Cameroon entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cameroon. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for tourism. Since 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Cameroon eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Cameroon. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cameroon. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 100,000 CFA (~150 CHF) per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply before you fly
Swiss passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight to Cameroon. Airlines check this before you check in.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. No card = possible denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cameroon eVisa website (evisacameroon.com). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Download it, save a copy on your phone, and print a paper backup. Immigration at Yaoundé Nsimalen or Douala International Airport will want to see it.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Keep them in your hand luggage — not checked bags.
4
Go through immigration at the airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel confirmation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check the date is correct before walking away.
Download Cameroon Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $75 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $214 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $160 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cameroon. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $107 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Commerçant)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $535 USD) application fee
For those investing a minimum of €50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Swiss passport holders applying online. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | €5 (approx. $5.35 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $535 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cameroon
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Cameroon airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsDouala International Airport (DLA) · Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI)
Health & vaccines for Cameroon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, mainly in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Yaoundé
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la République, Yaoundé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Douala
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville, Douala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the economic capital.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalYaoundé
LanguageFrench, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.11 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The official eVisa fee is around €60–€80 depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). You pay online with a credit card during the application. There's no extra charge at the airport.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. In peak season it can take longer.
No — the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes — yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. Don't risk it.
Yes — the eVisa is valid at all international airports: Yaoundé Nsimalen, Douala International, and Garoua International. Land borders may have different rules.
Yes — immigration still wants to see that you have a planned departure. A return or onward ticket is required regardless of visa type.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.