Visa, Health and Safety
Visa
Visitors wishing to travel to Cameroon must have a passport that is valid for six months or more and a visa. The visa must be for the duration of your stay in Cameroon. An extension is out of the question under Cameroonian law. Optimal preventive health starts with comprehensive information on health conditions in the destination country.
Cameroon requires vaccination for yellow fever for everyone except children under 1 year as well as a vaccination for polio for those wishing to spend more than 4 weeks in Cameroon and you will also need an international certificate as proof. A certificate of accommodation or a hotel reservation is also required, if needed, do not hesitate to contact us. We recommend that you consult your physician 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.
Health Advice
Vaccines
In addition to mandatory vaccinations we recommend the vaccines below:
Recommended vaccines
Malaria
Malaria is active throughout the year in Cameroon. We recommend a prophylaxis before travelling. For type and duration, please consult your doctor.
Hepatitis A / Typhoid
Hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily contracted through the consumption of contaminated food and beverages. To avoid that, we recommend those vaccines.
Meningitis
Cameroon belongs to the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa. In case of a stay in Cameroon during the dry season, we recommend this vaccine because meningitis is much more frequent during the dry season between December and June.
Travel insurance
We recommend travel insurance before leaving for Cameroon. It is very important to learn about the medical services and coverage offered.
What my travel insurance should cover
- Repatriation in case of serious illness or accident
- Medical care
- 24 hours emergency service and assistance
- Refund for loss or theft of valuables
- Your travel insurance should be tailored to the activities during your stay.
Insects
Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas can transmit a number of diseases, some of which can’t be prevented with a vaccine or drugs. However, the risk can be reduced by taking certain precautions.
How to prevent insect bites
- Cover the skin (long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats).
- Use a suitable repellent.
- Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or ones that have a mosquito net.
- If you sleep outside use a mosquito net.
- Use Permethrin to treat clothing and Permethrin cream applied directly on the skin, two applications one week apart.
What types of insect repellent should I use?
To protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes, use insect repellent with a minimum DEET content of 20% or more and especially effective for several hours. In addition to DEET, products containing icaridin also known as picaridin, lemon eucalyptus essential oil and IR3535 provide effective protection against insects.
What to do if you get bitten?
- Do not scratch. Use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.
- Examine your whole body daily for ticks. If discovered, be careful to remove them properly.
Stay away from animals
Most animals avoid humans but can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Bites and scratches from animals can cause diseases such as rabies.
- Do not feed or touch strange animals
- Keep animals away from open wounds
- Avoid animals saliva
- Avoid rodents
- If you discover a bat in your room, call your doctor because bat bites are difficult to detect.
- All animals can pose a threat, but special attention should be given to dogs, bats, snakes and jellyfish.
- If bitten: Wash the wound with soap and clean water, seek medical attention immediately. Once back home, inform your doctor of your injury.
Clothing
In Cameroon it’s pretty hot, do not forget to take light clothes. It is important, especially in Muslim areas to dress appropriately. Clothing must cover the shoulders, shorts and skirts must be knee length. In Cameroon, bikinis are fine on the beach but not appropriate off the beach. In some areas, the temperature drops at night, so be sure to bring some warmer clothes if you are in those areas.
First aid kit: What should my first aid kit contain?
First aid kit
We recommend a first aid kit. It should be fitted out so that it is sufficient for the treatment of minor illnesses and disorders.
What should my first aid kit contain?
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Antifungal ointment
- Antiseptics (to clean a wound)
- Medication (diarrhea)
- Medication (fever)
- Aloe Vera Gel (sunburn)
- Sun cream (min SPF 15)
- Insect repellent
- Insect bite ointment
- Bandages, gauze bandage, tape (to cover a wound)
- Moleskine (blisters)
- Elastic bandage (sprains)
- Disposable gloves
- Digital thermometer
- Scissors and safety pins
- Q-Tips
- Tweezers
- Eye drops
- Rehydration Salts
If you are on regular medication, bring a sufficient supply for your stay.
Security Advice
Good travel planning requires information on security conditions in the country of destination. Your security is our priority. In general, Cameroon is secure and peaceful, however, it is possible in some region and cities, as in all countries to witness acts of insecurity and it’s necessary to take precautions. We have developed some safety guidelines.
Some security guidelines
- Find a trustworthy driver. Ask at the hotel or a travel agent where you are staying. When you find one book him for the duration of your stay.
- Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods after nightfall.
- In case of loss of documents contact the nearest police station and make a statement of loss and immediately stop your credit card(s).
- Preferably leave your personal belongings and documents at your accommodations if possible. A certified copy of your passport will allow you to move easily.
- Ensure that all emergency numbers are close at hand.
- In crowded places wear your backpack or handbag close to your body.
