Last Updated: 3 March 2023
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Do not travel to North, Far North, Northwest, Southwest Regions, and parts of East and Adamawa Regions due to crime and kidnapping. Do not travel to Far North Region due to terrorism. Do not travel to Northwest and Southwest Regions due to armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2022 ranks Cameroon 142 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a low state of peace.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yaoundé and Douala as being CRITICAL-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cameroon, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Cameroon is 17. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
High unemployment and an under-equipped police force continue to fuel criminality in Yaoundé, Douala, and other cities. An influx of refugees fleeing conflicts in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria has strained Cameroon’s economy, putting pressure on already weak basic social services and exacerbating overcrowding of already densely populated urban and peri-urban areas, especially in the East Region. Cameroon’s borders remain porous, increasing the potential for spillover from neighboring countries. At the same time, the ongoing unrest and resultant humanitarian crisis in the country’s Anglophone regions has displaced more than one million people within the Northwest and Southwest Regions, as well in the neighboring Littoral and West Regions. Lack of access to basic services and livelihood opportunities have increased the vulnerability of displaced persons and led to negative coping mechanisms, including crime and armed banditry, particularly around areas where those fleeing instability have resettled.
Criminal activity is a major concern for the official and private U.S. communities in Cameroon. Most crime is economically motivated. Street crime is endemic in major metropolitan areas, and ranges from opportunistic to violent in nature. Low-level and more sophisticated criminals continue to target wealthy Cameroonians, expatriates, and members of the diplomatic community. Criminals have robbed expatriates as well as locals inside and outside their residences, on the street, in restaurants, and in shops. Pickpockets operate at virtually all large gatherings and soccer matches, as well as at airports. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions or bumping/jostling them, allowing an accomplice to snatch valuables.
Criminals may be armed. Often, thieves use knives or razor blades to cut valuables out of pockets, handbags, or backpacks. Thieves may also draw victims in close and place the tip of a knife or other sharp object in the victim’s side, while leading the victim to an isolated location or crowd before taking or demanding money. Thieves routinely use motorcycles to conduct drive-by snatchings of purses and other valuables. Theft by intimidation or extortion is also a common tactic, with criminal groups brandishing machetes and using them in the face of resistance or non-compliance.
Generally, there are upticks in street crime, thefts from occupied and unoccupied vehicles, residential break-ins, highway banditry, and armed robberies in the months of November and December due to the holidays. These crimes often escalate to violence, especially when victims resist or fight back; victims should comply with the demands of criminals as much as possible. Many crimes involve an “inside man” and target individuals or locations associated with payrolls, money transfers, or large sums of cash.
Theft of items from hotel rooms is common. Home invasions by gangs occur in wealthier neighborhoods, especially at locations without 24-hour guards and residential security enhancements (e.g. perimeter walls, window grilles, solid-core/metal doors).
Carjacking is less common around Yaoundé; however, it remains a concern throughout the country and has led to deadly confrontations.
Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, has increased around Douala and some towns in the Littoral Region. Internal displacement and economic desperation stemming from the Anglophone crisis are likely drivers of this trend.
Commercial scams targeting foreigners, including U.S. citizens, continue to be a problem. The scams generally involve phony offers of lucrative sales/business opportunities and requests for additional funds to pay for unforeseen airport and/or customs fees.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Although crime can occur anywhere, exercise caution in areas of large gatherings, as these locations are common for theft and pocketing to occur. While walking on the street, hold bags, purses, etc. securely on the side of your body opposite the street, as it is common for taxi-motorcycles to drive by and snatch bags. The U.S. Embassy prohibits Chief of Mission personnel from visiting Mokolo Market in Yaoundé and discourages Chief of Mission personnel from visiting Mvog Ada Pakita, Avenue Kennedy and the Mini Ferme neighborhood of the Melen Region of Yaounde due to high incidents of street and violent crime in these areas.
