Entry formalities

A touristic visa is delivered by the diplomatic and consular offices of Cameroon to foreigners coming for a pleasure trip. It remains valid for 30 days and is not renewable, but allows several ways in and out. Tourists coming from countries where Cameroon is not represented can get this visa to the boarder post (tourists coming in package tour as well).

Required documents for a touristic visa are :
• A valid passport
• A return flight ticket
• An international vaccination certificate
• Two recent passport photos
• An accommodation certificate or a hotel booking
• A visa requirement form collected in a consulate or asked for by mail, filled in and signed; please join a stamped envelope with your address, ready to be sent back.

Health

An international vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required. It is strongly recommended to prevent your self against malaria before the trip. Pets are also committed to customary sanitary rules, in particular regarding rabies. Cameroon has high level health structures, with reference hospitals in Douala and Yaoundé, and a good sanitary network all over the national territory.

Customs

Tourists benefit of the temporary import exemption system for the following personal use items: jewels which weigh less than 500g, clothes and linen, cats and dogs, two small camera with 10 film rollers each, a small cine-camera with 10 film rollers, a portable television and radio, a portable video-tape recorder, binoculars, small camping and sports items, toiletries, baby carriages, three litres of wine, one litres of spirits ; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars.
As far as weapons and ammunition are concerned, an import license is required.
To export products of animal origin : ask for an authorization from the administration in charge of the environment.
To export works of art (wooden, iron objects etc.) : get in touch with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, mines and Craft Industry.

Departure tax

Departure tax on leaving Cameroon is: 10,000 F CFA, i.e.15.50 Euros for international flights, and 1,000 F CFA, i.e. 1.6 Euros for internal flights.

Currency / Exchange

The CFA Franc has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro i.e. 1 Euro = 656 F CFA.
Banks are generally open from 7.00am to 3.00pm
Exchange can be done only in banks, upper-class hotels, and some tourist information offices.
Some credit cards are accepted in upper-class hotels.

Taking photographs

In the larger towns and throughout the Cameroon territory, photography is permitted except for presidential palaces, airfields, military zones and installations, security and defence personnel and situations liable to harm the customs and good reputation of the country.
During official events and for commercial photographs, it is recommended to get a special pass from the communication ministry.
Taking photographs inside national parks is subjected to taxes fixed by camera.
If you wish to take photographs or film people, it is recommended to ask for their consent.

Transports

Town collective taxi costs 200 F CFA, i.e. 0.30 Euros.
For an individual journey in town, the price is to be discussed but generally, it is 1,500 F CFA (i.e. 2.30 Euros as a minimum).
A daytime journey to the airport costs 3,500 F CFA (i.e. 5.50 Euros), and 5,000 F CFA (i.e. 8 Euros) at night after 6pm.
A regular minibus and bus service connects the main towns of Cameroon.
Connections inside the country can also be done by airplanes and trains.
Aerodromes exist in Ngaoundéré, Bertoua, Bafoussam and Maroua.
A railway called “the transcamerounais”, is more than 1,500 Km long and crosses the country from West to East.
It connects Douala in Ngaoundéré by way of Yaoundé.
In villages and urban areas, bush taxis regularly operate the transport of travellers.
Road toll : 500 F CFA by vehicle and by tollgate.

Electricity

220 Volts, European standard plugs.

Telephone

International dialling code: 237 + 8 numbers for the local phone number.

Restaurants

Foreign tourist will find in Cameroon an international cuisine in upper-class hotels and restaurants in the larger towns.
However, Cameroon’s gastronomy is particularly rich (fish, game, fresh fruits), and deserves a try.
Many restaurants are at your disposal throughout the country.

Local time

Time zone : GMT + 1
During winter, there is no time-lag with respect to France.
During summer, local time is an hour less than GMT time.

Office hours

From Monday to Friday.
Public services are open from 07.30am to 3.30pm and banks from 07.30am to 2.30pm.
Shops remain open until 6.00pm, even on Saturdays.

Additional advice

Take light clothes (cloth, cotton or linen), sunglasses, a hat, woollen garments to wear at night.
A raincoat could be useful as well. Avoid synthetic fabrics. In restaurants and bars, tips are accepted.