Genvisec advises  against all travel to the Far North Province. If you’re in the Far North Province, you should leave. 

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria’s Adamawa state. This affects part of Cameroon’s North and Adamaoua provinces. 

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula.

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to within 40km of the border with Chad. 

 

Genvisec also advise against all but essential travel to within 40km of the border with the Central African Republic (CAR). 

 

Travel to all other regions can continue with the appropriate security precautions and personne should be briefed prior.

 

There is a general threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. Kidnappings have taken place as recently as April 2014 in an area to which Genvisec advises against all travel. Boko Haram has publicly threatened Cameroon with attacks and further kidnappings. 

 

On 14 May 2013, the Government of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Borno and Adamawa border Cameroon’s Far North, North, and Adamaoua provinces. Nigerian military operations there could have an impact across the border in Cameroon.

 

There have been attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Gulf of Guinea, including the coastline of Cameroon around the Douala port. Take great care when travelling in coastal waters and seek appropriate anti piracy advice from Genvisec.

 

Sahel region

There’s a very real threat of kidnap to westerners in the Sahel and surrounding region. The Sahel region includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The kidnap threat extends to other countries including Algeria, Cameroon, Libya and Nigeria. The threat has increased following the military intervention in Mali which began in January 2013. Further attacks are highly likely.

 

There are currently around 6 hostages being held in the Sahel and surrounding region, some of whom have been held for 2 years. Victims in the region have included construction workers, NGO workers, tourists and diplomats of various nationalities, primarily European. Some hostages have been killed, including 9 British nationals since 2009.

 

The terrorist threat in the Sahel and surrounding region comes from a number of groups, including Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) and Al Murabitun, a merger of the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA) and Mokhtar Belmokhtar’s group. These terrorist groups aspire to establish Islamic law in the region and to attack Western interests.

 

The groups carry out kidnappings of Westerners for financial gain, prisoner exchange and to exert political pressure on governments. Kidnapping for ransom is AQ-M’s primary source of finance.

 

AQ-M and regional Islamist groups operate in the border areas of northern Mali, Niger and Algeria. They have proven capability of travelling long distances to carry out attacks, including in Algeria, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Criminal gangs also carry out kidnappings for terrorist groups in return for financial payment.

 

Terrorist groups in the region have also kidnapped 16 westerners in Cameroon and Nigeria since December 2012.

 

 

Festivals

 

A number of festivals take place in the Sahel every year. If you’re planning to attend a festival in the region, you should consult the country travel advice and check whether it is in an area where Genvisec advises against travel.

 

A British national was among a group of tourists kidnapped from the Mali-Niger border after attending a festival in Mali in 2009. He was killed some months later.

 

Rally racing

 

If you’re taking part in a cross-country rally that travels through the Sahel and surrounding region, you should be aware of the high risk of kidnapping in parts of the region.

 

Some rallies in the 2012-13 season were cancelled or rerouted because of the risk. One of the most famous rallies in the region, the Paris-Dakar Rally, now takes place in South America due to the threat of kidnap. However, other rallies may go through areas where Genvisec advises against travel. You should consult our country travel advice when planning your route.

 

If you do choose to take part in a rally that travels through areas where Genvisec advises against travel, make sure you regularly consult our travel advice for all countries you will be going through take particular care in remote regions and border areas where there’s a higher threat of kidnap. Don’t share your route publicly as this could make you more vulnerable to attacker,satisfy yourself with your individual security arrangements,maintain a high level of vigilance at all times andhave adequate insurance cover; medical evacuation from a remote location could cost you thousands of pounds if you’re not covered.You should also be aware that the ability of you home country to provide consular assistance in some countries in the region is limited.