The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in remote and rural areas of Cameroon is extremely limited due to official travel restrictions and security concerns. The U.S. Embassy restricts U.S. official travel to the North and Far North Regions, along with parts of the East Region bordering CAR due to risk of violent crime and terrorism. All Embassy travel to these three regions requires advance coordination with host-nation security forces due to terrorist and criminal activities including attacks and kidnappings. Due to the increasingly violent conflict in the Anglophone regions, the Embassy also restricts official, mission-essential travel to Northwest and Southwest Regions.
Cameroon’s borders with many of its neighbors remain porous, allowing the activities of criminals, terrorist groups, political militants, and other armed actors to spill over into Cameroonian territory from other countries, especially Nigeria, Chad, and CAR. In addition, cross-border migration occurs frequently between Cameroon and its neighbors due to normal commercial activities or instability-driven humanitarian flight. Military operations sometimes cross into Cameroon. Exercise extreme caution within 60 miles of the following Cameroonian borders: Cameroon’s border in the North and Adamawa Regions, which abuts Nigeria’s Adamawa State, as Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham in West Africa (ISIS-WA) elements are active in the area; the border area with Chad due to terrorist activity; and the border areas with the Central Africa Republic due to criminality and the possibility of encountering armed groups.
Avoid travel after dark throughout the country due to the heightened risk for traffic accidents and increased criminality at night.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cameroon, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
The State Department warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the North and Far North Regions because of terrorist threats – including kidnapping – presented by ISIS-WA and Boko Haram. Each group has actively targeted foreign residents, tourists, and government leaders in the North and Far North Region and have reportedly kidnapped at least 37 foreigners altogether since 2013. Since 2015, these groups have carried out dozens of suicide bombings in the North and Far North Regions, including in Maroua; in recent years, successful attacks have been limited to the border areas with Nigeria.
Kidnapping and kidnapping-for-ransom are serious security concerns, especially in the Northwest, Southwest, Far North, North, Adamawa, and East Regions. Boko Haram and ISIS-WA have several years of history engaging in this tactic to raise money for their causes. Criminal elements also frequently engage in this activity for financial gain. Separatist militants and criminals taking advantage of the conflict in Northwest and Southwest Regions have kidnapped Cameroonian government officials, local security force members, and foreigners. Kidnappers – criminal or separatist in nature – frequently employ brutal force against victims and have increasingly targeted locals of all backgrounds. Kidnapping victims have been killed, even after payment of ransom.
Drug Crime
Drug activity does exist in Cameroon. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Cameroon are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. There are also some drugs that may be legal in the United States, but illegal in Cameroon.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Douala and Yaoundé as being MEDIUM-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cameroon, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Cameroon.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2021 ranks Cameroon 11 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a high impact from terrorism.
Terrorism: General Threat
Two Nigeria-based terrorist groups operate in the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon: Boko Haram and ISIS-WA. ISIS-WA, which initially emerged as a splinter group from Boko Haram, is an ISIS-recognized regional affiliate; it has become increasingly active in northeastern Nigeria and neighboring areas of Lake Chad Basin countries over the last year. Since 2015, there have been over 100 documented and reported detonations of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along roadways, in villages, and in local markets in Cameroon by Nigeria-based terrorist groups. Kidnappings of Cameroonian nationals by terrorist groups and suicide bombing attacks have also occurred in the North and Far North Regions. Boko Haram and ISIS-WA each likely aspire to target Westerners for kidnapping and attack.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yaoundé and Douala as being HIGH-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections/Political Stability
Violence in the Northwest and Southwest Regions by the government and separatist parties to the conflict continues unabated; avoid travel to these regions. A U.S. citizen traveling by road died in crossfire between separatists and Cameroonian security forces in the Northwest Region in late 2018. In late 2019, expatriate and NGO workers were caught in a vehicle ambush that was intended for a Cameroonian military convoy.
In the ensuing years, armed separatists have conducted attacks on Cameroonian government security forces and government officials, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen police and gendarmes, and multiple kidnappings of Cameroonian officials. Some of these attacks have involved the use of remotely detonated roadside bombs targeting government and civilian vehicle convoys alike. Suspected separatist militants have also demanded that schools remain shuttered and have allegedly attacked educational buildings that have reopened.
