Is Cameroon Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Five of Cameroon's ten regions remain under "do not travel" advisories from major Western governments as of March 2026. The FCO advises against all travel to the Northwest and Southwest regions, whilst the US State Department extends this warning to include the North, Far North, and parts of East and Adamawa regions, according to advisories updated in February 2026.

The security situation has deteriorated significantly since 2017, when Anglophone separatist movements launched an armed insurgency in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Simultaneously, Boko Haram attacks continue across the Far North region, with spillover violence affecting border areas with Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

The Current Situation

Armed clashes between government forces and separatist groups occur daily across the Northwest and Southwest regions, home to 6.2 million of Cameroon's 27 million citizens. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed in their latest advisory that kidnapping, civil unrest and violent crime including armed robbery remain prevalent throughout these areas.

Canadian authorities specifically warn against travel within 30 kilometres of borders with Nigeria, Chad and the Central African Republic due to military operations and terrorism risks. This affects approximately 15,000 square kilometres of territory across the Far North and East regions.

Boko Haram maintains an active presence across the Far North region, conducting regular attacks on civilian and military targets. The group has carried out 47 documented attacks in the region since January 2025, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

Internet shutdowns continue to affect the Northwest and Southwest regions intermittently. The government has imposed connectivity restrictions 23 times since January 2024, disrupting communications for weeks at a time.

Regional Safety Breakdown

Yaoundé and Centre Region: Relatively stable but petty crime remains high. Armed robberies increased 34% in the capital during 2025 compared to the previous year, police statistics show.

Douala and Littoral Region: The economic capital experiences regular strikes and civil unrest. Port operations face periodic disruptions from labour disputes and security operations.

Northwest Region: The FCO designates this entire region as off-limits. Bamenda, the regional capital, experiences regular gun battles between security forces and armed groups. Schools remain closed across 80% of the region.

Southwest Region: Complete travel prohibition includes major towns Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. The Bakassi Peninsula faces particular security challenges with frequent kidnappings of oil workers and fishermen.

Far North Region: Boko Haram controls rural areas within 100 kilometres of the Nigerian border. Maroua remains under military administration with strict movement controls after sunset.

North Region: The southern portion remains accessible but the US State Department warns against travel to areas within 50 kilometres of Chad. Cattle rustling and inter-communal violence affect rural areas.

East Region: Government forces conduct counter-insurgency operations against armed groups operating from the Central African Republic. The towns of Bertoua and Batouri maintain minimal government presence.

Crime & Safety

Violent crime affects all regions of Cameroon, with armed robbery, carjacking and assault occurring frequently in urban areas. Douala recorded 2,847 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, placing it among Africa's most dangerous cities.

Express kidnapping targets foreign nationals and wealthy Cameroonians across major cities. Victims typically face detention periods of 24-72 hours whilst families arrange ransom payments averaging $15,000 according to security consultancy data.

Piracy affects coastal waters between Douala and Limbe, with 12 documented attacks on commercial vessels during 2025. The International Maritime Bureau maintains a high-risk designation for Cameroon's territorial waters.

Road travel presents significant hazards due to poor infrastructure and banditry. The Yaoundé-Douala highway experiences regular armed robberies, particularly during hours of darkness. Military checkpoints operate every 20-30 kilometres on major routes.

Police corruption remains endemic, with officers regularly demanding bribes at checkpoints and during routine interactions. Standard payments range from 2,000-10,000 CFA francs depending on the perceived infraction.

Entry Requirements & Practicalities

British citizens require visas obtained in advance from Cameroon diplomatic missions. Processing typically takes 7-10 working days with fees of £120 for single-entry permits.

Yellow fever vaccination remains mandatory with certificates checked at entry points. Malaria prophylaxis is essential as the disease affects all regions year-round.

The CFA franc operates as legal tender with exchange rates of approximately 655 CFA to one US dollar as of March 2026. Credit card acceptance remains limited outside major hotels in Yaoundé and Douala.

Commercial flights operate to Douala and Yaoundé international airports from Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and several African capitals. Internal flights face regular cancellations due to fuel shortages and security concerns.

Mobile networks provide coverage in urban areas but connectivity remains unreliable in conflict-affected regions. International roaming charges are substantial, with data costs averaging $12 per gigabyte.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Cancel all non-essential travel to Cameroon until the security situation improves significantly. Those with unavoidable business in Yaoundé or Douala should engage professional security consultancy services and maintain comprehensive evacuation insurance.

Register with relevant embassy services and establish communication protocols with family members before departure. The British High Commission in Yaoundé operates with reduced staff and limited consular services.

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance explicitly covering conflict zones and political evacuation. Standard policies exclude coverage for government advisory contraventions.

Monitor security updates through official channels and maintain flexibility for immediate departure if conditions deteriorate. Airlines operate irregular schedules with frequent cancellations during security incidents.

Key Facts:

  • Five of ten regions under "do not travel" advisories from major governments
  • 6.2 million citizens live in conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest regions
  • Boko Haram conducted 47 documented attacks in Far North region since January 2025
  • Armed robberies in Yaoundé increased 34% during 2025 compared to previous year