Cameroon Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cameroon.
Healthcare System
Cameroon's healthcare system is under-resourced with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Public facilities often lack basic supplies, equipment, and medications. Private clinics in Yaoundé and Douala offer better standards but still fall short of Western medical care. Medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa may be necessary for serious conditions.
Hospitals
In Yaoundé: Clinique de l'Aéroport and Hôpital Général de Yaoundé (Tsinga) are among the better options. In Douala: Clinique Bastos and Hôpital Laquintinie. Payment is typically required upfront, often in cash. Confirm your insurance provider has contacts with specific facilities before travel.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in cities but may stock counterfeit or expired medications. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications are available but quality varies. Pharmacies are called 'pharmacie' and identifiable by green crosses.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000 USD) is essential and strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000+. Ensure your policy covers Cameroon specifically, as some insurers exclude certain regions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including antibiotics, antimalarial medication, rehydration salts, and any prescription medications
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records in both English and French
- Identify the nearest adequate medical facility before traveling to any region
- Register with your embassy upon arrival so they can assist in medical emergencies
- Consider medical evacuation membership with organizations like International SOS
- Drink only bottled or purified water to prevent waterborne illnesses
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current and get recommended vaccines including yellow fever (required), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common in urban areas, markets, and crowded spaces. Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists, particularly in markets and transportation hubs.
Armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings occur, particularly after dark. Criminals may be armed with knives or firearms. 'Express kidnappings' where victims are taken to ATMs have been reported.
Road accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for travelers. Poor road conditions, lack of lighting, overloaded vehicles, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance create significant hazards. Police and military checkpoints are frequent.
Political demonstrations, strikes, and civil unrest can occur with little warning, particularly around elections or political events. Protests can turn violent and lead to roadblocks, curfews, and confrontations with security forces.
Boko Haram operates in the Far North region with attacks, kidnappings, and suicide bombings. The Anglophone crisis in Northwest and Southwest regions involves armed separatist groups, military operations, and violence against civilians. Kidnapping for ransom targets both locals and foreigners.
Police and officials may solicit bribes at checkpoints or during routine interactions. Travelers may face document checks, vehicle inspections, or detention for minor or fabricated infractions. Some officials may be legitimate, others corrupt.
Malaria is endemic throughout Cameroon year-round. Other diseases include yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, dengue, and meningitis. HIV/AIDS prevalence is significant. Waterborne and foodborne illnesses are common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, especially at airports and hotels, quote inflated prices to tourists or take unnecessarily long routes. Some taxis are unlicensed and unsafe. Drivers may claim the meter is broken or refuse to use it.
Criminals pose as police officers or officials, stop tourists, claim document problems or violations, and demand immediate payment of 'fines.' They may threaten arrest or confiscation of documents.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information and PIN codes. Thieves also watch people withdraw money and follow them to rob them. Some ATMs dispense counterfeit bills.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists offering guide services, tours, or help with arrangements at inflated prices or leading to dangerous situations. They may abandon tourists, steal belongings, or lead them to accomplices who rob them.
Scammers approach tourists with stories about orphanages, schools, or medical needs, requesting donations. Money rarely reaches intended beneficiaries. Some may involve children to seem more legitimate.
Fake hotel booking websites take payment but no reservation exists. Taxi drivers claim your hotel is closed/dangerous and take you to one where they receive commission. Hotel staff may overcharge or add unauthorized charges.
