Cameroon
About
| Cameroon's biggest non-religious festival, which takes place in Maroua in December, is a lively spectacle of parades, shows, cultural events and happy celebration. Lobéké is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. Visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower for the best chance of viewing these and a variety of animals, such as elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, red river hog, yellow-backed duiker and bongo antelope. Towering at 4,095m (13,435ft), the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa's highest active volcano is a popular mountaineering destination. Bueau, a pretty colonial town complete with red postboxes, provides an excellent base and the climb takes three to four days Exploring Korup National Park Africa's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest hosts a wide variety of primates, birds, trees and other plants, including dozens of recently discovered species, while fording waist-high pools in 100% humidity. |
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| Capital: | Yaoundé (YAO) |
| Currency: | Central African CFA Franc (XAF) |
| Language: | French and English. 200 local languages are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 237 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right (a Cameroonian driving licence is recommended and can be obtained within 24 hours for a small fee) |
| Best Time to Go: | November – February |
| Best for: | "Africa in Miniature" |
| Plugs: | 110/220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited and not recommended for international travellers. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | The north is predominantly Muslim and religious customs should be respected, particularly during Ramadan. Elsewhere traditional beliefs may be predominant and should be respected. Cameras should be used with discretion. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Do not photograph military installations or personnel, or government buildings. Homosexuality is illegal. Identification should be carried at all times. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Car hire is limited and expensive. Driving is not recommended due to high number of accidents. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Cameroon without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco. • 1L of spirits and 3L of wine. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. |
Issuing Authorities
Cameroon High Commission
80 Marais Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0075
PO Box 13790, Hatfield, 0025
Tel: (012) 460 0341/0587
Email: info@camhicom.co.za
Web: www.camhighcomsa.com
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 11; Mar 31; Apr 18; May 1, 20, 29; Jun 7; Aug 15; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 11; Mar 20; Apr 3; May 1, 14, 20, 27; Aug 15; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Applications can be made online at: www.evisacam.cm
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Online pre-registration by the applicant, by opening an account on the consular services portal (www.evisacam.cm)
2. Payment of fees online, via various methods (credit card and mobile payment). The applicant receives notification of proof of payment by e-mail. The proof of payment is also available in the applicant's space on the portal. The visa application becomes effective only after payment of the online fee.
3. The application is processed by the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office that is legally competent or geographically close to the applicant. If the application is approved, an online visa authorization with a QR Code is sent to the applicant by e-mail. This document is also available in the applicant's space on the portal. With this document, applicants can travel to Cameroon
4. Biometric enrolment and visa printing. This takes place either at the entry border post. The visa sticker is then affixed to the applicant's passport.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
- A passport or other travel document valid for at least six (06) months.
- A return plane ticket or circular transport ticket.
- International vaccination certificates.
- Proof of the purpose of the visit, as well as sufficient means of subsistence.
- A certificate of accommodation issued by the person who will be hosting the visitor, endorsed by the local mayor, or a firm hotel reservation for the planned duration of the stay.
- A mission order, if applicable.
- A certificate of the applicant's address.
- Proof of the applicant's profession.
Visa Processing Time
Visas cannot be applied for more than 6 months prior to travel. It is recommended to apply at least 10 days before travel.
Under normal procedures, the visa is issued within 72 hours of payment of the online fee. This time is reduced to 24 hours for express procedures.
Visa Validity
- 30 days maximum for transit visas
- 180 days maximum for a short-stay visa
Visa Cost
- 153€ for a normal short-stay visa (1 to 180 days)
- 305€ for a normal long-stay visa (181 to 360 days)
- 229€ for a short-stay express visa (1 to 180 days)
- 153€ for a transit visa (4 to 30 days).
SA Representative
SA High Commission
Rue 1801, Bastos, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Tel: +237 222 20 0440 /0438/ 1175
E-mail: yaounde.visa@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/cameroon/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
