Cameroon

Use High Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following provinces: Nord-Ouest, Nord, Adamaoua, Sud-Ouest, and Extrême-Nord

Avoid Travel to the following municipalities: Lom-et-Djerem, Kadey, and Boumba-et-Ngoko

The Republic of Cameroon is located in central-western Africa. Cameroon's coastline constitutes part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The population is about 20,000,000 people.

The government is a republic and multiparty presidential regime with a president as chief of state elected by popular vote and a prime minister as head of government, appointed by the president.

Cameroon has some oil, but the economy depends on agriculture, and much is subsistence farming. The country lacks good infrastructure and travel can be difficult, except for a few good toll roads.

Natural features of the country range from beaches to deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. Cameroon contains some of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Currency	XAF: Central African franc
Language	English and French. Also spoken are 24 major African languages.
Capital	Yaounde
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 01, 2021 - Major Measles Outbreak in Cameroon

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Cameroon. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Malaria All areas of Cameroon are at high risk for malaria.
Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cameroon through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Cameroon.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cameroon, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Meningitis Epidemics of meningitis may occur in Cameroon during the dry season (December-June). Travellers with prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Cameroon. This country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination. It is recommended that all travellers 9 months of age and older have the yellow fever vaccination.
Tuberculosis Travellers to Cameroon are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting ill friends or family or working in the health care field.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks occur in Cameroon, and the risk to travellers is significant.
Schistosomiasis The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in Cameroon. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”) occurs in Cameroon. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.
Elephantiasis Filariasis occurs in Cameroon.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Cholera Cholera does occur in Cameroon.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Cameroon. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Zika Fever Zika fever can occur in Cameroon.
African Tick Bite Fever Sporadic cases and outbreaks of this disease may occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Cameroon.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Cameroon. This country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination. It is recommended that all travellers 9 months of age and older have the yellow fever vaccination.
Meningitis Vaccine Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Cameroon.

Anti-malarial Drugs Anti-malarial medication is recommended for all travellers to Cameroon. Recommended medication includes atovaquone- proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Safety and Security in Cameroon

Emergency Numbers

119

117

118

Emergency services may be limited.

Personal Safety

There is a high level of crime in this country, and travellers are advised to be extremely cautious. Armed theft and attacks are common, especially in cities and tourist areas and on rural highways. Do not resist thieves as they can quickly become violent. Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive jewelry or clothing. Avoid shopping on the street. Carry certified copies of identification and travel documents at all times, with originals kept in a safe place. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, occurs frequently in trains, buses, and taxis. Use hotel shuttle services wherever possible.

Exercise caution when driving in Cameroon. Roads may not be well maintained, especially during the rainy season, and may not be well marked or lit. Reckless driving and livestock on roadways also present safety concerns. Keep doors locked and do not stop if flagged down by pedestrians. Avoid travelling outside city limits after dark. Always travel in convoys of at least two vehicles and inform the local authorities of your presence. Overland travel in the isolated areas of the northern and eastern provinces of Cameroon is dangerous.

The burqa is banned in the Far North region.

Same-sex relations are illegal in Cameroon and LBGTI people face severe discrimination.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travel to the following regions due to the high risk of kidnapping, banditry, extreme violence, and terrorism threats:

The Far North, North, North-West, South-West, and Adamaoua regions
Areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic
Bakassi Peninsula (access is restricted by military authorities)
Gulf of Guinea and other coastal areas (due to piracy threats)

The Boko Haram militant group has carried out deadly attacks in the Nigerian states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, and Nigeria has declared a state of emergency in these states. Attacks by the Boko Haram and the Nigerian military operations, as well as militants crossing into Cameroon have affected security in the neighbouring areas with Cameroon.

Extreme Violence

The Boko Haram Islamist militant group have threatened Cameroon with attacks due to Cameroon’s decision to join a multinational force to fight the Boko Haram.

Political Unrest

Avoid any demonstrations and large public gatherings. These situations can rapidly escalate and become violent.

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Updated: July 01, 2021