Cameroon Safety Tips: What Every Traveler Should Know

Is Cameroon safe to visit?

Cameroon is a rewarding destination, but safety varies sharply by region. Most visits to Yaoundé, Douala and the western highlands pass without trouble if you stay alert. Some regions, however, carry serious risk and should be avoided.

Regions to avoid or approach with caution

• Far North (Extreme-Nord) near Lake Chad: armed-group and kidnapping risk. Avoid travel here.
• North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions: ongoing unrest, roadblocks and sporadic violence. Travel is strongly discouraged.
• Eastern border with CAR: cross-border insecurity and banditry.

The cities of Yaoundé and Douala are generally manageable, but petty crime is common.

Common scams and street crime

• Fake police: people in plain clothes claiming to be officers and demanding to "check" documents or cash. Ask for ID and offer to go to a real station.
• Bag-snatching and phone theft in markets like Mokolo (Yaoundé) and at Douala's transport hubs.
• Taxi overcharging: shared yellow taxis are cheap; agree the fare before getting in. Avoid unmarked cars.
• Mobile-money fraud and people asking you to receive a transfer on their behalf. Decline.

Everyday precautions

• Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa; police checkpoints are frequent and may ask for documents.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Douala.
• Use ATMs inside banks or malls during daylight.
• Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food in hot weather.
• Malaria is present nationwide; take prophylaxis and use repellent.
• Carry small CFA-franc notes; many places do not accept cards.

Emergency numbers in Cameroon

• Police: 117
• Fire brigade: 118
• Medical / ambulance (SAMU): 119 (or 1510 in some areas)
• Save your embassy's contact details before you travel.

Phone signal is good in cities but patchy in rural areas, so download offline maps before long trips.

Stay connected in Cameroon

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translation and bookings without expensive roaming or hunting for a local SIM.