets, bars, or high-crime neighborhoods
• Driving through roadblocks, protests, or large crowds
• Carrying visible valuables like phones, jewelry, or bags in crowded areas
• Traveling near borders with Nigeria, Chad, or Central African Republic

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Cameroon. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who attempt to initiate a romantic relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers may pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Too good to be true purchases or sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries

If using dating apps or websites in Cameroon:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé and local law enforcement for assistance.

• Dial 117 to report crimes to the local police.
• Dial 113 to report crimes to the Gendarmerie.
• Dial 112 for medical assistance.
• Dial 119 in major cities to contact ambulance services.
• Dial +237-22220-1500 to contact the U.S. embassy.
• Dial +237-22222-2525 in Yaoundé.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, consider contacting a medical provider for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it is safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.
• GPS applications such as Google Maps can be unreliable.
• It is best to follow major roads and highways.
• Confirm your route with locals before traveling to unfamiliar locations.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Cameroon, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

Cameroon’s constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest. It allows people to challenge their detention in court, but laws are inconsistently applied.

• Detainees often struggle to access quality, affordable legal services.
• Investigations can be slow, leading to long pretrial detentions.
• The U.S. embassy may not be able to conduct regular prison visits or communicate with detainees, especially outside of Yaoundé and Douala.
• Detainees must obtain their own food, medicine, and hygiene items.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of 6 months to 5 years and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 CFA francs (35 to 353 USD).
• Gay and lesbian individuals face social stigmatization, harassment, and  discrimination.
• Police and civilians may extort money from presumed gay and lesbian individuals with the threat of exposure or arrest.
• Suspected members of the gay and lesbian community have received anonymous threats by phone, text, and email.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Cameroon prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law[is] enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure.
• There are very few resources to assist children with special needs in Cameroon.
• Sign language interpreter services exist in Cameroon, but they are extremely limited and often rely on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or volunteer networks.
• Medical supplies, if available, are extremely limited. A constant supply is not guaranteed.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Significant human rights issues include credible reports of:

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Transnational repression against individuals in another country
• Serious abuses in a conflict
• Unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict by the government and nonstate groups
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence or threats of violence against journalists, unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists, censorship, and enforcement of or threat of criminal or civil laws in order to limit expression
• Systematic restrictions on workers’ freedom of association
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• CDC Cameroon Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism Information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services in Yaoundé.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are:

• Not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Not present or unreliable in most areas except in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam.
• Response times are slow. Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
• Medical care is not free in Cameroon. Expect to pay for ambulance services at the time the service is delivered. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.

Malaria risk

• Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes in certain areas. Malaria is a serious illness and causes thousands of deaths each year in Cameroon, but can be prevented with simple and widely available prescription medications.
• U.S. citizens in Cameroon are strongly advised to take malaria prophylaxis, or prevention medicine.
• Try to reduce risk by avoiding mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, such as a bug spray applied to your skin or clothes, and sleep under bed nets.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Hospitals and doctors in Cameroon do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Cameroon.  If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Cameroon.
• Most health care providers in Cameroon require cash payment. Credit card payment is rarely available.
• Most hospitals often need payment up front or proof of insurance that is accepted by the hospital before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever: Current immunization records are needed to enter Cameroon. You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. A World Health Organization (WHO) card, also known as a yellow card, is a valid form of this proof.
• Polio: You need proof of polio vaccination if your visit lasts more than 4 weeks.

Stay up to date with recommended vaccines:

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Health care in many areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment up front prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Medical staff may communicate primarily in French. They likely speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Before agreeing to any medical care, gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. It is advisable to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child. It may also be possible to hire an off-duty nurse who works at the same hospital to assist with care.  

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Be sure to bring enough of your prescription medication (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the entire duration of your trip.
• Check with the Cameroonian Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Cameroon.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Cameroon. 
• We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Cameroon.
• If you are considering traveling to Cameroon to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
• Review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• In many locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water unless tap water is specifically requested.
• You may choose to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast.  It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Cameroon.  
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• The air quality in Cameroon varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
  • People who work or are active outdoors
• Review our Medicine and Health for general health information

Travel and transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Major highways that pose significant safety risks are the Yaoundé-Douala-Bafoussam-Yaoundé triangle. They are also known as the death triangle, due to a high concentration of road accidents.
• Driving at night is strongly discouraged due to poor road conditions including potholes and a lack of streetlights.
• There is no adequate traffic signage. Most public transportation vehicles are overloaded. Vehicle maintenance is not present or unreliable in most areas.
• Cameroon's road networks are poorly maintained and not well lit.
• During the rainy season from April to November, many roads are blocked even with 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Traffic conditions are dangerous due to lack of traffic signs, poorly trained or disciplined drivers, inadequately maintained vehicles, and indifference among many drivers toward the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Driving hazards include excessive speed, erratic driving habits, and the presence of pedestrians, wildlife, and livestock on the roadways.
• Outside of major cities, you should travel with extra fuel, food, and water, as well as a reliable means of communication. Consider a satellite phone or radio, as mobile phone coverage is limited.
• Professional roadside assistance service is not available. Carry spare tires and tools. 

Traffic laws

• Cameroonian law does not require an international driver’s license. A valid driver’s license from any U.S. state or territory is valid to drive in Cameroon for stays of less than 3 months.
• In the event of an automobile accident, remain inside the vehicle and wait for police. Although it is illegal to move your vehicle before the police arrive, if a hostile mob forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the scene and go to the nearest police station to report the incident.
• Do not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered, as mobs can develop quickly.
• Security forces stop drivers for minor or made-up violations. They search vehicles and check passengers’ ID papers.
• Security forces may also ask for bribes. We advise travelers not to pay bribes, and to ask the police officer to provide a citation to be paid at the local court.

Safety tips:

• Drive with doors locked and windows always closed.
• Do not permit soldiers or police officers to enter your vehicle. Do not get into the vehicle of anyone saying they are a security official.
• If stopped, remain inside your vehicle with doors locked and open the window slightly to communicate.
• Carry your passport and other ID with you while traveling to show security or police officials.
• Remain courteous and calm. If threatened, do not resist.
• Report any incident to the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Violent assaults on taxi passengers are common. Petty theft in taxis is prevalent.
• The Hilton and Starland hotels in Yaoundé and La Falaise and K hotels in Douala all offer shuttle services from the airport to the hotels. Travelers are encouraged to use this service or hire a reputable private transport company.

Public and commercial transportation

• Avoid all travel by public transportation. Hire private transport from a reliable source.
• All forms of public transportation are unregulated, unreliable, and generally unsafe.
• Mini-buses, buses, trains, and ferries are in poor mechanical condition. They are often overcrowded.
• 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 are hiring a driver and car, check the contract to make sure you are not liable for any accident or damage.
• Visit the websites of Cameroon’s Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and Ministry of Transport.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cameroon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Cameroon should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Cameroonian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Cameroonian ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory.

• Review information on International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.
• Mariners and passengers traveling through Cameroonian ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Cameroon's climate is generally tropical, with most of the country having 2 main seasons: a rainy season from March to November and a dry season from December to February.

• Rainy season in the southern and central parts of Cameroon – The rainy season runs from March to November with heaviest rains from June to October. Rain may decrease slightly in July and August but remain frequent.
• The dry season runs from December to February.
• Rainy season in the northern parts of Cameroon – The rainy season generally runs from June to September. The dry season runs from October to May.
• Review more information by the Ministry of Transport.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates