Cameroon entry requirements for France 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

French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Cameroon in 2026. The online application is straightforward — no embassy visit required. Processing takes a few business days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for your Cameroon eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Cameroon. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cameroon. Officers may ask for it at the border, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked stay.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about €300) in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means for your stay.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. No card, no entry — no exceptions. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your eVisa accessible offline
Internet at Yaoundé and Douala airports can be spotty. Save a PDF of your eVisa on your phone and carry a printed copy in your hand luggage.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisacameroon.com, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €80–€100 depending on processing speed). You’ll receive the eVisa by email within 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Immigration at Yaoundé Nsimalen or Douala International Airport will ask to see it before they stamp you in.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and eVisa. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation — have them open on your phone.
4
Get your passport stamped
After the officer reviews your documents, they’ll stamp your passport. Check the stamp for the correct entry date. You’re then free to collect your luggage and exit the airport.
Download Cameroon Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)

Standard tourist visa, non-extendable.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)

For frequent travellers, allows multiple entries.

Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (~$215 USD)

Requires proof of purpose (work, study, family reunion).

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$215 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cameroon. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$160 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Cameroonian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$540 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cameroon. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 90 days from issue.€70 (~$75 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days.€120 (~$130 USD)
Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €300 (~$325 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

France passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Cameroonian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsYaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) · Douala International Airport (DLA)

Health & vaccines for Cameroon

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers due to risk in Cameroon.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

TyphoidModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.

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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

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 for the Littoral region.

Practical information for FR 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
updated May 13
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
Police117
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There’s an expedited option (24–48 hours) that costs more — around €150. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No, Cameroon does not offer visas on arrival for French passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The standard eVisa fee is about €80–€100. The exact amount depends on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online during the application.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Immigration may ask to see it.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you’d have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Immigration may deny you entry. Airlines also often check for a return ticket before letting you board. 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.