Safety and security

Terrorism

Terrorist groups are active in the North of the country, with a high risk of attacks in public places and abductions for Western citizens.

Political Situation

Since 2016, there is a conflict between security force and armed separatists in the North West and South West regions, in which numerous civilians died or were displaced.

Border regions

There are frequent instances of violence in the eastern border of Cameroon, hosting an important number of refugees from Central African Republic.

Practical advice

• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behavior may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented upon arrival in Cameroon.

Cholera vaccination certificate is required when arriving  from the affected areas.

The government of the Republic of Cameroon currently recommends that all travellers to Cameroon be vaccinated against poliomyelitis.

Polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers from Ireland to countries where polio transmission is a risk. Before travelling to areas where poliomyelitis cases are still occurring, travellers should ensure that they have completed the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine schedule and have received a booster dose, if necessary. More information is available on the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website.

Check with your doctor a minimum of eight weeks in advance of travelling to see if you need any other vaccinations for Cameroon.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Cameroon. Further information on how to apply for a visa can be found from the High Commission for the Republic of Cameroon in London.

Passports should be valid for at least 6  months from date of entry and have at least 1 blank page. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Cameroon and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, you should contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria . We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

•  Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
•  If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.