In 2018 and 2019, the conflict increased in intensity and took on an added dimension of violence, with the razing of villages, hospitals, churches, and capital infrastructure, as well as attacks on civilians by both parties to the conflict.
Since June 2020, separatists have attempted and successfully carried out multiple IED attacks in Yaoundé and Douala, and the threat for similar attacks nationwide remains. To date, most IED incidents have targeted areas of large public gatherings, such as populated markets, bars, and road junctions. Even though these IED incidents have, to date, not directly targeted U.S. citizens and the places they frequent, the possibility exists that these armed actors could target Western persons and interests at any time.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Those seeking to assemble and peacefully protest must apply for and receive explicit approval from the government; otherwise, they are in violation of the law.
Demonstrations, ranging from workers’ strikes to political rallies and protests, are common in many major cities in Cameroon, including Yaoundé. Following the 2018 presidential elections, defeated opposition parties have occasionally called for demonstrations. The government usually bans these demonstrations and quickly arrests those attempting to assemble. A large-scale protest in Douala led to police-involved non-lethal shooting of members of the opposition leadership with rubber projectiles and water cannons. Ongoing political disputes, including the government’s detention of senior opposition leaders, increase the potential for demonstrations. Avoid large gatherings; even peaceful demonstrations can escalate to violence.
For the past several years, there has been a political crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions due of years of feelings of marginalization of Anglophone Cameroonians. Since 2016, the area has experienced widespread civil unrest that included walkouts and work stoppages that shuttered schools and businesses. Owners of stores and markets staged organized closures of storefronts, disrupting services. Elements of those expressing discontent subsequently have called for secession from Cameroon; the government often responds with violence.
The expression of anti-government sentiment has led to the detention of dual U.S.-Cameroonian nationals.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The Cameroonian National Police and Gendarmerie (Defense Ministry) are the nation’s primary law enforcement organizations, providing traditional policing services as well as security and anti-terrorism operations throughout the country. Due to the continued terrorist activities in the Far North and North Regions, political violence in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, and border instability in the East Region, Police and Gendarmerie resources are stretched thin and are not adequate to conduct traditional law enforcement activities at the appropriate level needed in this critical crime-threat environment.
Police Response
Local law enforcement and security personnel struggle to deter and respond to criminal activities. Police response is often delayed and non-existent in some areas; perpetrators of crimes are rarely caught. Police and security forces lack training and equipment. The Police and Gendarmerie often lack transportation and/or the fuel required to respond to calls for assistance. In some cases, police and security force members have colluded with criminal elements and/or perpetrated criminal acts. Checkpoints and roadblocks often serve as a venue for police, military forces, and gendarmes to extort bribes from travelers.
U.S. citizens encountering difficulties should contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy. Any U.S. citizens detained by local authorities should remain calm, be non-confrontational, and request to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately. You may need to repeat these requests.
The Government of Cameroon does not recognize the dual citizenship of Cameroonian nationals, even if they hold U.S. passports. As a result, authorities have detained dual Cameroonian nationals for prolonged periods, and the Embassy’s Consular Affairs Section has encountered difficulties in accessing dual U.S.-Cameroonian nationals in custody.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
Police: Dial 17 on landlines or 117 on cell phones
Fire: Dial 18 on landlines or 118 on cell phones
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Cameroon’s road networks (paved and unpaved) are poorly maintained and unsafe even in major cities. During the rainy season, many roads are impassable, even with four-wheel drive vehicles. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards, especially at night. There are few road and traffic signs. Roadways are often unlighted, making travel dangerous; there are few streetlights, even in major cities.
Drivers frequently disregard road safety rules. Authorities enforce speed limits minimally, except for the major routes between Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda. Speed traps and checkpoints on highways catch unsuspecting motorists and result in fines of approximately $50 USD. The maximum national speed limit is 110 km/hour. Very serious, often-fatal speed-related accidents are common on the major highways. Drive defensively and be alert to the possibility of passing vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Vehicles are generally poorly maintained, and mechanisms or requirements to inspect vehicles for roadworthiness are unevenly enforced. In 2013, the government passed a law requiring that a basic safety kit should be in all vehicles; roadside checkpoints will stop and conduct vehicle inspections for these items. However, untrained, government-backed private safety associations staff these checkpoints, and in doing so, create road traffic and hazards by stopping vehicles at unsafe locations along major highways.
Cameroon has experienced a resurgence in road banditry in the Adamawa, East, Far North, North, Northwest, and Southwest Regions. Road bandits (coupeurs de route) have targeted public buses and resorted to violence to control passengers. Separatist-related attacks on public transportation and infrastructure have also taken place since 2018 in the Anglophone regions, including blocking of roads, destruction of bridges, stopping of vehicles, and even violence against motorists; at least one bus driver was murdered. Separatists and Cameroonian security forces heavily contest authority over major transit arteries, increasing risk of wrong place/wrong time violence to road travelers.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Avoid all travel by public transportation and hire private transport from a reliable source. The U.S. Embassy prohibits its personnel from using taxis. Vehicles do not meet Western safety standards and are poorly maintained and often overcrowded. Minibuses, buses, trains, and ferries are in poor mechanical condition and often filled well beyond their intended capacity. Violent assaults on taxi passengers are common. Petty theft is prevalent, particularly on trains, buses, and taxis.
Bus accidents are frequent and result in significant numbers of fatalities every year. Buses are always overcrowded and often poorly maintained and are driven in an unsafe manner at dangerous speeds, sometimes resulting in mass-casualty accidents.
When traveling by train, purchase an entire sleeper cabin to reduce the likelihood of harassment, theft, and pickpocketing. In October 2016, there was a major train derailment that killed 70 passengers and injured more than 500 others.
The Hilton and Mont Febe hotels offer a shuttle service between downtown Yaoundé and the airport. Travelers are encouraged to use this service or retain the services of a reputable private transport company such as EasyRide.
Make sure any car you rent has adequate insurance, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company (rather than the car rental office). If you are hiring a driver and car, make sure you are not liable for any accident or damage.
Aviation Concerns
Cameroon has experienced four major air transport-related accidents in the past two decades. Temporary airport closures have occurred due to poor illumination and/or lack of electricity. The state-owned airline, Camair-Co, has had several recent safety incidents, including a tail strike at Bafoussam Airport (BFX) in March 2019, being struck by small arms weapons while landing in Bamenda (BPC) in December 2019, and a forced landing in Garoua (GOU) in April 2019. These mishaps involved Camair-Co’s Chinese-built Xian MA-60 aircraft. The U.S. Embassy recommends avoiding flights to Cameroon that transit Bangui M’Poko Airport (BGF) in CAR due to potential unrest in Bangui. In May 2021, a Camair-Co aircraft outran the runway at the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI), leading to an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.
As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cameroon, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cameroon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Piracy emanating from Nigeria presents an ongoing challenge for regional maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The majority of GoG piracy events occur in or near Nigerian waters. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship property are common and may occur near coastal areas or deep waters off the coasts of other GoG countries as well, including Cameroon. Pirates and armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Pirates have targeted foreign, and particularly Western personnel for kidnappings for ransom, likely due to kidnappers’ perceptions that they can exact higher ransoms for their release. In such cases, they have transferred victims to other vessels or even taken them ashore to hideouts. Nigerian pirates are generally involved in such events.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Significant human rights issues include credible reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings by the government and nonstate armed groups; forced disappearances by the government; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government and nonstate armed groups; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrests or detention; political prisoners or detainees; serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; punishment of family members for offenses allegedly committed by an individual; serious abuses in a conflict, including abductions and unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers by nonstate armed groups; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, including violence, threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists, censorship, and criminal libel laws; substantial interference with the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including overly restrictive laws on the organization, funding, or operation of nongovernmental organizations and civil society organizations; serious restrictions on freedom of movement; inability of citizens to change their government peacefully through free and fair elections; serious and unreasonable restrictions on political participation; serious government corruption; lack of investigations and accountability for gender-based violence; trafficking in persons; crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex persons; and the existence or use of laws criminalizing same-sex sexual conduct between adults.
