March 10, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cameroon is a developing country in west central Africa. Facilities for tourism are limited. The capital is Yaounde, while Doula, the country’s largest city, is its main port and commercial center. Official languages are French and English, though French predominates in most of the country. English may be used in Cameroon’s two Anglophone provinces and the larger cities. Staffs of major hotels in Cameroon’s large cities are usually bilingual.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, visa, evidence of yellow-fever vaccination, and current immunization records are required. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon, 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-8790 to 8794, fax (202) 387-3826. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Cameroonian Embassy or Consulate.

Many governments have initiated special procedures to prevent international child abduction at entry/exit points. These procedures often include checking documentary evidence of parent/child relationship or written permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Cameroonian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Cameroon. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations, and be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is not uncommon for a uniformed member of the security forces to stop motorists on the pretext of a minor or non-existent violation of the local motor vehicle regulations in order to extort small bribes. Visitors are advised not to pay bribes and to request that the officer provide a citation to be paid at the local court.

CRIME: U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Cameroon. All foreigners are potential targets for theft with possible attendant violence. Petty crimes, crimes against persons, thefts from vehicles and of vehicles are the most common criminal activities. Armed banditry is a growing problem throughout all ten provinces in Cameroon. To curb banditry, security personnel may request persons to show their passport, residence card, driver's license and/or vehicle registration at random checkpoints. Certified copies of these important documents should be kept in a secure location separate from the originals.

The risk of street and residential crime is high, and incidents of violent crime are on the rise throughout the country. Reports of carjackings and burglaries remain high, particularly in Yaounde and Douala. Carjackings have also been reported on rural highways, especially in the northern provinces and regions near Cameroon’s border with the Central African Republic. Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts. Travelers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings at all times and to follow routine security precautions such as locking car, hotel, and house doors. Travel after dark is extremely risky and should be avoided.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, help find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help U.S. citizens understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to the local police. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Traveler’s to Sub-Saharan Africa for ways to ensure a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov , or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov .

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Cameroon are extremely limited. Even in large cities, emergency care and hospitalization for major illnesses and surgery are hampered by the lack of trained specialists, outdated diagnostic equipment and poor sanitation. Medical services in outlying areas may be completely nonexistent. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate payment for health services. Pharmacies in larger towns are well stocked, but in other areas many medicines are unavailable. Travelers are advised to carry their own supply of needed prescription medicines with them.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars (US). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Malaria is endemic in Cameroon. P. falciparum malaria, the serious and sometimes fatal strain in Equatorial Guinea, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine. Because travelers to Cameroon are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™), as well as other protective measures to prevent insect bites, such as the use of insect repellent. The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites and antimalarial drugs, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/travelmailnfo.htm .

There are periodic outbreaks of cholera. Yellow fever can cause serious medical problems, but the vaccine, required for entry, is very effective in preventing the disease.

CDC may recommend other vaccinations for your protection. For information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith .

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning road conditions in Cameroon is provided for general reference only and may not be accurate for a particular location or circumstance.

Cameroon's road networks, both paved and unpaved, are poorly maintained and unsafe at all times of the year. Vehicles are poorly maintained and there is no mechanism or requirement to inspect for road-worthiness. During the rainy season, many roads are barely passable with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards (especially at night) and road safety rules are always ignored. There are few road and traffic signs; speed limits are neither posted, nor enforced. Buses and logging trucks travel at excessively high speeds and are a constant threat to other road traffic. Drivers are strongly advised against nighttime travel. Poorly lit roads, hazardous vehicles and armed bandits pose a threat to motorists outside major towns, especially in the northern provinces and near the border with Central African Republic.

Local law states that vehicles involved in an accident should not be moved until the police arrive and a police report can be made. If an accident results in injury, drivers should be aware of the possibility that a “village justice” mentality may develop. If an angry crowd forms, drive directly to the U.S. Embassy or another location where you can receive assistance. Contact the local police once you are safely away from danger.

Cameroon has no equivalent 911-type service or roadside emergency telephone numbers. American citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy if emergency assistance is needed.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Cameroon by Cameroonian carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cameroon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm .

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For further information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Cameroonian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cameroon of items such as large quantities of medicine. Customs also restricts the importation of ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cameroon in Washington or one of Cameroon’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Cameroonian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cameroon are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

CURRENCY ISSUES: Cash in local currency, the Central African franc (CFA), is the only form of payment accepted throughout the country. Larger hotels in Yaounde and Douala will change dollars and cash Traveler’s cheques, though at a disadvantageous rate. Credit card cash advances are not available and most banks do not cash personal or Traveler's cheques except for their own account holders.

While credit cards are accepted at some larger hotels and shops in Yaounde and Douala, caution is urged, as identity theft is endemic in the region. Some larger banks in Yaounde and Douala have ATM facilities, and two banks in Cameroon, SGBC and Conifest, have have wire transfer services through Western Union. The U.S. Embassy does not provide currency exchange, check cashing or other financial services.

Tourists and business travelers should also note that there is an increasing circulation of counterfeit U.S. and Cameroonian currency in the country. In recent years, business travelers have experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate services from Cameroon's banking sector. Business travelers are also advised that using the services of a local agent is strongly recommended in establishing a presence in the Cameroonian market. Caution is required in pursuing joint ventures and licensing arrangements in Cameroon.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: While photography is not officially forbidden, security officials are sensitive about photographs taken of government buildings, military installations, and other public facilities, many of which are unmarked. Photography of these subjects may result in seizure of photographic equipment by Cameroonian authorities. Due to the threat of harassment and the lack of signs designating sites prohibited for photography, photography should be limited to private homes and among friends. U.S. citizens are advised to seek proper permission before taking a photograph of a specific subject or location.

CHILDRENS' ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please telephone 202-736-7000 or refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/ .

EMBASSY LOCATION/REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Cameroon are encouraged to register at the American Citizen Services section of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde or with the Embassy Branch Office in Douala, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Cameroon. The Embassy is located on Rue Nachtigal in Yaounde. The mailing address is B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon, telephone (237) 223-40-14, fax (237) 223-07-53 (Embassy) or (237) 223 05 81 (Consular Section). The Embassy Branch Office in Douala is located on Rue Flatters, in the Citibank building, telephone (237) 342-53-31 or by fax at (237) 342-77-90.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 6, 2003, to add the section on Information on Safaris and Game Parks, and to update the sections on Country Description, Crime, Other Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Aviation Safety Oversight, Currency Issues and Embassy Location/Registration.

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