10open jobs
8organisations hiring
72violent events in 3 months
159deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
presidential republic
There are occasional isolated incidents of political unrest around the country. You should stay alert, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media.
Political developments and increased tensions related to the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. Plan your movements carefully. In November 2020, a threat by non-state armed groups was made against diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including the British High Commission.
Bamileke-Bamu 22.2%, Biu-Mandara 16.4%, Arab-Choa/Hausa/Kanuri 13.5%, Beti/Bassa, Mbam 13.1%, Grassfields 9.9%, Adamawa-Ubangi, 9.8%, Cotier/Ngoe/Oroko 4.6%, Southwestern Bantu 4.3%, Kako/Meka 2.3%, foreign/other ethnic group 3.8% (2022 est.)
24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)
Roman Catholic 33.1%, Muslim 30.6%, Protestant 27.1% other Christian 6.1%, animist 1.3%, other 0.7%, none 1.2% (2022 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
largest CEMAC economy with many natural resources; recent political instability and terrorism reducing economic output; systemic corruption; poor property rights enforcement; increasing poverty in northern regions
29.9 MPopulation2025
55.7 %Urban population2025
$1,972GDP per capita2025
3.2 %GDP growth2025
3.4 %Inflation2025
26.7 %Extreme poverty (international line)2021
3.6 %Unemployment2025
72.6 %Adult literacy2018
46.3 %Internet users2024
72 %Access to electricity2024
1,004,257internally displaced people2025
408,613refugees hosted2025
18,553asylum seekers2025
178,357refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC): Army, Cameroon Navy (includes naval infantry or fusiliers marin), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Firefighting CorpsGeneral Delegation for National Security (Délégation Générale à la Sûreté Nationale or DGSN): Cameroon Police (2025)
Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – West Africa
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Cameroon | 39 | 63 |
| Ambazonia insurgents | 36 | 54 |
| JAS | 23 | 40 |
| IS | 7 | 47 |
| Comités locaux de vigilance | 1 | 14 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Bakassi Peninsula.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Central African Republic.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Far-North Region, except for:
FCDO advises against all travel to the North-West Region.
FCDO advises against all travel to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the North Region, including Garoua,, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with the North region of Cameroon. FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria borders.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
The British High Commission can only offer limited support for British nationals in areas where we advise against travel.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 30 · August 14 · September 28
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Far North | 31 | 96 | 59 | stable |
| North-West | 28 | 42 | 13 | ▲ up |
| South-West | 12 | 18 | 11 | ▲ up |
| Littoral | 1 | 3 | 0 | new |
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cameroon.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Cameroon.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as:
The terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are mainly active in the Far-North Region but attacks could occur anywhere, including major towns and cities such as Yaoundé and Douala. There was an increase in the use of improvised explosive devices by violent extremist organisations in the Far-North Region in 2023. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
There are occasional isolated incidents of political unrest around the country. You should stay alert, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media.
Political developments and increased tensions related to the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. Plan your movements carefully. In November 2020, a threat by non-state armed groups was made against diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including the British High Commission.
Non-state armed groups are increasingly using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target civilians in the North-West and South-West regions and against government forces in the Far-North Region. IEDs have also been seen in the capital Yaoundé.
There could be more attacks in urban areas, or other locations around the country. Stay alert and keep up to date with developments through the media and local authorities.
There is risk of armed robbery and mugging throughout Cameroon, particularly in the cities Yaoundé, Douala, Ngaoundere and Bafoussam.
Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns for example, Briqueterie and Mokolo market in Yaoundé and Nkololun, New Bell, Akwa, Bonaberi and Village in Douala. Be cautious at all times when walking, particularly alone, and avoid walking at night.
Close and lock all doors and windows, particularly at night. Make sure burglar proof metal bars are installed. Identify callers through spy holes before opening doors, especially late at night.
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush taxis and around bus stations and hotels. Be particularly careful with your belongings.
Taxis in cities operate like buses, picking up passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes, and many do not meet basic safety requirements. There have been violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. Do not hail taxis from the roadside (these are yellow in Yaoundé and Douala). Only use trusted, pre-arranged taxis, and preferably book one from your hotel or restaurant.
There are incidents of carjacking, criminal kidnapping and armed robbery along roads close to the borders with Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria:
Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Avoid wearing jewellery, keep mobile phones out of sight and only carry small amounts of cash and valuables.
There have been incidents of kidnapping and hostage taking for ransom by large gangs in the Far-North, North, Adamawa, East, North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Scam artists often target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause significant financial loss. Scammers also use websites, chatrooms and email to target people and companies in the UK.
Advance fee scams are common in Cameroon. Criminals use child adoption to persuade victims to pay large amounts of money before they suspect anything. Be very cautious about sending money or travelling to Cameroon to adopt a child where the information has come from a website or through emails. Cameroon does not have adoption agencies.
Always carry ID, either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport showing a valid visa. The police can detain you if you do not have ID.
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are in the armed forces. Penalties may include a fine and detention.
Penalties for using and possessing drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.
It is illegal to photograph military sites, government buildings, airports and ports. While photography elsewhere is not illegal, communities can be sensitive to people taking photos or may ask for money in return. Officials may also ask you for money, perhaps suggesting that you need to pay for a ‘permit’ to photograph certain places.
Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in central African society, and same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Cameroon. Same-sex partners have been arrested and prosecuted.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you are caught buying or trafficking these goods, you’ll be prosecuted and could get a prison sentence or a fine.