Although the government took some steps to identify, investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses or corruption, it did not do so systematically and rarely held public proceedings. Impunity remained a serious problem.
Armed separatists, Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, and criminal gangs also committed human rights abuses, some of which were investigated by the government.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
The law prohibits sexual harassment. Offenders can be subject to imprisonment for periods of six months to one year and a monetary fine. If the victim is a minor, the penalty can be one to three years in prison. If the offender is the victim’s teacher, the penalty can increase to three to five years in prison. Despite these legal provisions, sexual harassment is widespread, and there were no reports that anyone was fined or imprisoned for sexual harassment, in part due to sexual harassment victims’ reluctance to file official complaints for fear of reprisal and or stigmatization.
The law criminalizes rape and provides penalties of between five and ten years of imprisonment for convicted rapists. Police and courts rarely investigate or prosecute rape cases and victims often do not report them. The law does not address spousal rape.
The law does not specifically prohibit domestic violence, although assault is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment and fines.
The constitution provides women and men the same legal status and rights. The government, however, often did not enforce the law. In practice, women did not enjoy the same rights and privileges as men. Although local government officials claimed women had access to land in their constituencies, the overall sociocultural practice of denying women the right to own land, especially through inheritance, was prevalent in most regions. The government did not implement any official discriminatory policy against women in such areas as divorce, child custody, employment, credit, pay, owning or managing business or property, education, the judicial process, or housing. There were legal restrictions to women’s employment in some occupations and industries. Within the private sector, fewer women occupied positions of responsibility.
The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Cameroon has a score of 2.6 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.
Consider composite scores given to Cameroon by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Cameroon, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of six months to five years and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 CFA francs ($35-$353). Cameroon’s rate of enforcement of laws targeting the LGBTI+ community is among the highest in the world. Over the past few years, authorities have brought charges against scores of LGBTI+ people under the Criminal Code. Cameroonian society includes a strongly homophobic current; not only does the public and media condemn homosexuality, but religious figures also strongly oppose it.
In May 2021, authorities arrested two transgender individuals convicted them after they were sitting in a restaurant with no evidence or same-sex sexual activity, which creates a precedence of criminalizing even the appearance of homosexuality. LGBTI+ individuals face social stigmatization, harassment, and discrimination. Police and civilians may extort money from presumed LGBTI+ individuals with the threat of exposure or arrest. Suspected members of the LGBTI+ community have received anonymous threats by phone, text, and email.
The constitution provides for equal rights for all citizens, but the law does not explicitly prohibit discrimination against LGBTI+ persons in housing, employment, nationality, and access to government services such as health care. Security forces sometimes harass persons on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, including individuals found with condoms and lubricants. Fear of exposure affects willingness to access HIV/AIDS services, and HIV-positive men who had sex with men report also partnering with women, in part to conceal their sexual orientation. Anecdotal reports suggest some discrimination occurs in places of employment with respect to sexual orientation.
The misconception that members of the LGBTI+ community do not hold legal rights because homosexuality is against the law is prevalent, and has prompted police officers and civilians to stigmatize, harass, and oppress LGBTI+ people. Police and civilians may extort money from presumed LGBTI+ individuals with the threat of exposure or arrest.
The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Cameroon has a score of 18/100, ranking 170 out of 198 countries on the index.
Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
The constitution protects the rights of all persons, including persons with disabilities. A 2010 law provides additional protection to persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The protections under the law cover access to education and vocational training, employment, health services, information and cultural activities, communications, buildings, sports and leisure, transportation, housing, and other state services. Public education is free for persons with disabilities and children born of parents with disabilities. Initial vocational training, medical treatment, and employment must be provided “when possible,” and public assistance “when needed.” However, the government does not enforce these provisions effectively. Persons with disabilities also do not receive adequate protection in conflict zones.
Some infrastructure projects have been made accessible to persons with mobility issues. However, persons with disabilities generally face limited access to transportation, public buildings, hotels, and communication accommodations. There are few sidewalks and no curb cuts, and most buildings lack elevators.
Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
The constitution states in its preamble that the State shall protect “minorities and preserve the rights of indigenous populations in accordance with the law,” but it does not mention specific categories that qualify as minorities or indigenous populations. The laws and regulations on decentralization and elections also protect the rights of minorities by requiring that lists of candidates reflect the sociological landscape of constituencies, or that the office of president of a regional council or city mayor be held by a native of the constituency. The government made efforts to enforce these provisions, but some forms of discrimination and violence persisted.
There has been some stigma towards persons of Asian descent during the COVID-19 era. Generally, all religious groups are tolerated equally in Cameroon. Ethnic minorities issues are more internal amongst Cameroonians versus being directed at non-Cameroonians.
Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There have been no reports of any widespread anti-U.S. or anti-Western incidents or sentiment since 2015. However, the potential for lone actor terror attacks motivated by anti-Western or anti-U.S. sentiment remains.
Concerns Involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
Corruption exists throughout Cameroon; it is not uncommon for travelers to be stopped at police or Gendarme checkpoints along major roadways and asked for a bribe or generally harassed. The U.S. Embassy advises against paying bribe money to security forces.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively. There are numerous reports of government corruption. Officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity. The law identifies different offenses as corruption, including influence peddling, involvement in a prohibited employment, and failure to declare conflict of interest. Reporting corruption is encouraged through exempting whistleblowers from criminal proceedings. Corruption in official examinations is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a substantial monetary fine, or both. In addition to the laws, the National Anticorruption Agency (CONAC), the Special Criminal Court, the National Financial Investigation Agency, the Ministry in Charge of Supreme State Audit, and the Audit Bench of the Supreme Court also contribute to fighting corruption in the country. CONAC, the most prominent of the anticorruption agencies, is constrained by the absence of a law empowering it to combat corruption. There are reports that senior officials sentenced to prison are not always required to forfeit ill-gotten gains.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Cameroon 142 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.
Communication Issues
The government closely monitors media broadcasts. Security forces have restricted press freedom by arresting, detaining, physically abusing, threatening, and otherwise harassing journalists. In January and February 2023, two prominent journalists were murdered in Yaoundé. Both journalists had reported on embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. Both cases remain open as of the writing of this report.
Generally, the Cameroonian government does not restrict internet access and specific websites except during periods of extreme civil unrest and, occasionally, in advance of major anniversaries or political events. During periods of heightened unrest or insecurity, however, there is a heightened risk of communications disruptions that may affect internet access, social media, mobile messaging, and cellular voice calls. These disruptions may be localized or nationwide. The government operates and tightly controls the country’s largest telecommunications system, Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL).
The law provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, but the government often restricts this right, explicitly or implicitly. Government failure to investigate or prosecute attacks on human rights defenders and peaceful protesters leads to de facto restrictions on the freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Travelers should be cautious when publishing on personal social media accounts information or opinions that criticize and highlight perceived shortcomings of the Cameroonian government.
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Cameroon 118 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom in the World report rates Cameroon’s freedom of speech as not free.
Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.
Health Concerns
Medical and life safety services are limited in Cameroon. Medical facilities in Cameroon do not approach the U.S. standard. Services may be nonexistent in many rural areas. A shortage of trained specialists, outdated diagnostic equipment, poor sanitation, and insufficient medications hamper emergency care and hospitalization. These issues are even more severe in rural areas. Non-French speakers will face language barriers at health facilities in many parts of the country.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Cameroon. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to travel.
All travelers must have up-to-date immunizations and a yellow fever vaccination in their shot record. Enforcement takes place prior to boarding outbound flights, as well as prior to passing through immigration on inbound flights. Travelers without documented immunization may receive a mandatory vaccine at the airport.
The following diseases are prevalent: Malaria, Schistosomiasis, Cholera, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Meningitis, Polio, Tuberculosis, and HIV. Malaria is endemic; consult a physician for anti-malaria medication prior to travel.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, available both over the counter and by prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase in Cameroon with little control. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Purchase medication in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
Cameroon may not allow the importation of some medication. Avoid carrying any prohibited medication. Review Cameroon rules on medication or contact the Ministry of Health's Directorate of Pharmacies and Medications.