 

Recent kidnap attacks

 

Cameroon: on 14 November 2013, a French national was kidnapped in Far North Province

Mali: on 2 November 2013, 2 French journalists were abducted and killed in the north eastern town of Kidal

Cameroon: on 19 February 2013, 7 French tourists were kidnapped in Far North province near the Nigeria border; they were released on 18 April 2013

Nigeria: on 16 February 2013 a British national was kidnapped along with 6 other foreign nationals in Bauchi state; they are believed to have been killed

Algeria: on 16 January 2013, a number of foreign workers were taken hostage at a gas installation near the town of In Amenas, close to the border with Libya; a number of British nationals were killed in the attack

Nigeria: in December 2012, a French national was kidnapped in Katsina state; he escaped on 17 November 2013

Nigeria: in May 2012, a Lebanese national was kidnapped in Kaduna state; he is still being held

Nigeria: in January 2012, a German national was kidnapped in Kano; he was killed some months later

Mali: on 21 November 2012 a French national was kidnapped near the town of Kayes, close to the Senegal/Mauritania border; he is still being held

Mali: on 15 April 2012, a Swiss national was kidnapped in Timbuktu; she was released on 24 April 2012

Mali: on 4 April 2012, 7 Algerian diplomats were kidnapped in Gao; three of them were released on 5 July 2012

Mauritania: on 20 December 2011, Mauritanian military police were attacked in Adel Begrou, Mauritania, near the Mali border; one Gendarme was kidnapped in the attack and was held for almost 3 months before being released

Mali: on 25 November 2011, 4 tourists were attacked in Timbuktu; one was killed and 3 others kidnapped; they are still being held

Mali: on 24 November 2011, 2 French nationals were kidnapped in the town of Hombori, to the north east of Mopti; one was killed in March 2013; the other is still being held

 

Crime

 

Mugging and armed banditry are a problem throughout Cameroon but particularly in Yaoundé, Douala, Limbé, Buea and Tiko.

 

Avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns; for example in Yaoundé, La Briquetterie and Mokolo; and in Douala, Akwa, Bonaberi and Village. Avoid walking around at night, particularly alone.

 

Be vigilant in public places. Trouble can flare up unexpectedly (eg at football matches). Make sure car doors are locked when driving around. Avoid wearing jewellery and only carry small amounts of cash and valuables.

 

Close and lock all doors and windows, particularly at night. Make sure burglar proof metal bars are installed. Identify callers through spy holes before opening doors, especially late at night.

 

Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush taxis and around bus stations. Taxis in cities operate like buses, picking up passengers while there is still room in the car. They often take indirect routes and many don’t meet basic safety requirements. There have been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. Only use trusted taxis and preferably book one from your hotel or restaurant.

 

Car-jackings and armed robberies have occurred along roads close to the borders with Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria, and along the Bamenda-Banyo, Bafoussam-Banyo, Bafoussam-Doula and Bafoussam-Yaounde roads. Thefts from vehicles have occurred in the towns of Limbé, Douala, Yaoundé, Kribi, and Maroua.

 

Foreign visitors and residents are often targets of scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can cause significant financial loss. Scammers also target individuals and companies in the UK via websites, chat-rooms and by email. Cases involving the alleged adoption of children have been reported. Be very cautious about sending money or travelling to Cameroon to adopt a child where the information has come from a website or through emails. Cameroon does not have adoption agencies. Many victims are persuaded to pay large amounts of money before they suspect anything.

 

Local travel

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to Far North Province. There is an increased risk of displacement of Nigeria-based extremists into the province following the declarations of a state of emergency in Nigeria’s Borno and Adamawa states. An increased presence of Nigerian extremists in Far North province had already been observed before the declaration, and there is also a general threat of kidnapping and armed banditry. If you’re in the Far North Province, you should leave. There is also a risk of displacement of Nigeria-based extremists into Cameroon’s North and Adamaoua provinces which border Nigeria’s Adamawa state. Genvisec advise against all travel to within 40km of the border with Nigeria’s Adamawa state. The ability of your country to offer consular services in the Far North, North and Adamaoua provinces is limited.

 

The Genvisec advises against all travel to within 40 km of the border with Chad because of armed banditry, including poachers in Bouba Ndjidda National Park in the North Province.

 

Genvisec also advise against all but essential travel to within 40km of the border with the Central African Republic (CAR). There have been incursions by armed men from CAR and there have been fatalities. Armed banditry remains a risk.

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula, as shown on the accompanying map. Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Guinea and particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta which includes Bakassi Peninsula. Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) patrol the waters. The ferry that operates between Limbe/Tiko in Cameroon and Calabar in Nigeria passes through areas where pirates operate. The Bakassi Peninsula is made up of mangrove forests and isolated islands that are difficult to police. Mariners should seek professional security advice and take appropriate precautions. The Korup National Park falls outside the area to which the Genvisec advises against all travel.