Scammers develop online relationships with foreigners, eventually requesting money for emergencies, travel, or business opportunities. Some involve meeting in person where victims are robbed or extorted.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and provide your itinerary
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals and in cloud storage
- Share your itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly
- Learn basic French phrases - English is limited outside major cities and Anglophone regions
- Keep emergency cash in USD or Euros hidden separately from daily money
- Maintain a low profile and avoid displaying wealth
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, leave
- Keep phone charged and have local SIM card with credit for emergencies
Transportation Safety
- Avoid all travel after dark, especially between cities
- Use reputable transportation companies for intercity travel
- Avoid motorcycle taxis (okadas) - they have high accident rates
- Book transportation through your hotel when possible
- Inspect vehicles before hiring - check tires, seatbelts, and general condition
- Carry checkpoint documents (passport copy, visa, hotel booking) in accessible location
- Build extra time into travel plans for checkpoints and delays
- Consider hiring a driver rather than self-driving if possible
- Always wear seatbelts even if locals don't
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours only
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- Have small bills ready for purchases to avoid displaying large amounts
- Be discreet when accessing money belts or hidden pouches
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- The local currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF); euros are easiest to exchange
- Credit card acceptance is limited; plan to use cash for most transactions
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security (guards, secure entrances, safes)
- Keep room doors and windows locked at all times
- Use hotel safes for passport, extra money, and valuables
- Don't open door without verifying who is there
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes
- Keep room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Check that locks work properly when you check in
- Consider ground floor rooms only if they have secure bars on windows
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from MTN or Orange for reliable communication
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with poor connectivity
- Learn essential French phrases - most officials and services operate in French
- Save emergency contacts in phone and write them down separately
- Keep embassy contact information readily accessible
- Use WhatsApp for international communication when WiFi is available
- Be cautious about discussing travel plans or accommodations in public
- Consider a backup phone or power bank for emergencies
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed throughout your stay and after leaving
- Use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET, especially at dawn and dusk
- Sleep under mosquito nets, even in hotels
- Drink only bottled water (check seal is intact) or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks unless certain it's made from purified water
- Eat only thoroughly cooked hot food; avoid street food if possible
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
- Avoid contact with animals, including dogs and monkeys
- Don't swim in freshwater lakes or rivers (risk of schistosomiasis)
- Bring comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics and rehydration salts
Photography
- Never photograph military installations, checkpoints, government buildings, or security personnel
- Ask permission before photographing people; some may expect payment
- Be discreet with expensive camera equipment
- Avoid photographing poverty or sensitive situations without consent
- Keep cameras concealed when not in use
- At checkpoints, put cameras away completely and don't photograph
- Photographing airports and borders is prohibited
- Be aware that photography restrictions are taken seriously and violations can result in detention
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face additional challenges in Cameroon, including harassment, unwanted attention, and cultural expectations around gender roles. While many women travel safely, extra precautions are necessary. Sexual assault and harassment occur, and reporting mechanisms are limited. Women should be particularly cautious when traveling alone and after dark. Cultural attitudes toward women vary between regions, with more conservative expectations in northern areas.
- Dress conservatively - cover shoulders and knees; loose-fitting clothing is advisable, especially in northern regions
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark; use trusted transportation
- Ignore catcalls and unwanted attention; engaging often escalates the situation
- Wear a fake wedding ring and refer to a 'husband' if asked about relationship status
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted advances or invitations
- Book accommodations with good security and female-friendly reviews
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily accessible
- Join women traveler groups or forums for current advice and recommendations
- Consider hiring female guides when available
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink at all times
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm
- Avoid sharing detailed travel plans or accommodation information with strangers
- In taxis, sit in the back seat and keep doors locked
- Be aware that police may not take harassment or assault reports seriously
- Connect with your embassy for resources and support if needed
- Consider traveling with a companion when possible, especially outside major cities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and fines. Same-sex relationships, acts, and even perceived homosexuality can result in arrest and prosecution. The law is actively enforced, and both locals and foreigners have been arrested. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is not prohibited.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly or with strangers
- Be extremely cautious on dating apps - entrapment by police or criminals occurs
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media and devices before travel
- Do not bring LGBTQ+ literature, symbols, or materials into the country
- Be aware that hotel staff may report suspicious behavior to authorities
- Understand that your embassy's ability to assist may be limited in LGBTQ+ related cases
- Consider whether travel to Cameroon is necessary given the serious risks
- If detained, contact your embassy immediately
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation matching their passport gender marker
- Avoid areas known for LGBTQ+ community gathering as they may be monitored
- Be prepared for invasive questioning if suspected; remain calm and seek consular assistance
- Research LGBTQ+ travelers' recent experiences before deciding to visit
- Have emergency funds and exit strategy if you need to leave quickly
- Consider travel insurance that covers legal assistance
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for travel to Cameroon and should be considered non-negotiable. The country's limited medical facilities mean serious illness or injury will require expensive medical evacuation, potentially costing $50,000-$100,000 or more. Standard health insurance from your home country likely won't cover you in Cameroon, and local medical facilities require upfront cash payment. The security situation also creates risks of trip cancellation, evacuation due to civil unrest, or loss of belongings. Without adequate insurance, travelers face potentially catastrophic financial and health consequences.
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