Kamerun

Översikt

The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) ostensibly rules Cameroon as a one-party state. Despite the staging of multi-party elections in 2011, the credibility of democracy in Cameroon is questionable. A leading concerns for organisations operating in Cameroon is the exposure to kidnap-for-ransom against personnel by armed criminal and terrorist elements, most of all in Far North province from Nigeria’s Boko Haram. Insurgent attacks along the border with Borno have prompted Cameroon to join a regional military offensive against the terrorist group, which has proclaimed its allegiance to Islamic State. 

Crime is a serious threat across the country, both in major metropolitan and residential areas and along main highways and thoroughfares. Foreign nationals, particularly of European descent, have been targeted by opportunist and violent criminals. Vehicular crime is also a concern along rural roads and incidents of kidnapping, carjacking and vehicular robberies are persistently reported. This threat is accentuated in the border regions with Nigeria, Chad and CAR, across the north of the country and in areas outside of major metropolitan centres, with banditry and highway robberies a significant concern. 

In addition, militant groups are currently active across the country and number of attacks are rising. Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa are active in Far North, North, and Adamawa Regions of Cameroon. Suicide bombings also have occurred in public places in and around urban areas resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Furthermore, there is ongoing armed conflict in Northwest and Southwest Cameroon. Security force operations and attacks by armed militants regularly take place throughout these regions including in major cities. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Cameroon. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Cameroon. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever certificate is required for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Cholera occurs in Cameroon and recent confirmed cases have been reported in Far North, Littoral and North regions.

A Yellow Fever certificate is required for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Risk for mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus is present in Cameroon. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Risk for Sleeping Sickness is found in the vicinities of Bafia and Fontem/Mamfe. Potential areas for recurrence include Extreme-Nord Province bordering Chad and East Province bordering the Nola area of the Central Africa Republic. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in Cameroon. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

Cameroon has an estimated HIV prevalance rate at 3.7 percent with some 510.000 people living with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence is higher in urban areas than in rural areas, HIV transmission is primarily heterosexual, and women are more vulnerable.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Cameroon. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Cameroon.

Medical facilities in Cameroon are limited. Most doctors and hospitals will expect you to pay cash even if you have travel health insurance. Be aware that travel outside the larger cities and towns increases the issue of not having adequate health care facilities available. In the case of extreme emergencies, you may need to air-evacuate the country where there are better facilities.

The Central Hospital of Yaoundé is one of the main hospitals in Cameroon.

Pass

Passports valid for 6 months are required for all US, UK, Australian, Canadian, and EU country nationals. In addition to this, travellers are required to have proof of return or onward travel (i.e. an airline ticket) for leaving Cameroon. The only exceptions to this are those travelling onward within 24 hours and on the same plane and are expecting to stay in the airport.

Visum

Tourist and business visas are required for all travellers. These can be purchased from one day to six months duration and are all for multiple entry.

Copies of travel insurance documents are now required for all visa applications. Generally you can apply for a visa into Cameroon with the nearest Cameroon consulate to you. These can also be obtained upon arrival into the country.

A Yellow Fever certificate needs to be presented by all travellers/visitors to Cameroon.