Firstly, Cameroon has one of the most diversified economies on the African continent. However, in Cameroon, great diversity often rhymes with great disparity, both between regions and between different strata of the population. Whether you’ve decided to move to Cameroon for professional or personal reasons, for an internship or a vacation, make sure you purchase travel insurance or expatriate health insurance for yourself and your family. This will help you avoid unexpected financial, health and legal risks. When choosing international insurance, pay particular attention to repatriation cover, hospitalization costs, civil liability and emergency medical expenses.
- Political system: Republic
- Capital : Yaoundé
- Surface area : 475 440 Km²
- Population : 24 million
- Languages spoken: French, English
- Currency : CFA Franc
Cameroon visas
Whatever your nationality, you need an entry visa for Cameroon. You must be able to show proof of a return or onward ticket (with visas or residence permits for the country of return or onward travel if necessary).
Embassy of France in Yaoundé
Plateau Atémengué – BP 1631 – Yaoundé
Tel: + 237 2 22 22 79 00 or +237 6 99 99 92 55 (emergency)
Fax: [237] 222 79 09
E-mail: chancellerie.yaounde-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Embassy of Cameroon in Paris
21 Quai Le Gallo
92100 Boulogne Billancourt
Tél: 01.47.43.98.33
Fax : 01.46.51.24.52
E-mail : contact@congencamparis.com
Vaccines and safety in Cameroon
Vaccines and local diseases
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory. Other vaccinations are also strongly recommended:
- diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP)
- bacterial meningitis A+C+Y+W135
- rubella-mumps-measles for children
In Cameroon, health risks are relatively numerous:
- Several cases of cholera have been reported in northern Cameroon. Please pay particular attention to food hygiene and water quality to limit the risks.
- And beware of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, chikungunya and dengue fever. Remember to take preventive medication before you leave, and take the usual precautions once you’re there.
- From November to June, the risk of meningitis is greater, so avoid high-risk areas.
- Cameroonian authorities are also reporting several cases of polio.
- Finally, watch out for cases of avian flu and monkey pox.
Safety in Cameroon
Foreigners are regularly the target of terrorist kidnappings. Remain extremely vigilant and avoid high-risk areas. In big cities, muggings and robberies are quite common. Before you leave, you owe it to yourself to consult all the recommendations issued by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Health and repatriation insurance in Cameroon
Why take out international health insurance when traveling or living in Cameroon? Cameroon’s healthcare system is not yet as good as that in Europe. In fact, most of the time, it’s necessary to seek treatment in the private sector, albeit at a higher cost. There is also an uneven distribution of medical services across the country, with the landlocked areas of the far north and east of the country suffering the most. That’s why repatriation assistance cover is an essential criterion when choosing your international health insurance. In the event of a serious accident, medical repatriation to the nearest medical center or to the country of residence may be necessary. Depending on where you are at the time of the accident, and the medical prognosis, it may be necessary to charter a helicopter or medical aircraft.
Mondassur offers long-term insurance for expatriates (1st euro formulas and in addition to CFE), as well as travel insurance and offers specially designed to meet the needs of students. Take a look at our “situation” pages to find the insurance that best suits your needs and profile, and get a free quote online today.
