The relationship between the two countries is strong between Cameroon and Equatorial Guiana as it is based on the geographical closeness, mutual cultural heritage, and the necessity to have an economically significant relationship in the Central African region. In the case of Equatorial Guiana citizens who intend to travel on the other side of the border, be it trade in Douala, political conferences in Yaounde and even visiting family members, it is crucial to know the recent entry-requirements into the country of Cameroon.
Although regional agreements can easily enable smooth travel, a new system, Cameroon Electronic Visa (e-Visa) is mandatory in Cameroon, replacing the old system of border control. This manual will shed light on the overlap between regional procedures and the new electronic system so that Equatorial Guinean passport holders are fully informed on how to prepare next time they will set off to Cameroon.
Is Cameroon visa-free to Equatorial Guinea?
The first question Equatorial Guinean travelers often ask is about the need for a visa, given both countries are key members of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
Under the CEMAC agreement, citizens of member states (which include Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea) are theoretically entitled to visa-free movement for short stays. This means that for typical, brief visits—such as tourism, family visits, or short business trips—a visa may not be physically required in your passport.
However, theory often differs from practice at land borders or points of entry. While the visa is often waived, travelers must always possess:
A valid Equatorial Guinean passport.
If the intended stay is longer than 90 days, an eVisa is required, which can be applied for online
Documentation proving the purpose and duration of the trip.
This leads us to the new e-Visa system, which offers a practical solution even when the physical visa stamp is not required.
Does Cameroon have an eVisa?
The Cameroon e-Visa is a digital travel authorization introduced to simplify and speed up the entry process for international visitors. It is an electronic document that acts as an official pre-screening and authorization for travel.
For citizens of Equatorial Guinea, the e-Visa system serves as a reliable way to get official pre-clearance from the Cameroonian authorities before departure. This digital authorization minimizes potential delays, scrutiny, or confusion at the border, particularly when traveling for professional reasons or crossing by air.
When an Cameroon e-Visa Becomes Mandatory for Equatorial Guineans
While short, casual stays are often covered by the CEMAC exemption, the Cameroon e-Visa (or a formal visa application) becomes mandatory under several key circumstances:
Extended Stays: Any trip planned to exceed the standard short-stay limit (typically 90 days).
Formal Employment or Residency: If the purpose is to take up salaried work, education, or establish residence.
High-Level Business: Business travelers requiring highly formal and verifiable documentation for their entry.
Peace of Mind: Many experienced regional travelers apply for the e-Visa regardless of exemption to ensure a guaranteed, documented entry permit, thus preventing bureaucratic hurdles.
If your trip is anything beyond a casual visit, applying online for Cameroon Visa is strongly recommended.
What documents do I need for a Cameroon visa from Equatorial Guinea ?
The online application requires you to submit digital copies of several key documents required for Cameroon Visa. Ensure these are prepared in advance to avoid delays:
Valid Equatorial Guinean Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your arrival date in Cameroon. A clear scan of the biodata page is required.
Digital Passport Photo: A recent (less than six months old), high-resolution color photo with a plain white background.
Proof of Accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation or a legalized letter of invitation (Attestation d’Hébergement) from your host in Cameroon.
Confirmed Travel Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip flight ticket or a detailed itinerary for land/sea travel, showing your planned entry and exit dates.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or a letter from your employer or sponsor demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Yellow Fever Certificate: This is a mandatory health document for entry to Cameroon from Equatorial Guinea.
How to apply for Cameroon eVisa for Equatorial Guinea?
The process is designed to be completed entirely online:
Enter Personal Data: Input all your details (name, date of birth, passport information) exactly as they appear on your Equatorial Guinean passport.
Select Visa Category: Choose the appropriate purpose of travel (e.g., Tourist, Business, Transit).
Upload Required Documents: Upload the clear digital copies from your checklist into the designated fields. Ensure the files are correctly formatted (usually PDF or JPEG).
Review and Pay Administrative Fee: Carefully review all entered data for accuracy. Pay the non-refundable administrative fee using a valid credit or debit card.
Submission and Tracking: Submit the application. You will receive an application reference number to track its status.
Cameroon e-Visa Types and Validity Periods for Equatorial Guinea Citizens
The most common e-Visa categories available for Equatorial Guinean citizens include:
Cameroon e-Visa Fees, Costs, and Payment Methods
The total cost for the Cameroon e-Visa typically involves a fixed fee that varies depending on the type and duration of the visa selected.
Payment Method: All payments are processed securely online using international credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
Fees are Non-Refundable: The fee covers the processing of your application, not the guarantee of issuance.
Currency: Cameroon Visa Fees are generally quoted and charged in Euros (€) or a local currency equivalent. Always check the official portal for the most current rates before making a payment.
Cameroon e Visa Processing Times: How Long Should You Wait?
The efficiency of the e-Visa system is one of its main advantages.
Normal Processing: 7 - 10 Working Days
Rush Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: 5 Working Days
The e-visa offers several processing options, with additional charges for expedited services.
Cameroon e-Visa Health Prerequisites: The Yellow Fever Factor
As stated, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is not a choice but rather a health prerequisite to enter Cameroon out of Equatorial Guinea. World Health Organization (WHO) regards both countries as Yellow Fever risk zones.
At the same time, you have to have the original, valid vaccination certificate (the Carte Jaune) and be ready to provide it with your passport and e-Visa authorization letter. Otherwise, it will mean an immediate denial of entry.
Smooth Entry: Tips for Arrival in Yaoundé or Douala
Upon approval of your e- Visa you will get an online authorization sent to you through e-mail. To ensure that you have a smooth stay in your port of entry, Cameroon, you should consider the following tips:
Print Everything: Keep a copy of your e-Visa approval letter in hardcopy. Although the systems are interconnected, the paper work on borders is accelerated hugely by the physical paper.
Arranged Documents: Have your passport, Yellow Fever certificate, and your e-Visa in print out.
Ready to Pay Local: To use in case of any urgent transportation, I would keep some local money (CFA Franc - XAF) or small USD/EUR bills.
Following the CEMAC procedures and ensuring the purchase of the digital Cameroon e-Visa in case of need, the Equatorial Guinean nationals will be able to make their trip both easy and efficient and goal-oriented toward their visit to the culturally rich republic of Cameroon.
