Cameroon Visa Requirements – Application and Types
Why do foreign nationals like visiting Cameroon, even though the country is perceived as being a middle-economy country? It’s the culture, the people, and the warmth! Cameroonians welcome visitors who fulfill the Cameroon Visa Requirements and are glad to share their culture, food, and jokes. In addition, Cameroonians love to crack jokes. The “joie de vivre” is just contagious.
Cameroon is a product of German, French, and English colonization. In 1960, the French-colonized part of Cameroon became independent and was quickly joined in 1961 by English-colonized southern Cameroon. In present-day Cameroon, two different regions compete – the English-speaking regions, which account for 20% of the population, and the French-speaking regions, which form 80% of the population.
Cameroon Visa Requirements reflect the diversity in the country. As we explore the various types of visas to Cameroon, we will learn about countries that are exempt from a Cameroon visa and those that are eligible. We will also learn how to apply for a Cameroon visa and answer other questions in the FAQ section. Here’s all you need to know about Cameroon Visa Requirements – Application and Types.
Cameroon’s Visa Policy
Cameroon permits nationalities of six countries to enter without a visa for a stay of about 90 days. The countries are the Central Africa Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Holders of Diplomatic passports from China, Italy, or Turkey, may enter Cameroon without a visa. Soon, holders of Diplomatic passports from Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates will also have this benefit.
Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa to Cameroon from a Cameroonian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Cameroon visas are issued for single or multiple entries. This means that a holder of a single-entry visa can only enter and exit Cameroon once. Still, a holder of a multiple-entry visa can enter and exit the country many times within the validity period.
Cameroon Visa Types
Cameroon issues two main types of visas, and these are further broken into various categories.
- Cameroon Short-Stay Visa
Cameroon short-stay visa is issued to foreign nationals with a 30 to 90 days validity period. This short-stay visa is further grouped into different categories.
1a. Transit Visa
The Cameroon Transit Visa is issued to travelers who must pass through the country to a third destination. However, a transit visa would not be necessary if the traveler continues the journey with the same plane, will not leave the airport and will leave Cameroon within 24 hours.
Travelers staying in Cameroon before an onward journey to a third destination must obtain a transit visa with a validity period of 5 days.
1b. Tourist visa
A Cameroon Tourist Visa is for foreign nationals who want to enter the country for tourism and sightseeing. This visa is for a validity period of 30 days,
1c. Business Visa
The Business Visa is for foreign nationals entering Cameroon to conduct business activities like seminars, workshops, conferences, or contracts. First, however, they must receive an invitation letter from an organization in Cameroon.
1d. Family Visit Visa
This is a short-stay visa for visiting family or friends in Cameroon.
- Cameroon Long-Stay Visa
This visa type is for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Cameroon for longer than three months or at least six months. The visa is further broken down into categories.
2a. Work Visa
Cameroon Work Visa is for foreign nationals coming into the country to take up employment at any indigenous organization. However, for this purpose, the foreign national must obtain a work permit with which they can process a work visa to Cameroon.
2b. Study Visa
Students coming into Cameroon must obtain a long-stay study visa to stay in the country for their studies. A holder of the Cameroon Study Visa will also be allowed to work for a few hours a week for their study in Cameroon.
2c. Courtesy or Diplomatic Visa
This special visa is for diplomats, government officials, or members of international organizations who have official passports and want to visit Cameroon. This visa allows for a stay of up to six months.
General Requirements for a Cameroon Visa
The following are visa application requirements that cut across all Cameroon visa categories:
1. A Passport with at least six months validity
2. Proof of return to your country of residence or continuation to a third country, e.g., airplane ticket
3. Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever
4. Two recent identical color photos
5. Two visa application forms completed
6. Travel Insurance
Other Specific Requirements for a Cameroon Visa
Apart from the above-mentioned general requirements, each Cameroon visa type has specific requirements.
