Cameroon entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cameroon in 2026. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. Plan ahead, as approval can take up to a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Cameroon eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is mandatory for US passport holders — no visa on arrival is available. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cameroon. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately from your passport — immigration officers sometimes ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Yaoundé and Douala airports will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — don't book a one-way ticket unless you have a visa that allows it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Immigration may ask for it if your stay is longer than a few days or if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be a hassle. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your eVisa copy with your passport
After entry, you'll need to show your eVisa approval at hotel check-ins and during police checks. Keep a printed copy with your passport at all times.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for 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 (around $80–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Yaoundé or Douala airport
Most US flights arrive at Nsimalen International Airport (Yaoundé) or Douala International Airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and hand back your eVisa copy. Keep it with your passport — you may need it for hotel check-ins or police checks.
5
Exit the airport
After baggage claim, you'll pass through customs. Declare any large sums of cash (over 1 million XAF, about $1,600). Then you're free to go.
Download Cameroon Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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€80 (~$87 USD)
Apply at Cameroonian embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$217 USD) + processing fees
For US citizens with a job offer in Cameroon. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~€150 (~$163 USD)
For US citizens enrolled in a recognized Cameroonian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$543 USD) + investment proof
For US citizens investing at least $50,000 USD in Cameroon. Requires business plan, registration, and proof of funds. Grants long-term residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US citizens applying online. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €5 (~$5.40 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 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
US citizens transiting through Cameroon airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsYaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) · Douala International Airport (DLA)
Health & vaccines for Cameroon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers over 1 year of age arriving from endemic countries or if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne, common in urban areas during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
All regions below 1,800 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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
Avenue de la Liberté, Douala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for the economic capital.
Practical information for US 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's no official expedited option, but some third-party services claim faster turnaround for an extra fee. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official eVisa fee is around $80–$100, depending on the type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry). Payment is online by credit card. There are no additional embassy fees.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes. Cameroon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for US passport holders. The eVisa must be approved before you board your flight to Cameroon.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Not routinely, but immigration officers may ask. It's wise to carry a credit card or a small amount of cash (around $200–$300 equivalent in XAF) to show you can support yourself. ATMs are available in major cities.
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.