United States entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Cameroonian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, and you must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead—appointments and processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or other appropriate category)You must get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly to the US. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Cameroonian citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. You are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program or an eVisa. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Yaoundé or the nearest consulate. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, and supporting documents. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from the United States. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for a visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa officer needs a clean page to put your visa sticker. At least 1 blank page for the visa | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the US visa and entry/exit stamps. If you have fewer, get a new passport before your visa interview. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow you plan to leave the US after your visit. Proof of departure from the US | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country outside the United States. This is checked by airlines and may be requested by border officers. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsYou may need to show you can pay for your trip. For your stay in the US | Carry evidence of enough money to cover your expenses, such as recent bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor's letter. The amount should match your planned length of stay and activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out anything before you land. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) form | No separate arrival declaration is required for Cameroon passport holders. You will complete the CBP declaration form (often electronic) upon arrival in the US. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa option for you. Not applicable | Cameroonian citizens are not eligible for a US eVisa. You must apply for a full visa at a US embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No eVisa or ESTA—embassy only
Cameroon is not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program or any electronic visa. You must apply in person at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé. Beware of online scams offering 'fast-track' visas—only the embassy can issue.
Interview wait times vary
Appointment availability changes seasonally. Check the U.S. Visa Information Service website for current wait times. Book as soon as you have your DS-160 confirmation and fee receipt.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the CEAC website, fill out the form, upload your photo, and submit. Save the confirmation page with the barcode—you'll need it for the fee and interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at Ecobank or through the approved payment portal. Keep the receipt—it's proof of payment and required for scheduling.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service for Cameroon to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé. Wait times can be several weeks, so book early.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive 15–30 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and asked about your travel plans and ties to Cameroon.
5
Wait for visa processing
After approval, your passport will be returned via courier (DHL) within 3–5 business days. If refused, you'll receive a written explanation (usually under Section 214(b) for immigrant intent).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 96,000 XAF)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 96,000 XAF)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (approx. 96,000 XAF) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time students enrolled in US academic institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
ValidityUp to 3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (approx. 114,000 XAF) + additional fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD + SEVIS $350 USD
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD + employer fees
For professionals in specialty fields requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted areas) in a US business creating 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD + program fees
For participants in work-and-study-based exchange programs, including au pairs, interns, and researchers. Requires a designated sponsor.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. 96,000 XAF) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Cameroon passport holders. | $160 USD (approx. 96,000 XAF) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 222,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can result in 3- or 10-year bars from re-entering the US. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine, but may lead to bans |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Cameroon passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible passports (Cameroon is not ESTA-eligible).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit under certain conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is endemic); must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile, Zika, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most US regions; risk is seasonal and localized.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
US food safety standards are high; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or Rocky Mountains.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions handled by mail.
Practical information for CM travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
From start to finish, expect 4–8 weeks. The DS-160 takes about 1 hour, the fee payment is immediate, but interview appointments in Yaoundé can be booked 2–4 weeks out. After approval, passport return via DHL takes 3–5 business days.
No—most applicants aged 14–79 must appear in person. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 are exempt. There's no interview waiver for Cameroonian citizens.
The MRV fee is $185 (about 110,000 FCFA). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. You may also pay for courier delivery (around 5,000–10,000 FCFA).
No. The B1/B2 visa is not extendable. You must leave the U.S. before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying even one day can lead to a 3-year ban. Plan your stay carefully.
You'll get a refusal letter, usually citing Section 214(b) (insufficient ties). You can reapply, but you must show new evidence of strong ties to Cameroon. There's no appeal process.
Yes—the U.S. has no transit visa exemption for Cameroonians. You need a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2 visa, even if you stay airside. Apply at the embassy as usual.
No. Cameroonian citizens are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or any eVisa. You must apply for a full visa at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.