Cameroon Visa Application: Embassy Requirements and Guidelines

Obtaining a visa is crucial for anyone travelling to Cameroon for tourism, business, study, or other reasons. Within this section, the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in the United States of America provides information to applicants about the procedures for acquiring entry visas to Cameroon, Cameroonian passports, Travel Documents or Consular Cards, Transcriptions of birth certificates, and other types of requests. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the United States of America in Washington DC welcomes you. Please contact us anytime if you need more information. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cameroon to the United States of America, H.E.

Important Note: Currently the Cameroon Embassies and Consulates are only issuing visas for life or death emergencies. Reach out to VisaHQ's support team if you think you have a qualifying reason to obtain a visa.

How to Apply Online Cameroon Tourist Visa || E-visa || New Guidelines 2023 🇨🇲🇮🇳

Applicants who reside in Washington, DC, after receiving approval letter from VisaHQ, must come to the Embassy of Cameroon in person only (no representative allowed), on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday between 1:00pm and 5:00pm in order to finalise their entry procedure. They will be asked to show original passport, supporting documentation and the approval letter. Avoid call-centers and automated messages. We know the ins-and-outs of all local agencies and embassies. We’ll quickly get your documents processed.

Types of Cameroon Visas

Cameroon offers both eVisas and traditional sticker visas. Here are some types of visas available:

  • Tourist eVisa: The tourism e-visa, as the name implies, is for tourists coming to Cameroon. Holders can visit any passport-free zone in Central Africa to enjoy the sights and sounds. Tourist e-visas may be used to visit family, tour, or for holidays; it is so flexible that its use is at the discretion of the holder. As a tourist in Cameroon with an e-visa, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit.
  • Business eVisa: This visa is for business professionals, investors, partners, and guests who may wish to visit Cameroon for business engagements or to attend a conference. This visa is not a work visa and is strictly for noncommercial ventures. By that, we mean that the applicant is not supposed to engage in any activity that will earn them direct pay. Business e-visas are also available as short or long-stay visas, but visitors cannot stay in Cameroon for more than 90 days each time they visit.
  • Transit Visa: A Cameroon Transit Visa is designed for travellers passing through Cameroon en route to another destination.
  • Long-stay Visa: A Long-stay Visa is intended for individuals planning to reside in Cameroon for 365 days. This visa permits visitors to stay in Cameroon for a limited period, usually up to 180 days.

E visas for tourism are released as either short or long-stay visas, so consider your itinerary and how frequently you wish to visit before submitting your application.

Read also: Moroccan Visa Requirements

Currently issuance of Cameroon visas is suspended until further notice. The Embassy of Cameroon is closed every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Visas to Cameroon are valid for 1 month beginning on the date of entry listed on itinerary.

Applying for a Cameroon Visa

There are several methods to apply for a Cameroonian visa:

1. Applying Online (eVisa)

Travellers who want to avoid visiting an embassy or consulate can easily apply for a Cameroon visa online.

  1. Complete the online Cameroon visa application form with accurate details.
  2. Attach all required documents, including a valid passport, accommodation details, travel itinerary, etc.
  3. Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa application fee online.
  4. Allow some time for your visa application processing.

Important Considerations: Not all nationalities are eligible for the eVisa, and verifying your eligibility for the Cameroon eVisa before travel is crucial. Applying for a Cameroonian eVisa for a minor involves additional steps.

Usually, a Cameroon eVisa takes 9 - 11 Working Days to process. Fees vary based on the eVisa type, duration, and nationality.

Read also: Visa Guide: Australia for Kenyans

2. Applying Through an Embassy or Consulate

Applying through an embassy is the most traditional method, offering a high degree of certainty and personal guidance through the visa process.

  1. Document Collection: Compile all documents as specified by the embassy/consulate.
  2. Visa Fee Payment: Follow the embassy/consulate's guidelines for paying the visa fee. This amount varies depending on the visa type, duration of stay, and the applicant's nationality.
  3. Application Submission: Submit your documents, filled application and visa fee to the embassy/consulate in person.
  4. Awaiting Processing: Allow time for your visa application to undergo processing. Processing times depend on visa type and application influx.

Furthermore, visa requirements and fees are subject to change based on the applicant's country.

3. Visa on Arrival

Getting a visa on arrival in Cameroon is an option for travellers who cant secure one in advance or facing unforeseen changes in travel plans.

