Cameroon - Consular Information Sheet
December 17, 1993

Country Description:  Cameroon is a developing African country.  Facilities 
for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Travelers who do 
not obtain a visa for Cameroon in advance for their departure from the U.S. 
may encounter difficulties upon arrival.  Evidence of yellow fever 
immunization must be presented.  Additional entry information can be 
obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of  Cameroon, 2349 Massachusetts 
Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-8790/94.

Areas of Instability:  Continuing political tensions and social consequences 
of Cameroon's severe economic downturn have sparked isolated incidents of 
violence in several areas of the country.  The potential for disorder exists 
throughout Cameroon.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Cleanliness and 
sanitation levels in even the best hospitals are low.  Not all medicines are 
available.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health services.  U.S medical insurance is not always valid outside the 
United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proven to be useful.  Information on health matters can be 
obtained from the Center for Disease Control's international travelers 
hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Armed banditry is an increasing problem throughout 
the country, including tourist areas in Cameroon's far north province and 
all major cities.  Persons traveling at night on rural highways are at 
extreme risk.  In the far north province, travel even in daylight hours 
entails risk outside the major towns.  Travel between Nsimalen airport and 
downtown Yaounde is dangerous at night.  To curb banditry, security forces 
persons must show their passports, residence cards, driver's license, or 
vehicle registrations at these checkpoints.  There is increasing circulation 
of counterfeit U.S. and Cameroonian bills in the country.  Business 
travelers have experienced increased credit risk in Cameroon's banking sector.

The loss of theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local 
police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe 
Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful 
information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on 
travel to the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Photography Restrictions:  While photography is not officially forbidden, 
security officials are sensitive about the photographing of government 
buildings and military installations, many of which are unmarked.  
Photography of these subjects may result in seizure of photographic 
equipment by Cameroon authorities.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde can 
obtain updated information on travel and security in Cameroon.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in located in the capital city of 
Yaounde Rue Nachtigal;  the mailing address is B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon.  
The telephone number is (237) 234-014;  the Embassy fax number is (237) 230-
753.

The U.S. Consulate in Douala has been closed.

No. 93-330

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to 
update areas of instability and information on crime, and to advise that the 
U.S. Consulate in Douala has been closed.