U.S. State Department Maintains Level 2 Travel Advisory for Cameroon: Exercise Increased Caution

Current rules

The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens to 'Exercise Increased Caution' when travelling to Cameroon due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, health, kidnapping, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Specific 'Do Not Travel' warnings are issued for the Southwest, Northwest, and Far North Regions due to terrorism, unrest, crime, kidnapping, and IEDs. Additionally, U.S. citizens are advised not to travel within 20 kilometres of the borders with Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria for the same reasons. Violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking are common, especially in the Southwest, Northwest, Far North, and North Regions, as well as the Adamawa Region north of Ngaoundere and the East Region within 20 kilometres of the Central African Republic border. Petty crime is common in Yaoundé and Douala, and local police lack resources. Civil unrest and political violence are common, with demonstrations that may disrupt transportation. Medical services are limited, often requiring medical evacuation. Terrorism, including attacks and kidnappings by terrorist organisations, is a significant risk in the Far North Region. IEDs are present and actively used in the Northwest, Southwest, and Far North Regions.

Overview

The U.S. Department of State maintained its Level 2 Travel Advisory for Cameroon, advising travellers to exercise increased caution due to various risks. This advisory, published on an unspecified date, specifically designates the Southwest, Northwest, and Far North Regions, as well as areas within 20 kilometres of the Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria borders, as 'Do Not Travel' zones.

What changed in the latest version

This updated travel warning gives U.S. citizens important, detailed information. It explains the higher and different risks present in Cameroon, especially in certain regions. Terrorism, kidnapping, health problems, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are now clearly listed as risk factors. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are bombs made in a simple way. This means travellers must now think about a wider range of dangers beyond general crime and unrest. The specific 'Do Not Travel' areas for several regions and border areas are very important. They directly advise against travel to those zones. This greatly impacts how people plan their trips and check safety if they are thinking about visiting Cameroon. Travellers to other parts of Cameroon should still be extra careful. This is due to common violent and minor crime, slow local police response, and possible civil unrest.

Explained simply

Imagine the U.S. government is giving a safety warning for Cameroon. Overall, they're saying to be extra careful, like walking through a crowded place with your phone in your front pocket. But for some specific parts of Cameroon, like the Southwest, Northwest, and Far North, and near its borders with Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria, they're saying 'don't go there at all.' This is because of serious dangers like crime, terrorism, and kidnappings. Also, if you get sick or hurt there, it might be hard to get good medical help.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v45Effective 15 May 2026PublishedHigh impact
   U.S. State Department Maintains Level 2 Travel Advisory for Cameroon: Exercise Increased Caution

   The U.S. State Department has put out a 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' travel warning for Cameroon. This warning is because of more risks, such as crime, terrorism, unrest, health problems, kidnapping, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are bombs made in a simple way. The policy now includes 'Do Not Travel' warnings for the Southwest, Northwest, and Far North Regions. It also warns against travelling within 20 kilometres of the borders with Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria. This is due to severe risks like terrorism and IEDs. The warning also highlights violent crime, few police resources, and civil unrest with political violence.