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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Cameroon...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We strongly advise you not to travel to the border area with the Central African Republic. Cross-border skirmishes are common in this region, and armed robberies, kidnappings and carjackings also occur.
We strongly advise you not to travel to the disputed border area between Cameroon and Nigeria in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. Tensions there are high between the police and security personnel of both countries and you risk being caught up in localised fighting that may erupt without warning.
You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings throughout Cameroon as they may become violent.
Crime
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Cameroon because of the risk of serious criminal activity.
Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Criminal activity is a serious problem throughout Cameroon. Violent crime is common in residential centres and on rural highways. Armed highwaymen operate in the three provinces of Adamaoua, the North, and the Far North. Armed banditry is common in the border areas with the Central African Republic. Carjackings, muggings, robberies and petty theft occur in the capital city, Yaounde, and in the regional cities of Douala, Kribi and Maroua. In Yaounde, the suburbs of la Briquetterie, Mokolo and Mvog-Ada are particularly dangerous. There have been several incidents of robbery and rape committed against foreigners in Douala.
Local Travel
Police checkpoints are common in Cameroon and the police may request payments from drivers and other occupants of the vehicle. If you can't produce identification (residence permit or certified copy of your passport) you may be detained by the police.
Most roads are in poor condition, vehicles poorly maintained and badly driven, and road lighting is inadequate. Poor road conditions make it difficult to depart Cameroon via the land border with Gabon.
The border with the Republic of Congo is closed.
Visitors to the Lake Chad area should report to local authorities on arrival. The local authorities advise visitors to engage a reliable guide due to the dangerous security situation.
Natural Disasters
The rainy season is June to September when flooding may occur and some roads become impassable.
Explosions and lava flows occurred at Mont Cameroon in May 2000 and you should seek advice from local authorities before climbing.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for serious crimes, such as homicide, include the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include prison sentences.
Photography of and around military zones, military assets and/or military personnel, government buildings, airports and ports is illegal.
Cameroon is a very conservative society and you should dress and behave so as not to offend.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for the most up to date information. Information is also available from Citizenship and Immigration Cameroon.
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cameroon for the most up to date information.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Cameroon.
Cameroon is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Health Issues
Medical facilities in urban areas of Cameroon are limited and are inadequate in the rural areas.
Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Cameroon. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophylaxis against malaria and using an insect repellent. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis, bilharzia, tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and uncooked food.. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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