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Is Cameroon safe?

Capital: YaoundeEnglish, FrenchUpdated October 2026
L2Exercise increased caution

Is Cameroon safe?

Risky outside the main southern cities. The FCDO advises against travel to the Far North, North-West and South-West regions and parts of the border areas; kidnappings and attacks also occur in the East, Adamawa and North.

Key facts

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

  • Armed conflict and IEDs in the North-West and South-West
  • Boko Haram attacks and kidnapping in the Far North
  • Armed robbery and carjacking on rural roads and border routes
  • Muggings in Douala and Yaoundé after dark

Common scams

  • Fake police or 'immigration' officers demanding payment at checkpoints
  • Advance-fee fraud from online contacts
  • Inflated taxi prices quoted to foreigners

Laws visitors break by accident

  • Same-sex acts are criminal
  • Photographing government buildings, the military and airports is prohibited
  • Carry a passport copy; ID checks are frequent

Safety by place in Cameroon

PlaceSafety
Douala3/5 · Take real precautions

Quick answers

Is Cameroon safe for tourists?

Risky outside the main southern cities. The FCDO advises against travel to the Far North, North-West and South-West regions and parts of the border areas; kidnappings and attacks also occur in the East, Adamawa and North.

Is Cameroon safe for solo female travelers?

Possible in Yaoundé and Douala with care; expect harassment. Avoid walking alone at night and use trusted taxis. Stay out of conflict regions.

What is the emergency number in Cameroon?

Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.