Cameroon Visa for Indians 2025-2026: Complete Guide with Requirements, Fees & Application Process
Reviewed by: Professional Visa Consultants team of BTWVisas (Cameroon Visa Experts)
Do Indians Need a Visa for Cameroon?
Quick Answer:
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Cameroon. The good news is that Cameroon offers a convenient e-Visa system that allows Indian citizens to apply online without visiting an embassy. The entire process can be completed from home in just 2-3 business days.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- ✅ Visa Required: Yes, mandatory for all Indian citizens
- 🌐 Application Method: Online e-Visa (recommended) or Embassy
- ⏱️ Processing Time: 2-3 business days (standard), 24 hours (express)
- 💰 Visa Fee: $181.82 (short-stay), $272.73 (long-stay)
- 📅 Validity: Up to 6 months (short-stay) or 1 year (long-stay)
- 🔄 Entry Type: Single or Multiple entry available
- 💉 Yellow Fever: Vaccination certificate mandatory
What is Cameroon Visa?
When a foreign national is planning to visit Cameroon, a visa for Cameroon is issued for the traveller. There are different kinds of benefits to this permit. Depending on the type, the holder is allowed to tour the country, deal with business, visit friends and family living in Cameroon, among others. The validity and the duration of the stay will differ as per the type as well. Also note that a visa for Cameroon does not guarantee you an entry into the country, you need to meet the requirements as per the border control.
1. Understanding Cameroon Visa Types for Indians
Cameroon offers several visa categories tailored to different travel purposes. Understanding which visa type suits your needs is the first step toward a successful application.
1.1 Transit Visa
Purpose: For travelers passing through Cameroon to reach another destination.
Duration Options:
- Short Transit (1-4 days): Free of charge, ideal for brief layovers
- Extended Transit (Over 4 days): $181.82, suitable for longer stopovers
Entry Types: Single or Multiple entry available
Who Should Apply: Indian travelers with connecting flights through Cameroon or those planning a brief stopover before continuing to another African country.
Important Note: You must provide proof of onward travel (confirmed ticket to your final destination) and a valid visa for that country if required.
1.2 Short-Stay Tourist/Business Visa
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, or medical treatment.
Duration: Up to 6 months maximum stay
Validity Period: 0-6 months from date of issue
Entry Types:
- Single Entry: $181.82 (standard), $272.73 (express)
- Multiple Entry: $181.82 (standard), $272.73 (express)
Processing Time:
- Standard: 2-3 business days
- Express: 24 hours
Who Should Apply: Indian tourists, business travelers, conference attendees, or those visiting family and friends in Cameroon.
Permitted Activities:
- Sightseeing and tourism
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Attending conferences or seminars
- Visiting family or friends
- Medical treatment (with supporting documents)
- Short-term training programs
1.3 Long-Stay Visa
Purpose: Extended stays for work, study, religious activities, or long-term projects.
Duration: Up to 1 year maximum stay
Validity Period: 6 months to 1 year from date of issue
Entry Types:
- Single Entry: $272.73 (standard processing)
- Multiple Entry: $272.73 (standard processing)
Processing Time: 3 business days (express option currently suppressed)
Who Should Apply: Indian nationals planning to:
- Work as contract workers or independent professionals
- Pursue long-term training programs
- Study at Cameroonian educational institutions
- Join family members residing in Cameroon
- Engage in religious or missionary work
- Undertake extended business projects
Additional Requirements: Long-stay visas require more comprehensive documentation, including employment contracts, admission letters from educational institutions, or detailed project proposals.
1.4 Choosing the Right Visa Type
Decision Matrix:
Your Purpose | Recommended Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type |
Holiday/Tourism | Short-Stay Tourist | 1-3 months | Single |
Business Trip | Short-Stay Business | 1-2 months | Single/Multiple |
Multiple Business Visits | Short-Stay Business | Up to 6 months | Multiple |
Work Assignment | Long-Stay Work | 6-12 months | Multiple |
University Studies | Long-Stay Study | 1 year | Multiple |
Family Reunion | Long-Stay Family | 6-12 months | Multiple |
Airport Layover (< 4 days) | Transit | 1-4 days | Single |
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about your travel plans or might need to enter Cameroon multiple times, opt for a multiple-entry visa. The fee is the same as single-entry, but it offers much more flexibility.
