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🇿🇦South Africa
🇨🇲CameroonZA-CM

South Africa to Cameroon visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need a visa for Cameroon, obtained online as an eVisa through the official government portal (evisacam.cm) before travel. There is no general visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for South Africans. As of 2026, Cameroon requires South African ordinary passport holders to obtain a visa before arrival. Cameroon is not in the Schengen area. Since 2023, Cameroon operates a fully online eVisa system through its official portal evisacam.cm, which replaced the old paper consular process for most travelers. Only seven nationalities are visa-exempt (Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Nigeria); South Africa is not among them, and there is no general visa-on-arrival channel (only diplomatic and service passport holders may obtain a visa on arrival). The standard short-stay tourist eVisa costs around EUR 153 (approximately 100,000 CFA francs), authorizes a stay of up to 180 days, and is available as single or multiple entry. Standard processing is within 72 hours of payment; an express option (around EUR 229 / 150,000 CFA) is processed within 24 hours. Applicants are advised to apply at least 10 days before departure. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Cameroon, and the passport must be valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages. Travelers should always complete the application only on the official evisacam.cm portal to avoid third-party markups.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
eVisa (short-stay tourist/visitor visa, applied online before travel)
Maximum stay
Up to 180 days (short-stay category)
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry (selectable on application)
from issue date
Visa fee
From EUR 153 (approx. 100,000 CFA) standard; EUR 229 (approx. 150,000 CFA) express
consular fee only
Processing time
Within 72 hours of payment (standard); 24 hours (express). Apply at least 10 days ahead
standard track
Validity
Issued for the requested travel period within the short-stay band; must exit on or before expiry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility and prepare your passport
Ensure your South African ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay and has at least 2 blank pages. Cameroon requires an eVisa for South Africans; there is no visa-free or general visa-on-arrival channel.
· 6-month passport validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Create an account on the official portal
Go to the official Cameroon eVisa portal at evisacam.cm, register an account, and start a new application. Do not use unofficial third-party sites that charge markups.
· evisacam.cm· Official portal only
/03
Complete the online application form
Select the short-stay (visitor/tourist) visa, choose single or multiple entry, and enter your personal, passport, and travel details (arrival date, accommodation, return ticket).
· Short-stay category· Single or multiple entry
/04
Upload supporting documents
Upload a passport bio-data scan, passport photo, proof of accommodation (hotel booking), return/round-trip ticket, proof of profession or sufficient funds, and your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
· Yellow fever certificate· Return ticket
/05
Pay the visa fee online
Pay by MasterCard, debit/credit card, MTN Mobile Money, or Orange Mobile Money. Fees are non-refundable. Choose standard or express processing.
· Card or mobile money· Non-refundable
/06
Receive eVisa and travel
The eVisa is normally issued within 72 hours (24 hours express) and emailed to you. Print a copy and carry it with your passport and yellow fever certificate for entry.
· Print confirmation· Carry at entry
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
South Africa -> Cameroon · eVisa (short-stay tourist/visitor visa, applied online before travel)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSouth African ordinary passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted eVisa application on evisacam.cm
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photograph
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredPassport bio-data page scan
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements) or proof of profession
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredPaid eVisa fee (card or mobile money)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedPrinted eVisa approval to present at the border
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Visa policy of Cameroon (Wikipedia)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Short-stay eVisa (standard)EUR 153 (approx. 100,000 CFA)Up to 180 days; processed within 72 hours
Short-stay eVisa (express)EUR 229 (approx. 150,000 CFA)24-hour processing at extra cost
Transit visaFree / from EUR 153 depending on durationShort airport transit under 24 hours may not require a visa
Yellow fever vaccinationVariable (clinic-dependent)Mandatory certificate; cost charged by vaccination provider
Total estimateEUR 153 (approx. 100,000 CFA)EUR 229 (approx. 150,000 CFA)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Express eVisa
Within 24 hours
Faster issuance at an additional cost for urgent travel.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
South Africa is not on Cameroon's visa-exempt list
Only seven nationalities (CAR, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Nigeria) enter visa-free; South Africa is not among them.
High
/02
No general visa-on-arrival for ordinary passports
Visa-on-arrival is limited to diplomatic and service passport holders with a mission order; ordinary tourists must obtain the visa in advance.
High
/03
eVisa is the standard channel since 2023
Cameroon launched its online eVisa system in 2023 via evisacam.cm, replacing most paper consular applications.
High
/04
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
All travelers must present a valid yellow fever certificate to enter; lack of it can cause denial of boarding or entry.
Medium
/05
Third-party sites overcharge
Many agency sites add service fees above the official government price; applying directly on evisacam.cm avoids this.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
South Africa to Cameroon route verified
Confirmed via Cameroon visa policy and the official evisacam.cm portal that South African ordinary passport holders require an eVisa (no visa-free or general visa-on-arrival). Standard short-stay fee approx. EUR 153 / 100,000 CFA, up to 180 days, processed within 72 hours.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can South Africans get a Cameroon visa on arrival?
No. Visa-on-arrival is reserved for diplomatic and service passport holders. Ordinary South African passport holders must apply for the eVisa online before traveling.
Where is the official Cameroon eVisa applied for?+
How long does the Cameroon eVisa take to process?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Cameroon?+
How long can I stay in Cameroon on a short-stay eVisa?+
How much does the Cameroon eVisa cost?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Africa passport

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