Cameroon

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex and rapidly changing. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly. Should you decide to travel despite our advice, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand must undertake 14 days of government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand (excluding those from Antarctica, Australia and most Pacific Islands) must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Cameroon

Terrorism/kidnapping
There is a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping in northern areas of Cameroon, particularly in the Far North region.  The Nigerian-based terrorist group Boko Haram has a strong presence in neighbouring areas of northern Nigeria, and continues to cross the border and mount attacks in northern Cameroon, including shootings and suicide bombings. There have been ongoing regional military operations to counter Boko Haram which have led to an influx of refugees in northern Cameroon.

There have been a number of attacks on hotels in African countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire in the recent past. It is possible that Boko Haram and similar groups may attempt to conduct similarly styled attacks on hotels, public places, government buildings, places of worship and airports in Cameroon.

There is a risk of kidnapping in the North and Far North regions and along the border with Nigeria’s Adamawa region. There have also been a number of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings in the east of Cameroon near the border with the Central African Republic. Boko Haram has publicly threatened to conduct further attacks and kidnappings in Cameroon.    

Violent crime
Levels of violent crime in Cameroon are high and there have been a number of reports of violent crimes committed against foreigners. Muggings and robbery are common in urban areas, including Yaounde, Douala, Kribi and Maroua cities. In Yaounde, the suburbs of la Briquetterie, Mokolo and Mvog-Ada are particularly dangerous. Petty theft is common on transportation services, such as trains, buses and bush taxis. There have also been reports of violent assaults and robberies on taxi passengers. 

There are on-going threats of carjackings and armed robberies throughout Cameroon, particularly near the borders with Nigeria, the Central African Republic and Chad as well as along the Bamenda-Banyo, Bafoussam-Banyo, Bafoussam-Doula and Bafoussam-Yaounde roads.

New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to be security conscious at all times and should avoid walking and travelling at night, particularly to isolated areas. As many crimes are financially motivated, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as jewellery and mobile devices. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of a robbery, mugging or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. 

Civil unrest
Demonstrations, strikes and protests occur frequently in Cameroon and may disrupt local public services and transport. Since late 2017, tensions in the English speaking Northwest and Southwest regions have resulted in protests, strikes and escalations in violence. Armed clashes and explosions have been reported in the regional capitals of Buea and Bameda, resulting in injuries and deaths.

Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Cameroon. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet Dating Scams.

Police checkpoints are common in Cameroon and motorists may be requested to pay fines for minor or non-existant violations. New Zealanders in Cameroon are advised to carry all relevant and applicable identification with them (certified copy of passport, international driver’s license, driver’s license and residence permit) and to request that any violations be issued as a written citation that can be paid at a local court.  

Piracy
Piracy is a problem in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta, which includes the Bakassi Peninsula. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Cameroon, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Cameroon should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Cameroon are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

MIL OSI