Cameroon entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cameroon. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Cameroon eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cameroon. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight booking or reservation showing departure from Cameroon within your allowed stay works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Cameroon ready. Officers rarely check it, but it helps if they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 100,000 XAF or equivalent) to cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cameroon. If it expires sooner, your eVisa will be rejected. Check your passport now.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Also print paper copies — phone batteries die, and not all airport counters have chargers.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official Cameroon eVisa website (evisacameroon.com). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number.
3
Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for quick access.
4
Arrive at Cameroon Immigration
At Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport or Douala International Airport, head to the immigration counter. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. No visa on arrival is available for Ethiopian passport holders.
Download Cameroon Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
CostFCFA 50,000 (~$85 USD)
Apply at Cameroon embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFCFA 100,000 (~$170 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostFCFA 200,000 (~$340 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
FCFA 150,000 (~$255 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Cameroon. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
FCFA 100,000 (~$170 USD) plus school fees
For enrolled students at accredited Cameroonian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
FCFA 500,000 (~$850 USD) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of FCFA 10 million (~$17,000 USD). Requires business plan and local partner.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Ethiopian passport holders. | FCFA 50,000 (~$85 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | FCFA 100,000 (~$170 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | FCFA 5,000 per day (~$8.50 USD), max cap FCFA 200,000 (~$340 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Cameroon, even if staying airside. Apply at Cameroon embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsDouala International Airport (DLA) · Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI)
Health & vaccines for Cameroon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Ethiopia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Cameroon, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, mainly in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Risk is highest in rural and lowland areas.
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 permits.
Douala
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville, Douala
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for ET 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 = 562.57 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
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid delays. There is no expedited option.
No. You must have an eVisa approved before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian citizens.
The official eVisa fee varies by nationality and duration. For Ethiopian passport holders, expect around $100–$150 USD. Check the official website for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, Cameroon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — immigration may ask for it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all international airports, including Yaoundé Nsimalen and Douala International. Land border crossings may not accept it — check before traveling overland.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.