 

Take great care if you travel to the northern provinces of Cameroon by road. The eastern route via Garoua-Boulai and Meiganga involves driving close to the border with CAR. The western route requires travel along the Bamenda-Banyo axis. The central route via Yoko requires travel on very poorly maintained roads through largely uninhabited areas, crossing a number of bridges in a poor state of repair. There is no fuel available on the route. If you must attempt this drive, carry plenty of water, sufficient fuel to enable you to turn back if necessary, a spare tyre and a satellite phone or VHF radio to summon assistance if required.

 

Lake Nyos

 

Lake Nyos in the North West Province emitted carbon dioxide suffocating about 1,700 people in 1986. There were no warning signs that this would happen and it could happen again at any time. There is also a concern that the wall of the dam holding back Lake Nyos is not sufficiently strong. Nearby Lake Mounoun is also saturated with CO2.

 

Road travel

 

Avoid all travel by road at night in rural areas, particularly on the Yaoundé-Douala trunk road, where accidents are common. Plan your journey carefully and travel in convoy, where possible. As mobile phone coverage is limited you should consider taking a VHF radio or satellite phone.

 

You can drive using a UK driving licence or International Driving Permit on first arrival, but you should obtain a Cameroonian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as possible.

 

Make sure any car you hire is adequately insured, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company (rather than the car hire firm). If you are hiring a driver and car, make sure you are not liable for any accident or damage.

 

Apart from the major routes, roads in Cameroon are generally in poor condition. Many are badly pot-holed. Street lighting, where it exists, is poor. Pedestrians and stray animals on roads are a hazard. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven.

 

Roadblocks set up by the police or gendarmerie, are common throughout Cameroon. You may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents. There are regular reports of uniformed members of the security forces stopping motorists on the pretext of minor or non-existent violations of local vehicle regulations in order to extort small bribes. 

 

Air travel

 

There are doubts about the reliability and safety of some Cameroonian-registered aircraft operating flights within Cameroon. However, the airline Camair-Co has flights to Paris as well as internal flights and is not subject to any EU operating restrictions Several regional and continental airlines fly into Cameroon including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Asky Airlines.

 

Rail travel

 

Much of the track and many of the trains in Cameroon are in poor condition.

 

Political situation

 

There are occasional isolated incidents of political unrest around the country, particularly in Douala and Bamenda. Be vigilant at all times, and avoid political demonstrations and rallies.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities in Cameroon are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

 

The UN has advised that there may be a prolonged and expanding circulation of polio. Make sure you are adequately vaccinated

 

In the 2012 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 540,000 adults aged 15 or over in Cameroon were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 4.5 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 113 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

Sterling travellers’ cheques are difficult to exchange throughout Cameroon. Many banks will only allow you to exchange travellers’ cheques if you hold an account with that bank. Euros and US Dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency.

 

Cameroon is primarily a cash economy. Payment by credit card is only sometimes possible; Visa is the most widely accepted. Confirm in advance with your hotel if you plan to settle a bill by credit card.

 

Some ATMs outside banks in Yaoundé, Douala and other major towns will accept major UK credit cards and supply local currency but they are often empty, particularly at the weekend.

 

Money transfer agencies can be found throughout Cameroon.

 

Local laws and customs

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society and sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal in Cameroon. There is a growing intolerance of homosexuality in Cameroon. A number of attacks and arrests have been reported in the media.

 

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence.

 

Carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport showing a valid visa). Failure to produce ID can lead to detention by the police.

 

Photographing military sites, government buildings, airports and ports is forbidden. While photography elsewhere is not illegal, communities can be sensitive to people taking photos and may ask for money in return. Officials may also ask you to pay for a ‘permits’ to photograph certain places.

 

Visas

 

To visit Cameroon, you will need to apply for a visa from the High Commission for Cameroon.

 

If you have a query about your immigration status while in Cameroon, contact the General Delegation for National Security in Yaoundé (telephone: +237 2221 2884).

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your visa application.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries.

 

You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country. Failure to do so will probably lead to a further vaccination being administered at the port of entry, for which a charge is made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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