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Reviewed: 09 September 2010, 13:35
NZDT
Still current at:
24 May 2013
There is extreme risk to your security in the area bordering the Central African Republic and Chad due to the threat of armed banditry, kidnapping, and cross border activity by armed rebel groups. We advise against all travel to these areas.
There is extreme risk to your security in the area bordering Nigeria in the Bakassi Peninsula region due to clashes between military forces and armed rebel groups. We advise against all travel to this area.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Cameroon due to civil unrest and the high level of violent crime and we advise caution.
Incidents of violent crime such as carjackings and kidnapping perpetrated by armed highway bandits are prevalent in the area bordering the Central African Republic and Chad. Violent clashes between insurgents and government forces in the Central African Republic have on occasion crossed the border into Cameroon.
In August 2008, Cameroon took control of the disputed Bakassi peninsula region on the border with Nigeria. Tensions remain high between the police and security forces of both countries and the risk of fighting erupting without notice is high.
Criminal activity throughout Cameroon is high and New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times. Carjackings, muggings and theft are common in the capital city, Yaounde, notably in the suburbs of la Briquetterie, Mokolo and Mvog-Ada. The regional cities of Douala, Kribi and Maroua also have a high incidence of violent crime. There have been a number of robberies by armed gangs on restaurants and hotels frequented by foreigners. Petty theft is also prevalent, including on buses trains, and in taxis. We recommend avoiding travel after dark.
In February 2008, civil unrest and rioting in Douala spread to other provinces and resulted in a number of civilian deaths and injuries. New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent. We also recommend monitoring media reports and local information sources closely to keep up to date on the security situation.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Cameroon, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who get into trouble is severely limited.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Cameroon should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Cameroon are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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