U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners overseas. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
The air quality 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, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- People with heart disease or diabetes
- People who work or are active outdoors
In wild animal parks, heed all instructions given by guides or trackers. Use common sense and maintain a safe distance around wildlife. Even in the most serene settings, wild animals pose a lethal threat. There have also been reports of armed poachers attacking tourists.
Review OSAC’s reports, When Wildlife Attacks and Best Practices for a Safe Safari.
Review OSAC’s report, Central Asia Earthquake Preparedness.
Cybersecurity Concerns
The Embassy and members of federal law enforcement have identified a wide range of internet scams based in Cameroon. These schemes cover a broad spectrum of bogus activities, including child adoptions, insurance claims, dating scams, real estate, and the offers of goods and services, such as domestic services, agricultural products, antiques, and exotic/domesticated animals. Often, these cyber scams involve “advance fee” requests; frequently, victims receive little to nothing in return.
In 2016, a U.S. citizen was the victim of attempted blackmail at the hands of an individual he had met via social media. During several video chat sessions, the victim participated in consensual, sexually explicit activity. The individual recorded the activity and threatened to turn the video over to the police as part of a criminal complaint unless the victim met the individual’s demand for money.
A recent development in cyber scams has been sending threatening emails via text message, WhatsApp, or other social media, demanding that recipients demonstrate they have “chosen a side” in the Anglophone crisis – either the separatists’ or the government’s – by sending mobile funds to the scammer. Scammer affiliation with separatist elements or the government is immaterial; they may be unaffiliated criminals exploiting the crisis for financial gain.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
The Cameroonian government controls the country’s largest telecommunications system (CAMTEL). Be cautious with telecommunications activity and use a virtual private network (VPN) for any proprietary, personal, or otherwise private information.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
There have been reports of landmines planted and neutralized in areas near the border of Nigeria and Chad, frequently used by insurgents. Do not travel to these areas.
Import/Export Restrictions
Cameroon restricts the importation and exportation of certain items. Strict import and export regulations, particularly regarding pharmaceuticals and wood products, are enforced. It is illegal to buy, sell, kill, or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a license, including ivory. Offenders will be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence or a fine for buying or trafficking in these goods.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and other public facilities, many of which are unmarked. Authorities could confiscate your photographic equipment or fine, detain, or arrest you. Do not take photos of people without their permission.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Travelers should always carry a government-issued form of identification while in Cameroon.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
There is a serious lack of infrastructure in most of the country, even in major cities. Power grids are unreliable, power surges and wide-scale blackouts are common. Many neighborhoods lack running or potable water.
There is a noticeable lack of Western-branded, service industry-oriented businesses. In the major cities, only a handful of hotels meet Western standards.
The Government of Cameroon routinely restricts access to internet and mobile communications during periods of civil unrest and in advance of major anniversaries or political events. Affected communication methods include SMS, image sharing, and social media access. Restrictions normally affect localized areas, including in major cities. Due to Cameroon’s limited telecommunications infrastructure, the quality of voice calls may degrade during communications restrictions, and increased user volume may overwhelm capacity. Travelers should ensure they have redundant communications systems and sufficient training to use these systems.
OSAC Country Chapters
The OSAC chapter in Cameroon includes members in Douala and Yaoundé and rotates meetings between each city.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks (in the Mbankolo Quartier, adjacent to the Mount Febe Golf Club), Yaoundé. Tel: +237 22220-1500. Hours: Monday-Thursday 0730-1700; Friday 0730-1230.
U.S. Embassy Branch Office: Douala, Tel: +237 23342-53-31 / 03-03 / 34-34
Trustworthy News Sources
- Print publications: Le Jour, L’Oeil du Sahel, Mutations, Cameroon Tribune
- Radio: ABK Radio (Douala, 89.9 FM), Kalak FM (Yaoundé, 94.5 FM), Magic FM (Yaoundé, 100.1), CRTV Radio (nationwide)
Other Helpful Info
