Cameroon entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cameroon in 2026. The online application is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready. Processing can take a few business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Cameroon eVisa online before your flight. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so submit at least a week ahead. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cameroon. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you can't show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely demand it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask for it if you look underprepared, but it's not a standard check. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Local SIMs are cheap and easy
Buy a local SIM at the airport (MTN or Orange) for about 5,000 XAF ($12 CAD). Data plans are affordable. If you prefer an eSIM, Airalo works immediately upon landing.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Cameroon eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 CAD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 2–5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Cameroon.
3
Arrive at Yaoundé or Douala airport
Most international flights land at Yaoundé Nsimalen or Douala International. After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Go through immigration
An officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready. They may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
Download Cameroon Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $90 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $135 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $225 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Temporary Resident Card)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $170 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer or business in Cameroon. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $112 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Cameroonian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $560 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of CFA 50 million (approx. $85,000 USD) in Cameroon. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders applying online. | €80 (approx. $90 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (approx. $135 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of CFA 500,000 (approx. $800 USD). | CFA 5,000 (approx. $8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cameroon
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Cameroonian airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Cameroon or an African Union member state may transit without visa.
Transit hubsYaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) · Douala International Airport (DLA)
Health & vaccines for Cameroon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Yaoundé
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la République, Yaoundé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Douala
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de l'Immigration, Douala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for the economic capital.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalYaoundé
LanguageFrench, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 558.8 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no same-day option.
No. Canadian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
Around $100–$150 CAD depending on the processing speed you choose. The fee is paid online during the application.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date.
Yes. Cameroon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask for it.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Cameroon immigration office before your visa expires.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.