  1. Verify Eligibility Before Travel: Before embarking on your journey, ascertain your eligibility for an on-arrival visa.
  2. Prepare Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have all required documentation, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, your travel itinerary, etc.
  3. Fee Payment at Port of Entry: Upon arrival, proceed to the designated area to pay the visa fee.
  4. Application Submission: Fill out and submit your visa application for visa processing at the port of entry.
  5. Await Visa Processing: Be prepared for a waiting period as your visa application is processed.

On arrival visa applicants may face significant wait times and queues.

Advantages of Each Method

  • eVisa: Apply fully online with no need to visit an embassy or wait on arrival in Cameroon. Having an e-visa approved before departure provides peace of mind and security, knowing your entry into Cameroon is guaranteed, barring any unforeseen immigration issues.
  • Visa on Arrival: This option can be convenient for travellers who have not secured a visa in advance, allowing them to obtain one directly upon entering Cameroon.
  • Embassy Application: Applying through an embassy is the most traditional method, offering a high degree of certainty and personal guidance through the visa process.

General Tips for Visa Application

  • Apply Early: Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Follow Instructions for Specific Visa Type: Different visa types have different requirements.
  • Health and Travel Insurance: Some visa applications require proof of health or travel insurance.
  • Check for Country-Specific Requirements: Some countries may have additional requirements based on diplomatic relations with Cameroon.
  • Be Truthful: Provide honest information and genuine documents.

Additional Required Documents for Minors (Under 20)

  • Birth Certificate: A copy of the applicant's birth certificate.
  • Letter of Consent: A NOTARIZED letter of consent signed by both parents, specifying who will be traveling with the child and authorizing the Consulate to issue a visa to the child.
  • Parents' Proof of Status:
    • If the parents of the minor are of Cameroonian origin, the parents' ORIGINAL Cameroonian passports and copies of their US immigration documents (Green Card, I-20, etc) must be provided.
    • If the parents are not of Cameroonian origin, a copy of the passport information pages must be provided.
  • Third Party Proof of Status:
    • If the minor is traveling with a third party of Cameroonian origin, the party's ORIGINAL Cameroonian passport and copies of his or her US immigration documents (Green Card, I-20, etc) must be provided.
    • If the third party is not of Cameroonian origin, a copy of the passport information pages must be provided.

Other Important Considerations

  • Passport: You must provide your signed passport. Use a trackable envelope (USPS, FedEx or UPS).
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry and exit. The vaccine date on the yellow vaccination record card must be at least 10 days old before arrival in the country.

Exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination:

Read also: Types of Egypt Visas

  • Transit passengers not leaving the airport.
  • Children under 1 year of age.

Health and Safety

Cameroon, like any destination, has both safe and potentially risky areas. It's essential to stay informed about the current situation and follow travel advisories issued by your government.

  • Recommended: Malaria prophylaxis. Malaria risk - mainly in the malignant (P. falciparum) form - exists throughout the year in the whole country. P. falciparum resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reported. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
  • Terrorism: Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa are active in Far North, North, and Adamawa Regions of Cameroon. Terrorist attacks are most common outside major towns, especially in the regions bordering Nigeria and Chad.
  • Crime: Violent and opportunistic crime is prevalent throughout the country including major cities. Foreigners in Cameroon have been victims of all types of crime including murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, theft, armed robbery, and home invasion.
  • Road Conditions and Safety: Cameroon's roads networks are poorly maintained and not well lit. During the rainy season from April to November, many roads are not passable even with four-wheel-drive vehicles.
  • Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and other public facilities, many of which are unmarked. You could be fined, have your photographic equipment confiscated, or be detained or arrested.

Visa Application Services by VisaHQ

Planning an adventure to Cameroon? Applying for a Cameroon Tourist E-visa from the United States is now seamless with VisaHQ. Say goodbye to tedious embassy visits, confusing paperwork, and long waiting times. VisaHQ welcomes applicants of all nationalities residing in the United States to apply for the Cameroon Tourist E-Visa. Begin Your Cameroon Tourist E-Visa Application with VisaHQ Today! Don’t let complex visa processes slow you down. Apply for your Cameroon Tourist E-visa through VisaHQ and enjoy a fast, secure, and stress-free experience. Start your application now, and let VisaHQ manage the details while you immerse yourself in planning your unforgettable adventure! Apply Now and Discover the VisaHQ Advantage!

Service Description
VisaHQ online consultation VisaHQ will proofread the application and assist with assembling the paperwork
Pre-check documents Submit the online form and upload copies of supporting documents for specialist to review
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