City in Littoral, Cameroon
Is Douala safe?
Needs precautions: bag snatching and muggings are frequent after dark.
Is Douala safe?
Needs precautions: bag snatching and muggings are frequent after dark. Douala itself is not in the Anglophone conflict zone, but Limbe and Buea are close.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-14.
- Homicide rate in Cameroon: 6.8 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Cameroon: 30.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118.
Safety in Douala at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching, armed robbery after dark, taxi-related theft, and pickpocketing in crowded markets. |
| At night | Use Yango or a hotel taxi after dark; avoid walking, particularly in Akwa and near the port. Keep phones hidden at traffic lights. |
| Solo women | Persistent attention and catcalling are common. Avoid walking alone after dark, use ride apps or hotel taxis, and dress modestly. |
| Other risks | Heavy rain flooding Jul–Sep; Malaria and dengue; Chaotic traffic and moto-taxi crashes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Police roadblocks demanding 'fees' or bribes
- Money changers short-changing or swapping notes
- Taxi drivers overcharging at hotels and airport
Take care
- Akwa and Bonaberi at night: muggings
- Marché Mboppi and Marché New Bell: pickpockets
- Limbe and Buea (Southwest region): armed conflict, check advisories
Calmer areas to stay
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
Quick answers
Is Douala safe for solo female travelers?
Persistent attention and catcalling are common. Avoid walking alone after dark, use ride apps or hotel taxis, and dress modestly.
Is Douala safe at night?
Use Yango or a hotel taxi after dark; avoid walking, particularly in Akwa and near the port. Keep phones hidden at traffic lights.
What is the crime rate in Douala?
Phone and bag snatching, armed robbery after dark, taxi-related theft, and pickpocketing in crowded markets. Nationally, Cameroon records 6.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Douala?
Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118.
More about Douala
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Yango
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.