It is difficult to exchange sterling travellers cheques in Cameroon. Many banks will only allow you to exchange travellers cheques if you hold an account with them. Euros and US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency.
Shops usually require small notes, which can be difficult to obtain.
You must pay heavy fees to make cash withdrawals from UK bank accounts and ATMs. ATMs are not often available outside of large towns.
If you are planning to drive in Cameroon, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cameroon for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP).
If you are staying for more than 6 months, you must get a Cameroonian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as possible.
Make sure any car you hire is adequately insured, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company (rather than the car hire firm). If you’re hiring a driver and car, make sure you’re not liable for accidents or damage.
Driving standards are poor in Cameroon.
Roads are generally in poor condition. Many are heavily potholed and are unlit at night. Pedestrians and stray animals are a hazard. Many vehicles have poor-quality lights.
Avoid travelling at night in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas. Accidents are common on the Yaoundé-Douala road.
If you’re travelling between cities, consider taking a VHF radio or satellite phone, as mobile phone coverage is limited. Plan your journey carefully, and travel in convoy if possible.
Police and gendarmerie roadblocks are common in Cameroon. You may need to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents.
Uniformed members of the security forces stop motorists for minor or non-existent violations of vehicle regulations to extort small bribes. Do not pay bribes – instead ask the officer for a ticket setting out the alleged offence, so you can pay at a local court.
Camair-Co is the only local airline operating between some of the major cities. Scheduled flights are often delayed or cancellations. Due to aviation safety standards, we advise against taking flights that use the XIAN MA-60, which is used occasionally for internal flights.
Check whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Cameroon.
This section has safety advice for regions of Cameroon. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula.
There have been armed robberies and incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula. The ferry that operates between Limbé and Tiko in Cameroon and Calabar in Nigeria passes through areas where pirates operate. Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Brigade patrols the waters, but it is difficult to police the Bakassi Peninsula’s mangrove forests and isolated islands. Mariners should get professional security advice and take appropriate precautions.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Central African Republic (CAR).
Large, armed criminal gangs and highway bandits have stopped travellers and taken hostages for ransom, particularly in the east of Cameroon, close to the CAR border. Violence frequently spills across the CAR border into Cameroon. Incidents like these are more likely due to the ongoing insecurity in CAR.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad.
There is a risk of armed banditry, including poachers in Bouba Ndjida National Park in the North Region.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Far-North Region, except for:
Terrorist groups are active in the Far-North Region, see terrorism. There is also a general threat of kidnapping, criminality and armed banditry.
Nigerian military operations in the Nigerian states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa could have an impact across the border in Cameroon. There have also been a number of reported civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints due to accidental discharge of weapons.
FCDO advises against all travel to the North-West Region.
FCDO advises against all travel to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for:
Non-state armed groups (NSAGs) sometimes use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target civilians in the North-West and South-West regions.
Civilians have been killed at or near road checkpoints controlled by NSAGs or government forces. Be cautious when you approach roadblocks.
In recent years Cameroonian security forces and NSAGs have fought multiple times in many parts of the North-West and South-West regions. Restrictions including night curfews and a ban on public meetings are in place in some areas. There is a high risk of violent crime, especially at night.
There have also been a number of reported civilian fatalities in these regions at or near checkpoints due to accidental discharge of weapons.
If you decide to travel to, or within, areas of the English-speaking regions where the FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel, you should consider carefully the risks of travel. Monitor developments closely, keep a low profile and minimise your movements.
General strikes (or ‘ghost towns’) are called in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions each Monday. There are often additional days, including in February (around Youth Day, 11 February), May (around National Day on 20 May) and around 1 October (Unofficial Unification Day). There is often violence and travel disruption on these days.
As events develop, be cautious and regularly check news reports, this travel advice and information from local authorities.
Lake Nyos in the North-West Region emitted carbon dioxide in 1986, suffocating about 1,700 people without warning. Although the Cameroon authorities now closely monitor the lake, this situation could repeat with limited warning. The authorities are also concerned that the volcanic dam holding back Lake Nyos is not sufficiently strong. Nearby Lake Mounoun is also saturated with carbon dioxide.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the North Region, including Garoua,, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with the North region of Cameroon. FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria borders.
64yearsLife expectancy2024
64.8per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
258per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
260.5per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.14per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
71.4 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Cameroon, including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Cameroon. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Medical facilities in Cameroon are below UK standards. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cameroon’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Cameroon set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cameroon High Commission in the UK.
To enter Cameroon, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
You must have a visa to enter Cameroon.
You must apply for a e-visa online – some people encounter technical problems with this online service, so apply in good time.
You cannot get a visa on arrival at either Yaoundé or Douala airport.
If you travel to Cameroon by road or sea, you must get a physical visa before you arrive by applying at your nearest Cameroon embassy or high commission. You cannot get an e-visa at land or sea borders.
If you are in Cameroon and have questions about your immigration status, contact the General Delegation for National Security in Yaoundé:
Telephone: +237 22221 2884
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport.
To enter Cameroon, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cameroon guide.
In response to the current Ebola outbreak in DRC, you may be required to undergo thermal screening on arrival at Nsimalen International Airport and Douala International Airport. These measures are subject to change at short notice.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Cameroon. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in CameroonFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
1 event · 3 deaths
the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.