As in any self-respecting State, entry of foreigners into Cameroonian territory is generally dependent upon the obtention of a visa. As a matter of fact, there are several visa categories for entry into Cameroon. These categories are four in number.
1- Transit visa
The transit visa can be granted to a foreigner in transit. Its validity is limited to 5 days with several entries and exits. The following documents have to be presented before it is issued:
* A passport or any other travel document with a validity period of at least six months
* A valid air ticket bound for the final destination, or any other proof of continuation of the journey
* A visa or authorisation to enter the final destination country, if necessary;
* Required international vaccination certificates.
2- Tourist visa
Valid for one or several entries and exits, the Tourist visa can be granted to the temporary visitor travelling for a touristic purpose either individually or as a member of an organised group or package tour. Its validity period can exceed thirty days. Obtention of an individual or collective tourist visa is dependent upon the presentation by the tourist or his travel organiser of the following documents:
* A passport with a validity period of at least six months
* An air ticket or any other travel document valid up to Cameroon
* International vaccination certificates
* A guarantee that the tourist will go back to his country.
3- Temporary visa
The temporary visa is valid for one or several entries and exits. This visa can be granted to the foreigner whose stay in Cameroon does not exceed three months. The following documents must be submitted for it to be issued:
* A passport with a validity period of at least six months
* A round-trip air ticket or any other round-trip travel document or, if necessary, a customs passage booklet
* Required international vaccination certificates
* Proofs of the purpose and conditions of the visit and sufficient means of subsistence for the whole period of the stay
* Proof of accommodation from the person committing himself/herself to accommodating the visitor, which proof should be endorsed by the Mayor of the locality; or an invitation to an event organised within the national territory, or a hotel booking for the envisaged period of the stay.
* A mission order for official missions.
4- Long-stay visa
The long-stay visa is valid for one or several entries and exits. This visa can be granted to the foreigner whose envisaged stay in Cameroon exceeds three months. However, its validity cannot go beyond six months. It will be granted on a case-by-case basis when the following documents are presented:
* A passport with a validity period of at least six months
* An air ticket or any other travel document valid up to Cameroon
* International vaccination certificates
* The guarantee that the traveller will go back to his country.
* A work permit endorsed by the Minister in charge of Labour for foreigners wishing to engage in salaried work in Cameroon
* An authorisation to carry out a liberal profession or promote an agricultural, pastoral, industrial, commercial, artisanal or any other activity, issued by the competent authorities in cases where such an authorisation is required
* A document proving matrimonial links for the spouse or parental links for minors
* A registration certificate issued by the school official for students
* A document attesting to internship for interns.
NB: All these visas are granted by the competent Diplomatic Mission or Consulate within the 48 hours of the submission of the application. Foreigners from countries where Cameroon has no diplomatic representation or consulate can, on an exceptional basis, obtain a visa at the frontier or immigration police post of their port of entry.
