Cameroon Travel Safety

Road safety

Major roads are in good condition but others are damaged and unsafe, particularly during the rainy season. Reckless driving, the use of poorly maintained vehicles and lack of respect for traffic laws are common. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas and on the main road between Yaoundé and Douala. Local police roadblocks are erected throughout the country, and you may be expected to make payments. If you receive a ticket, ask the police officer to include a description of the violation(s) on the ticket. Tickets can be paid at a local court or at a police station. In the event of an accident, if possible go to the police station or gendarmerie. If travelling overland, carry sufficient supplies of water, food and fuel, as well as a reliable means of communication, such as a cellular telephone (in areas with reliable service), a satellite telephone or a very high frequency (VHF) radio. You should always carry your driving permit and your vehicle's registration documents.

Precautions

Carefully evaluate any security risks before deciding to travel within Cameroon. Monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities in order to remain informed of security conditions in the region in which you are travelling and ensure that your hotel is safe. Power outages are a daily occurrence all over the country and can last over eight hours. You are advised to turn off your electrical appliances before leaving your place of residence. Gas may also be in short supply, especially during holiday periods such as December and January. The border with Equatorial Guinea is frequently closed. Contact local authorities for the latest information.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Cameroon, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel. Foreigners in Cameroon have been victims of all types of crime.

Piracy

Pirate attacks have been reported in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. There are pirates in the waters around the ferry crossing between Limbe/Tiko, Cameroon, and Calabar, Nigeria. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Crime

Assaults, burglaries and armed robberies occur in major urban centres and on main roads. Snatch-and-grab theft is common. Do not resist robberies, as perpetrators may use violence. Violent assaults and thefts have occurred in the community of Melong, and foreign tourists are often targeted. Hiking around the region is strongly discouraged. Avoid staying at hotels in the Mont de Manengouba and lacs jumeaux areas. Petty theft is prevalent and occurs on trains, buses and taxis. Violent assaults on taxi passengers are frequent. The Hilton and Mont Fébé hotels offer a shuttle service from Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport to downtown Yaoundé. You should use this service or arrange to be met, especially after dark. Avoid isolated areas. Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark, in certain areas of Yaoundé, including La Briquetterie, Mokolo and Mvog-Ada. Do not show signs of affluence.

Terrorism

Cameroon's involvement in a regional military offensive against Boko Haram makes it a potential target for terrorist attacks. Be extremely vigilant in crowded places such as markets, near government buildings, in places of worship and in hotels, including in Yaoundé and Douala.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society and sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal in Cameroon. There were arrests and prosecutions of homosexuals in the past. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities and be cautious in public display of affection.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.

Driving

A foreign driver's licence alone is not acceptable to drive in Cameroon. An International Driving Permit is required for visits of up to one year in Cameroon. If you intend to drive in Cameroon for more than one year, you will require a Cameroonian driver's licence. To obtain a Cameroonian driver's licence, you are required to present your foreign driver's licence to the Delegation of Public Transport in your town of residence. The process usually takes only 24 hours.