COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the Northwest and Southwest regions due to ongoing conflict and the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Far North region due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and armed banditry (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Bakassi Peninsula region and within 40 kilometres of the borders with the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria. Armed bandits are known to operate in these areas and there is the potential for cross-border attacks and kidnappings (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the North and Adamaoua regions due to the threat from terrorism and kidnapping and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Cameroon (level 2 of 4) due to violent crime, carjackings and piracy (in coastal areas).

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Cameroon

Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North region. In 2020 and 2021, several small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were detonated in Yaoundé and Douala, resulting in several injuries. Further attacks may be indiscriminate, including targeting places frequented by foreigners such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, tourist attractions and places of worship. You should remain vigilant at all times, but particularly in public places.

Boko Haram has a strong presence in neighbouring areas of northern Nigeria, and continues to cross the border and mount attacks in northern Cameroon, including shootings and suicide bombings. There have been ongoing regional military operations to counter Boko Haram which have led to an influx of refugees in northern Cameroon.

New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Kidnapping
There is a risk of kidnapping in Cameroon. The threat is very high in the North and Far North regions, Northwest and Southwest regions, and along the border with Nigeria’s Borno and Adamawa states. Several foreigners have been targeted and kidnapped from these areas in recent years. A number of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings have also occurred in the east of Cameroon near the border with the Central African Republic. Boko Haram has publicly threatened to conduct further attacks and kidnappings in Cameroon.    

Violent Crime
Levels of violent crime in Cameroon are high and there have been reports of violent crimes committed against foreigners. Assault, muggings and armed robbery are common in urban areas, including Yaounde, Douala, Kribi and Maroua cities. In Yaounde, the suburbs of la Briquetterie, Mokolo and Mvog-Ada are particularly dangerous. Petty theft is common on transportation services, such as trains, buses and bush taxis. There have also been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. 

Carjackings and armed robberies occur throughout Cameroon, particularly near the borders with Nigeria, the Central African Republic and Chad as well as along the Bamenda-Banyo, Bafoussam-Banyo, Bafoussam-Doula and Bafoussam-Yaounde roads.

New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to be security conscious at all times and should avoid walking and travelling at night, particularly to rural and isolated areas. If travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up.

As many crimes are financially motivated, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as jewellery and mobile devices. We advise New Zealanders to take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of a robbery, mugging or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. 

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations, strikes and protests occur frequently in Cameroon and may disrupt local public services and transport.

Tensions in the Northwest and Southwest regions remain high and have resulted in protests, strikes and escalations in violence. Armed clashes and explosions have been reported in the regional capitals of Buea and Bameda, resulting in injuries and deaths. IEDs are increasingly being used by armed groups and have previously been used to target civilians in the regions. There is potential for this civil unrest to deteriorate into armed conflict. Restrictions, including night curfews and a ban on public meetings, remain in some areas.

Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Cameroon. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet Dating Scams.

Roadblocks
Police checkpoints are common in Cameroon and motorists may be requested to pay fines for minor or non-existent violations. New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to carry all relevant and applicable identification with them (certified copy of passport, international driver’s license, driver’s license and residence permit) and to request that any violations be issued as a written citation that can be paid at a local court.  

Piracy
Piracy is a problem in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta, which includes the Bakassi Peninsula. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Cameroon, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Cameroon should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Same-sex relationships are illegal.

Photography of government buildings, airports, military zones, assets or officials, and ports is illegal, and could result in detention. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a certified copy of your passport and visa for Cameroon at all times. Failure to produce them could result in detention by police.

New Zealanders in Cameroon are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

See our regional advice for Africa