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A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Cameroon

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  • Antoine Mariaux

    Finding the right international schoolsin Yaoundé for our children was much easier when we had the InterNations network to help us.

Relocating to Cameroon

The Land and Its People

Thanks to its extensive cultural and geographical diversity, Cameroon has earned the nickname “Africa in Miniature”. This central African country covers an area of more than 475,000 km2 and is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Congo. The coast of Cameroon is situated on the Bight of Bonny in the Atlantic Ocean. The population of 22.25 million people is almost completely equally divided between rural dwellers and those residing in urban cities. Population density is at its highest in cities, especially Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua.

More than 230 distinctive languages can be found in this varied country. The official language is French, with around 80% of Cameroonians being fluent speakers, however, traditional tribal languages are widely spoken. Baka and Bakoo are the most prominent indigenous languages.

Due to Cameroon being one of the most politically and socially stable countries in central Africa, there is a large number of foreigners living and working there. Nigerians are the main group of foreign nationals, followed by Sudanese. Roughly 2% of the population consists of expats from outside Africa, most commonly European and Chinese.

The Climate in Cameroon

Cameroon experiences both a tropical and a semiarid climate, with a big difference between north and south.

The climate in the south and along the coast is extremely humid and hot, while further north the weather is very dry and arid with little to no precipitation. In the south of Cameroon, the dry season is from November to February: during this time the southern cities are exceptionally warm, with average temperatures of 32°C (89.6°F). Southern Cameroon experiences a wet season between the months of August and October. In the rainy season, the southern coastal belt is in the top 10 wettest places on earth and the regions around the base of Mount Cameroon have annual rainfall of 10,287 mm.

The Northern region is hot and dry, with a rainy season going from May to September and an average temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Visas for Cameroon

People entering Cameroon for any amount of time must be in possession of a valid visa. In order to be granted a visa, foreigners must provide an accurately completed visa application form. This form can be downloaded and completed online, or collected in person at the nearest Cameroonian embassy. In addition to this, the embassy must be provided with an original passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining and two passport sized photographs.

Before entering Cameroon, foreigners must also be in possession of a yellow fever vaccination certificate and a recent bank statement that clearly displays the applicant’s name, address, bank account balance and complete transaction record. Expats should obtain a residence visa for Cameroon in order to reside in the country for more than three months. Anyone moving to Cameroon from overseas must pay the consulate a residence permit fee, the minimum amount is 250,000 XFA but the price may vary. More advice and information can be obtained by visiting a Cameroonian embassy.

Feb 23, 2024, 6:00 PM
17 attendees
Hello the community let's celebrate the New year together at the malaika restaurant location opposite the total long kak. I will Be delighted to see old and new internations members for a moment of
Dec 15, 2023, 6:00 PM
17 attendees
Hello to the community of Yaoundé we are already at the end of the Year and it is the opportunity to organise the last internations event which will take place at the alino restaurant in Bastos next
Oct 20, 2023, 7:00 PM
9 attendees
It's a pleasure for me to organize the InterNations event of the month of October, in order to meet the old and new members of Yaoundé. The event will take place at the Chinese restaurant l'Orient R
Aug 25, 2023, 7:00 PM
9 attendees
Welcome to the Yaoundé Community! It's a pleasure for me to organize the InterNations Event of the month of August in order to meet the old and new members of Yaoundé. The event will take place at th

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  • Antoine Mariaux

    Finding the right international schoolsin Yaoundé for our children was much easier when we had the InterNations network to help us.

  • Amanda Miller

    As I moved to Yaounde for work, InterNations has helped me make friends outside of the office.

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