Is Cameroon Safe for Travel in 2024?

Cameroon
Safety Score
35

Cameroon, or officially – the Republic of Cameroon, is located in Central Africa.

It is bordered by Chad, Nigeria, Central Afrikan Republic, Gabon, Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

This beautiful country was once known for its beaches, mountains, savannah, and rainforests, but today it is the association to violence and crime.

There are many things to see and do in Cameroon since nature is amazing and animal lovers can truly enjoy it when visiting the National Park Lobéké.

It is an amazing place where you can watch the animals in their natural surrounding.

We hope that the crime rate will drop so that the tourist can enjoy this amazing country.

Warnings & Dangers in Cameroon

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : HIGH

The crime rate is high and the tourists are strongly discouraged from visiting Cameroon. The political situation is unstable and it's not safe. In case the attack happens, cooperate, since resisting can cause even bigger danger and lead to getting injured.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH

The quality of the roads is not exactly on a high level, some roads are very badly maintained. It is especially risky during the rainy season. Driving during the night is not recommended since carjacking often occurs and vehicles drive sometimes without lights.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH

Pickpocketing is frequent. Make sure to stay alert in crowds and lock all the doors at night since thieves steal from homes and hotels. It is necessary to be careful even when traveling by taxi since there have been cases of assaults on passengers.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Cameroon is susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, as well as toxic gas emissions from volcanos. In case some of these hazards occur while you are in Cameroon, stay informed and follow the security protocol as advised by authorities as much as possible.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : HIGH

The risk of mugging in Cameroon is high. The highest risk is in Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, and Ngaoundere. Generally, it's not safe for tourists, so governments strongly discourage its citizens from visiting.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : HIGH

The risk of the terrorist attack is high, so tourists should be very careful in case they decide to go despite the recommendations not to. Follow the security protocol in case an attack happens.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : HIGH

Scams are frequent in Cameroon and there are various versions, from fake adoption to business frauds. Make sure you to take additional precautions when approached by strangers. If you receive an email from an unknown person ignore it or report it.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH

It is not safe for female solo travelers to go to Cameroon. There have been cases of armed assaults, kidnapping, theft and it is generally pretty risky for tourists. In case you still decide to travel, take all the necessary precautions.

How Safe Is Cameroon for Tourists?

Petty theft occurs frequently in Cameroon, especially in the taxies and trains.

Bag snatching is common and carjacking occurs.

The tourists are advised not to visit Cameroon due to its current instability and high crime rate.

There have been cases of violent attacks where the victims were foreigners.

The roads are not safe and armed banditry is a huge problem in Cameroon.

It is necessary to avoid dangerous areas and stay alert always when in public and crowded places.

Lock your doors when driving and also in a hotel room, there have been cases of assaults.

Cases of kidnapping are not rare.

There are gangs who take the people in exchange for ransom.

Some people died during these incidents.

Tourists often get targeted by the scammers so anyone who goes to Cameroon must be careful during the entire stay.

Minimize all your movements in case you decide to go, so you don’t attract too much attention and protect yourself as much as possible.

There is also a threat of Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea.

Make sure you stay informed during the entire stay in Cameroon about the possible threats and the possible ways to protect yourself so you can go home safely.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Cameroon?

All citizens, except Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria, require a visa to enter Cameroon.

Besides that, you need a valid passport and one blank page for a stamp.

Which Currency Is Used in Cameroon?

The official currency in Cameroon is the Central African CFA franc.

The symbol is FCFA.

One U.S. dollar equals 586,81 Central African CFA franc.

Euros and dollars can be used.

How's the Weather like in Cameroon?

Cameroon has a tropical climate.

During winter, the season is dry, while the summer is rainy.

It is affected by the African monsoon.

The best period of the year for the tourists starts in December and lasts until February.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Cameroon?

Cameroon has 22 airports in total.

The main one is the Aéroport international de Douala.

It is located in Douala – Cameroon’s largest city.

It serves around 1,5 million passengers a year.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

Travel insurance is highly recommended no matter how short your stay may be.

Make sure you take the coverage for medical expenses, theft, and cancellation of the trip in case something unpredicted occurs.

What Are Some Things to Do in Cameroon?

When you visit Cameroon, make sure you go on a gorilla safari where you will witness the authentic life of these wonderful animals.

There is also an option of spending the night in a watchtower.

Is the Water in Cameroon Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not safe for drinking in Cameroon.

Be careful and don’t add ice to your drinks and consume bottled or boiled water.

There are also purifiers that you can use.

Is Uber Safe in Cameroon?

There is currently no Uber service in Cameroon, but there are local taxies that you can use.

Some have apps and the option of sharing a ride with someone, meaning that the price is shared too.

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