Transit Visa Requirements
- A Visa or authorization to enter a third country
- Transit visa fee
Tourist Visa Requirements
- An invitation from a Cameroon Travel Agency or Tourist Operator (if any)
- Proof of hotel reservation confirmed by the hotel manager, indicating the tourist’s name in full, as well as dates and duration of stay or
- Lodging certificate provided by the Community Office of the locality where the tourist will be staying, Immigration or Police Authorities
- Proof of sufficient funds
Study Visa Requirements
- A Letter of Acceptance by a Cameroonian University or Higher Institution
- Proof of funds
- Medical Insurance
- Confirmation that the applicant will leave the country at the end of their study period
Business visa Requirements
- Invitation Letter from the Cameroonian company stating the reasons for the visit
- A signed work contract from Cameroon (if applicable)
Family Visit Requirements
- A letter of invitation from a family member or friend. A Cameroonian authority must sign it
Diplomatic/Official Visa Requirements
- A verbal note
- A Mission Order that gives information about the visit, dates, and other relevant details. It must be signed by the authority of the institution to which the applicant belongs.
Vaccines Recommended for a Visit to Cameroon
The most critical vaccine that a visitor must provide proof of is the yellow fever vaccine. You will be able to get a yellow fever vaccination certificate within ten days after taking the vaccine. However, if you do not plan it properly, you may arrive in Cameroon within the waiting period, and you will not be allowed entry without the certificate.
Other recommended vaccinations are:
- Cholera and Diarrhoea. Travelers can get sick from contaminated food and water. Be sure to add a traveler’s diarrhea kit to your luggage.
- Meningitis. If visiting between December and June, this is a recommended vaccine.
- Malaria and Dengue fever. Mosquitoes bear these diseases, and you must carry a mosquito repellent. In addition, a full dose of antimalarial medication is a must-have. Let your doctor advise you on the one that’s best for you.
Application for a Cameroon Visa
Please, note that Cameroon does not allow visas on arrival or eVisa. Therefore, all visa requests must be completed at a Cameroon Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
Step #1. Set up an appointment with a Cameroon embassy closest to you
Step #2. Fill out a Cameroon Visa Application Form
Step #3. Gather the required documents and submit
Step #4. Pay the visa fee
Step #5. Submit your biometrics if required
Step #6. Wait for your visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee for a Cameroon Visa?
A short-stay visa costs USD 120, while a long-stay visa to Cameroon costs USD 240.
How long does it take to process a Cameroon Visa?
The processing period for a Cameroon Visa depends on the country you are applying from and the visa type. For example, a Cameroon Tourist Visa may take up to 10 business days to process, while a Study Visa will take between three to six weeks.
What happens if I overstay my Cameroon Visa?
Cameroon regards overstayers as ‘undesirable persons’ and may ban them from coming to Cameroon for a while, even if they fulfill other Cameroon Visa Requirements. In addition, sometimes, the visitor will have to pay a fine for each day of overstay. Therefore, to avoid this inconvenience, you should extend your visa if you foresee needing more time in Cameroon.
Which airlines travel to Cameroon?
Several intercontinental flights exist between Cameroon, the Middle East, Europe, and other continents. Some are direct flights, while others are connecting flights. Examples are Air France, Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Senegal Airlines, and EgyptAir.
Douala International Airport is a popular destination.
Is Cameroon a safe country to visit?
It is safe to travel to Cameroon. However, as with all countries, it is essential to consult travel advisories before embarking on any journey. Cameroon bears the weight of the diversity between the Francophones and the Anglophones. Sometimes, this creates a tense atmosphere, but the country is relatively safe overall. Avoid moving around at night or going to high-risk areas.
Conclusion
What others perceive as Cameroon’s weakness is its strength – diversity. But, unfortunately, it is just taking a little longer to have the much-needed fusion between the diverse regions of this country that has been nicknamed ‘Africa in miniature.
Cameroon has a lot to offer visitors who would take the time to fulfill the Cameroon Visa Requirements. Read Visit Cameroon – Places, Culture, Arts and Exhibitions for more about Cameroon.
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