CAMEROON VISAS AND VISA CATEGORIES
Cameroon Visas are granted by the diplomatic mission or the consular post within a maximum of forty-eight (48) hours after the date of filing of the application. However, foreigners from countries where Cameroon is not represented by a diplomatic or consular post may, in exceptional circumstances, obtain a visa at the border post of police or immigration of their landing place.
Transit Visa
The transit visa may be granted to a foreigner in transit. Its validity may not exceed five (5) days, with multiple entries and exits. The issuance of a transit visa is subject to the production of:
• a passport or other travel document with a validity of at least 6 months,
• a valid air ticket to the final destination or other proof of onward travel,
• a visa or entry permit for the final country of destination,
• where applicable, international vaccination certificates.
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa, valid for one or more entries and exits may be granted temporary visitor who moves to a tourist ground, either individually or as part of a tour or a package. Its validity may not exceed thirty (30) days.
The issuance of a visa, individual or collective tourism, is subject to the production, as applicable, the following documents:
• a passport or other travel document with a validity of at least 6 months,
• a plane ticket or as circular return transport or where applicable, a customs carnet,
• international vaccination certificates,
• supporting the purpose of the visit, and the conditions and means of subsistence for the duration of the stay,
• a residential certificate issued by the person who agrees to host the visitor, bearing the stamp of the mayor territorial jurisdiction or an invitation to an event organized on the national territory or a firm booking a hotel for the planned duration of the stay,
• a mission order for official missions either by tourists or by the tour for the tourist.
Temporary Visa
The temporary visa, valid for one or more entries and exits, can be granted to an alien whose length of stay in Cameroon, not exceeding three (3) months.
The issuance of a temporary visa is subject to production, as applicable to the following documents:
• a passport or other travel document with a validity of at least 6 months,
• a plane ticket or a ticket circular or back and if necessary, a book of customs clearance,
• international vaccination certificates,
• supporting the purpose of the visit, as well as conditions and livelihoods sufficient for the length of stay,
• a residential certificate issued by the person who agrees to host the visitor, bearing the stamp of the mayor territorial jurisdiction or an invitation to an event organized on the national territory or a firm booking a hotel for the planned duration of the stay,
• a mission order for official missions.
Long-stay Visa
The long-stay visa valid for one or more entries and exits, can be granted to an alien whose stay in Cameroon for a proposed duration exceeding three (3) months.
However, its validity may not exceed six (06) months.
Obtaining a long-stay visa is subject to the production of:
• a passport valid for at least 6 months,
• a plane ticket or other valid ticket to Cameroon,
• international vaccination certificates;
• guarantee of returning
• an employment contract duly signed by the Minister of Labour for foreigners wishing to work in Cameroon,
• an authorization to practice a profession or to promote agriculture, pastoral, industrial, commercial, artistic or otherwise, issued by the competent authorities, where such approval is required,
• an act justifying the marital relationship, the spouse or parent of minor children,
• a certificate of registration or renewal of registration issued by the head of the institution for students,
• an act of formal training for trainees.
Entry visas cannot be transferred from one category to another. They can be an extension, in case of force clarify and express permission of the Delegate General for National Security.
With the exception of long-stay visa, no other visa entitles a gainful or professional activity, and the ability to conduct studies in Cameroon.
Residence Permit
The residence card is an identification document issued abroad to persons 18 years and above for a regular stay in Cameroon;
Its validity is 2 years renewable.
The issuance of the residence permit is subject to the production abroad of :
• a photocopy of a valid passport, older than 3 months with a long stay visa
• a residential certificate, issued by the administrative authority or the Commissioner of Police territorial jurisdiction,
• a criminal record;
• a tax certificate or receipt of payment of the withholding tax, or, a photocopy of the license valid for the current fiscal year,
• payment of stamp duty set by the Finance Act, supporting the stay,
The renewal of the residence permit is subject to the production of the former residence card, at least one (01) month before the expiry of its validity, and any proof of residence.
The filing of a case in order to obtain or renew a residence permit, resulting in the issuance of a receipt signed by the Head in charge of immigration , valid until the outcome of that case.
Resident card
Resident card is an identification document issued to the foreigner admitted as a resident in Cameroon;
It is valid for 10 years.
The issuance or renewal of the residence permit is subject to the submission, as appropriate:
Stay abroad or admitted as a resident:
• a residence permit renewed for the third time or a card resident, at least one (01) month before the expiry of its validity,
• a certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or the Commissioner of Police territorial jurisdiction, bearing the compulsory prior visa from District Chief.
• a criminal record,
• a certified copy of a valid passport older than 3months bearing a long stay visa
• receipt of stamp duty set by the Finance Act
• photocopy of a tax certificate or a receipt of for payment of the withholding tax, or, a photocopy of the valid license for the current fiscal year.
For members of religious congregations who are not subject to taxation:
• an act recognizing of the congregation,
• an identification proving membership signed by the head of that congregation
• a photocopy of a certified valid passport older than 3 months
• a certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or by the Commissioner of Police territorial jurisdiction, issued with a visa requirements for the religious leader whose congregation the foreigner is part of
• a criminal record.
The spouse of a person of Cameroonian nationality:
• a certified copy of the marriage certificate, not older than three (03) months
• a certified photocopy of passport valid dating less than three (03) months,
• a certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or by the Commissioner of Police territorial jurisdiction, issuedwith a prior visa requirements, by the Chief District or Village,
• payment of stamp duty,as required by the Finance Act,
• a tax certificate or receipt of payment of the withholding tax, or, a photocopy of the title license valid for the current fiscal year. The filing of a record of the first application or renewal of the residence permit giving rise to issuance of a receipt signed by the head of department in charge of the immigration, valid until the completion of that record.
Refugee card
The refugee card is an identification document issued abroad to those who enjoy the right of asylum.
The validity of the refugee card is two (2) years, renewable. The issuance of the refugee card is subject to the production abroad of the following:
• Identification card issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
• a refugee certificate issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; The renewal of the refugee card is subject to producing the following parts:
• issuance of the old certificate of refugee. It must be one (01) month prior to expiring. Renewal of the refugee card gets an exemption from stamp duty.
• The filing of a record of the first application or renewal of the refugee card gives rise to the issuance of a receipt signed by the head of department for the immigration, valid until the completion of that record
Support and Family Reunion
The demand for family support shall be submitted to the diplomatic mission or consular post overseas to stay more than three (03) months in Cameroon. The application for family reunification is submitted to the immigration service of Cameroon. The foreign candidate is required to produce in support of his case, all documents proving that there is a relationship between him and the family he intends to accompany or join.
Visas out of Cameroon
The exit visa is issued on production of the following documents, as applicable: Permission to exit the regulator or the mission order for foreigners who hold the position of Director of parastatals, the letter of guarantee from the employer to the employees of private companies, the authorization to leave the employer for foreign contract workers.