2. Complete Document Requirements Checklist
Preparing the correct documents is crucial for a successful visa application. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 reason for visa rejections. Here's your comprehensive checklist:
2.1 Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
✅ Valid Passport
Requirements:
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Cameroon
- Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
- Must be in good condition (no torn pages, water damage, or significant wear)
- Biodata page must be clearly legible
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Passport expiring within 6 months of travel
- ❌ Insufficient blank pages
- ❌ Damaged or illegible passport pages
- ❌ Using a passport that doesn't match your e-visa application details
Expert Tip: Scan your passport biodata page in high resolution (at least 300 DPI) and save it as a PDF file under 5MB. Ensure all text is clearly readable in the scanned copy.
✅ Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Specifications:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm (standard passport photo size)
- Background: Plain white or light-colored background
- Quality: High resolution, clear, and in focus
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Attire: Formal or semi-formal clothing (avoid casual wear)
- Restrictions: No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
Photo Rejection Reasons:
- Poor lighting or shadows on face
- Blurry or pixelated images
- Incorrect background color
- Wearing sunglasses or accessories
- Photo older than 6 months
Pro Tip: Visit a professional photo studio and specifically request "passport photos for visa applications." They'll ensure all specifications are met.
✅ Confirmed Flight Itinerary
What to Include:
- Round-trip flight reservation showing:
- Departure date from India
- Arrival date in Cameroon
- Return date to India
- Flight numbers and airline names
- Transit cities (if applicable)
Important Notes:
- ⚠️ Do NOT purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval
- ✅ Make a reservation (not a full purchase) that can be cancelled
- ✅ Many airlines and travel agents offer free 24-48 hour holds
- ✅ Use visa-specific flight reservation services if needed
What Immigration Officers Check:
- Travel dates align with visa validity requested
- Return ticket confirms you plan to leave Cameroon
- Transit visas (if required) for connecting countries
✅ Proof of Accommodation
Acceptable Documents:
Option 1: Hotel Reservation
- Confirmed booking from a recognized hotel
- Must show: Hotel name, address, check-in/check-out dates, booking reference
- Should cover your entire stay or majority of it
Option 2: Invitation Letter (if staying with someone)
- Letter from your host in Cameroon
- Must include:
- Host's full name, address, and contact details
- Your relationship with the host
- Duration of your stay
- Host's signature
- Additional: Copy of host's Cameroonian ID or residence permit
- Preferred: Letter signed by the local mayor (certificate of accommodation)
Option 3: Rental Agreement
- If you've rented an apartment or house
- Must show rental period and property address
Pro Tip: Even if staying with family/friends, having a backup hotel reservation for the first few nights can strengthen your application.
✅ Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Mandatory Requirement: All travelers to Cameroon must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever.
What You Need:
- Official yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet)
- Must clearly show "YELLOW FEVER" or "FIEVRE JAUNE" or "STAMARIL" or "ANTI-AMARIL"
- Vaccination must be at least 10 days old before travel
- Certificate is valid for life (as per WHO guidelines)
Where to Get Vaccinated in India:
- Government-approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centers
- Major international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai)
- Designated government hospitals
- Cost: Approximately ₹300-500 in government centers
Medical Exemption:
- If you cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons
- Obtain a signed and stamped medical exemption letter from a registered physician
- Letter must clearly state the medical condition preventing vaccination
- Include doctor's registration number and contact details
Important: Yellow fever vaccination is not just a visa requirement—it's a health necessity. Cameroon is in a yellow fever endemic zone.
✅ Proof of Financial Means
Purpose: To demonstrate you can financially support yourself during your stay in Cameroon.
Acceptable Documents:
Option 1: Personal Bank Statements
- Last 3-6 months of bank statements
- Must show regular income and sufficient balance
- Recommended minimum: $50-100 per day of stay
- Statements must be recent (less than 3 months old)
- Should show your name, account number, and bank details
Option 2: Sponsorship Letter
- If someone else is funding your trip
- Notarized letter of financial support
- Sponsor's bank statements (last 3 months)
- Proof of sponsor's relationship to you
- Sponsor's ID proof
Option 3: Company Sponsorship (for business travelers)
- Letter from your employer on company letterhead
- Stating company will cover all expenses
- Include company registration details
Red Flags to Avoid:
- ❌ Sudden large deposits just before application
- ❌ Insufficient balance for trip duration
- ❌ Irregular or suspicious transactions
- ❌ Bank statements older than 3 months
Pro Tip: Maintain a healthy bank balance for at least 3 months before applying. Immigration officers look for financial stability, not just a one-time deposit.
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