Cameroon - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• North, Far North, Northwest and Southwest Regions, and Parts of East and Adamawa Regions due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Adamawa (to the north or east of Ngaoundere), East (east of Bertoua), North, Far North, Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon due to current official travel restrictions.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Cameroon:

• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent and turn deadly.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Cameroon.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

North, Far North, Northwest and Southwest Regions, and Parts of East and Adamawa Regions

In the North and Far North Regions, as well as parts of East and Adamawa Regions, terrorists may attack with no warning, targeting local facilities and places frequented by Westerners. In Adamawa Region, this threat specifically includes any area to the north or east of Ngaoundere.  Kidnapping by terrorists and/or kidnapping for ransom are serious concerns in Cameroon, especially in areas bordering northern Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR).

In Northwest and Southwest Regions, an Anglophone separatist movement has led to increased levels of violence. Armed clashes with the government and other acts of violence have occurred.

Violent crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery, assault, and carjacking, is common within 60 miles of the border with Nigeria’s Adamawa State in the North and Adamawa Regions of Cameroon, the border area with Chad, and the border areas with the CAR.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.