Useful information

When to go

Cameroon has 2 distinct seasons, the dry season from November till May and the rainy season from June to October.
You can visit Cameroon in both seasons, but in the dry season travel opportunities are better as the dirt roads are negotiable.
In the dry season the temperature can reach an average of 29 C. Due to the dryness it can be dusty everywhere. The Harmattan (hot Sahara wind) blowing sand from the desert and filtering the sun occurs often during this season.
Fresh air and lots of green are abundant during the rainy season. The average temperature reaches 22 C. However in the months of July, August and September it can rain the entire day, sometimes with tropical torrential rains. Dirt roads can change into soggy and swampy tracks and become impassable for ordinary traffic. Sometimes only 4 wheel drive vehicles can negotiate certain roads during the rainy season.
The months with a combination of both are March, April, May, November and December. These months are the most preferable for a visit to Cameroon.

VISA

Most foreign visitors from Europe, Asia, America and some countries in Africa need a visa to enter Cameroon.
Visa can be obtained from the local Cameroonian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Visitors from those countries where Cameroon does not have an Embassy or Consulate can always obtain an entry visa from Cameroon Embassies or Consulates in neighboring countries which cover their country of residence or they can contact us to obtain visa upon arrival in any Cameroon port of entry.

For the tourist visa you need to present the following:

A valid passport which is still valid for 6 months after the date of your return trip
A completed visa form
1 passport photograph
An international vaccination certificate which shows a valid vaccination against yellow fever or any other infectious disease declared by the health authorities.
A return ticket
A self addressed and stamped envelope in case you want to have your passport returned by mail.
A letter from the organizing touroperator in Cameroon confirming participation of your tour in Cameroon.

Health

Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory. Your vaccination certificate will be checked upon arrival in Cameroon.
Malaria prophylaxis is a must (Lariam or Malarone) Check with your doctor at home or the hospital.
Mosquito spray or cream with DEET
Gel hand wash
It is advisable to drink bottled water only in Cameroon. Bottled mineral water is cheap and widely available throughout Cameroon.
Take along your own medicine box with Immodium, jodium, bandages, aspirin, and hypodermic syringe (not allowed in hand luggage!) etc. and if need be your own medicine (take a copy of the recipe with you)

Currency

The local Cameroon currency is the FCFA (CEMAC zone, to which also belongs Equatorial Guinea, Congo Brazzaville, Central Africa and Chad).

1 EURO = FCFA 656

Cash in the local currency is the only form of payment though currencies such as EURO and Dollar may be accepted. It is advisable to travel with cash Euros or Dollars. These currencies can be changed at local banks against a set rate of exchange. When changing money a passport is required. Try to ask for as many small bank notes as possible. Changing money during your trip might be difficult and big bank notes are not always accepted.

Traveler cheques in EURO are accepted by some banks but are changed against a lower exchange rate.

Credit cards are not widely used and are only accepted in the international hotels in Yaounde en Douala.

ATM

In Douala and Yaounde some banks have started with the installation of ATM machines, however they are not yet widely available.

MONEY WIRE

While in Cameroon you can have money wired to you from abroad by Western Union or Moneygram services available through banks in Cameroon.

Bank notes: CFA 10.000, CFA 5.000, CFA 2.000, CFA 1.000 and CFA 500
Coins: CFA 500, CFA 100, CFA 50, CFA 25, CFA 10 and CFA 5

Insurance

A world covering travel and baggage insurance is compulsory for your trip to Cameroon. Transport for urgent repatriation must be covered by this insurance.
It is also advisable to take a cancellation insurance for your flight and trip to Cameroon.

Communication

Cameroon has a communication network connection with phones having direct international dialing.
Two cellular phone companies, Orange and MTN operate in the major cities and small towns. Full coverage in Cameroon is still not yet complete but is increasing steadily.
A mobile phone is necessary to be able to use a mobile phone number in Cameroon.
Mobile phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Check with your provider whether you are able to use your own phone card or whether you need to buy a Cameroonian phone card.

Languages

Cameroon is a bilingual country with English and French being the two official languages.
French is spoken in the 8 francophone provinces of the Littoral, Center, South, West, East, Adamawa, North and Extreme North.
English is spoken in the 2 Anglophone provinces of the South-West and North-West.
Staff members of the major hotels and shops usually speak both languages.

Time Zone

Standard time in Cameroon is GMT + 1.