Requirements for Cameroon Passport Application

Nov 11, 2025 0

The Cameroonian community is hereby informed that following the recent announcement by the Delegate General for National Security on the new biometric passport application process in Cameroon as well as, in Diplomatic Missions and Consulates - passport applications will now be enrolled and paid online.

Online Pre-Registration

Since July 1, 2021, applications for the issuance or renewal of Cameroonian biometric passports are made in 3 main steps:

Online pre-registration.
Physical enrollment which is done at the High Commission on the day of your appointment.
The collection of the passport produced.

Although the physical enrolment is done in Ottawa, passports are produced in Cameroon by the GDNS. The new system in effect allows for the production of a passport whose file has been validated by the GDNS within 48 hours.

Passport Issuance and Renewal

Passport issuances in Yaounde are by appointment only. For us to provide quality service to all our customers, it is important that you arrive on time for your appointment. Applicants who arrive more than 15 minutes late for their appointments will have to reschedule.

NB: Note that an appointment made can only be changed ONCE (01 time) and is valid for a maximum of ten (10) days, after which, the appointment is cancelled. The High Commission can only assist where an applicant has fully completed the online process, and uniquely on the day of the physical appointment.

An appointment made can only be changed ONCE and this up to exactly 24 hours before the date and time you have chosen.

It takes only 2 to 3 weeks to receive a full validity passport with 52 pages, and you should plan before your passport expires.

The validity of Cameroon Passports cannot be extended.

Fees

The fee is payable in dollars via Pay.gov - Form DS-11 Passport Application Fee. The only fees that will be charged at the High Commission are the legalization fees for photocopies of your official documents (see the fees payable to the High Commission internet link). Note: All fees are non-refundable.

Required Documents

Please make photocopies of all civil, court and identification documents submitted with the passport application. Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your social security number, may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

Please note that the original and the photocopy of your consular card are part of your passport renewal application. If you do not have a consular card, please click on this link to apply for one.

First-Time Adult Passport Application

Are you applying for an adult passport for the first time? Enter your information online, print Form DS-11. Do not sign Form DS-11 on page 1. Complete Form DS-11 and enter your information online and print Form DS-11.

Minor Passport Application

Minor passport renewal applications in Yaounde are by appointment only. Bring all the original documents and the minor applicant to the interview. Both parents or guardians are expected to appear with the minor.

There are specific scenarios for minor passport applications:

Parent Applies with You: One of your legal parents or guardians applies with you and signs Form DS-11.
Parent Signs Note: Submit a signed note from your legal parent or guardian. If it isn’t clear your parent is aware you are applying, we may ask you to submit a notarized statement Form DS-3053 from your parent or guardian.

Each parent must provide valid identification (e.g., government-issued driver’s license, passport book/card, national ID card…). If the child’s physical appearance has changed significantly since the last passport photograph, the Consular officer will request transitional photos as proof of identification.

If the DS-3053 or Evidence of Sole Custody cannot be obtained, the applying parent or guardian must complete Form DS-5525, Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.

Form DS-3053: The non-applying parent or guardian must sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a Certified Notary Public.
The applying parent or guardian must complete Form DS-5525, Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW BIOMETRIC PASSPORT IN CAMEROON

Lost or Stolen Passport

Complete Form DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. Complete and print the form. The process is the same as for the renewal and/or establishment of passports. The only difference is that you MUST attach to your passport application a Certificate of Loss of the old passport issued by the Police of the place where the event occurred.

Emergency Passports

Emergency passports are limited to 12 pages, normally valid for only one year and cannot be extended. Emergency passports are issued when there is a need for immediate travel. These passports are generally not valid for travel or transit through certain countries such as the Schengen countries.

You should first schedule a passport appointment using this link. If necessary, you can request a limited emergency passport on the day of your appointment. You must appear at the Embassy in person to apply. When you receive your emergency passport, you will also receive a letter that explains how to obtain a regular passport after completing your urgent travel.

Passport Photo Requirements

The passport photo must be the correct size, contain a plain white background and clearly show your face in it. You are supposed to face the camera directly and have a neutral expression. Put on simple and neat clothes and avoid wearing a hat or spectacles unless it is medically required. For best results, it’s a good idea to use a professional photographer who understands these photo rules. You need two photos for a Cameroon visa application (Embassy route).

These photo regulations are in place to ensure your identity is clearly represented. Failure to follow them could lead to delays or even rejection of your visa application. To avoid issues, it’s wise to hire a professional photographer who understands visa photo standards. Minor changes like growing a beard or changing hair colour don't necessitate a new photo.

Photo Guidelines for Babies and Infants

Even babies, infants, and newborns need passport or visa photos when traveling to Cameroon. Taking a suitable photo of a baby can be tricky because they move a lot and don’t follow instructions. Here are some tips:

Clothing: Put your child in comfortable clothes that are plain with a light colour, without any patterns on them.
Facial Expression: Aim at having a calm and neutral face.
Photo Quality: The photo should be in colour and not blurred.
Size Requirements: The photo should be a 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) photograph.
Ensure Good Lighting: Pick a place with bright, even light.
Camera Quality: Almost all smartphones have good quality cameras. But that, of course, depends on the clarity and sharpness of the photo.
Use a Tripod: If there's nobody available to lend that extra hand, set your camera on a tripod, and put a timer on.
Camera Distance: For clear identification, position the camera 5-7 feet (1.5-2 meters) away to fully include the head and upper body in the shot.
Posture: While primarily focusing on the face, maintaining a straight but relaxed posture is important.
Lighting: Uniform lighting is crucial to highlight facial features without shadows.

Additional Information

If you need reasonable accommodation for your appointment, we encourage you to request your accommodation immediately once you have scheduled your appointment. We make every effort to provide accommodation for people with disabilities and medical conditions.

Travel to Cameroon

To travel to Cameroon, you must have both a valid passport and a Cameroon visa.

Cameroon does not recognize dual nationality. citizens to Cameroonian authorities, regardless of their country of birth. passport with a valid Cameroonian visa otherwise they are liable to be denied entry or detained.