Looking forward to getting a passport in Cameroon? Look no further. This post will discuss everything you need to know about acquiring a passport in Cameroon. We’ll handle the following frequently asked questions:

1. How much does it cost to make a passport in Cameroon?
2. What are the requirements to make a passport in Cameroon?
3. How long does it take to make a passport in Cameroon?
4. Can I travel to Cameroon without a passport?
5. How can I get an emergency passport in Cameroon?

These and several other questions will be answered in this article. In order not to miss any important updates from us, click here to subscribe.

Passport Acquisition in Cameroon: Cost, requirements, duration, express, renewal

• How much does it cost to make a passport in Cameroon?

The Cameroonian State increases passport fees by 50%, to FCfa 75,000

Cameroonian citizens wanting to get a passport as of January 2016, will have to spend FCfa 75,000 in fees, against FCfa 50,000 in the previous years. This was indicated in the 2016 Finance bill, which was later adopted by the Senate.

According to the Cameroonian authorities, this increase aims at providing the government with the necessary means to modernize and make this travel and identification document more secure.

This is the second time that passport fees are increased in Cameroon, during the last 15 years. The fees went progressively from FCfa 30,000 to 50,000 then 75,000.

Requirements to make a passport in Cameroon

• What are the requirements to make a passport in Cameroon?

The following is a statement from the Delegate General for National Security:

 The Delegate General for National Security hereby informs applicants for biometric ordinary passports that complete files are received in all the ten Emi-Immigration Police Stations, opened in each regional headquarters.

To that effect, appropriate measures have been taken at the Direction of Frontier Police in Yaounde for the rapid treatment of files. Consequently, he recalls that there is no special procedure for the acquisition of the so called “Express” passports.

Finally, apart from civil status documents duly legalized by competent authorities, the following expenses are payable while depositing a file:

• 1 000 FCFA fiscal stamp on an application form freely distributed by the service;
• 2 000 FCFA fees for (5×5) passport size photographs;
• 75 000 FCFA fees for ordinary passport stamp.

The Delegate General for National Security counts on everyone’s understanding and collaboration.

For the Delegate General for National Security and by delegation

The Director of Frontier Police

Dr. MESSING Jean Louis

Commissaire Divisionnaire

Cameroon passport ranked most expensive in Africa.

Jeune Afrique, has rated the Cameroonian passport as one of the most expensive in the African continent.

Jeune Afrique’s assessment is based on the cost of getting a passport in each country in Africa. According to All Afrikan Network, it was revealed that it takes 114 euros to afford a passport in Cameroon placing the country in 4th position.

Chad occupies the first place (228 euros), followed by DR Congo (164 euros) and Burundi in the 3rd place (123 euros) and Cameroon comes 4th (114 euros), followed by Madagascar (90 euros), then Burkina Faso and Mali (76 euros). Mauritania comes in 8th position (75 euros), Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon  (60.9 euros) complete the list of top 10 countries with most expensive passports in Africa.

Cameroonian Passport wikipedia update:

”The Cameroonian passport is issued to citizens of Cameroon for international travel.

As a member of the Central African Monetary Zone, Cameroonian passports are engraved with a CEMAC symbol on the cover page. Holders of Cameroonian passports can travel to other CEMAC countries without any visa.

As of 1 January 2017, Cameroonian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 45 countries and territories, ranking the Cameroonian passport 90th in terms of travel freedom (tied with Angolan and Vietnamese passports) according to the Henley visa restrictions index.”

How long does it take to get a Cameroon passport?

• The ordinary passport in Cameroon duration period.

It takes approximately three months to obtain a passport in Cameroon. However, due to emergency travel situations, many have resolved to pass through unconventional routes by paying hundreds of thousands to ensure that their passports are available in a week or less depending on the amount paid. People often pay 150,000 FCFA, 200,000 FCFA or more to have an express passport in Cameroon.

Cameroon – Passports: Dubai Consulate Announces Decision to Renew  Passports At over FCFA 180,000

Passeport camerounais ArchivesThe consulate general of Cameroon in Dubai has finally released a document, indicating it is ready to renew citizens’ passport booklets, within a period of 3 months, for over FCFA 180,000.

This decision comes on the heels of numerous calls and complains made by Cameroonians living in the United Arab Emirates and beyond, for government to renew their passports in order for them to keep their jobs in this country. According to some witnesses, renewing passports for those living in the UAE had become a nightmare.

Recently there have been numerous complains from Cameroonians living in Dubai, about the difficulties they face in renewing their passports, with some saying passport booklets or paper boards, are not available, as they quote immigration officials. Some Anglophones living the UAE, have begun victimising themselves, stating that only Anglophones were refused passports. These youths need the booklets to renew their work permit visas, or they will be forced back to their country. Official figures put a passport in Cameroon at FCFA 75,000.

Some people who had gone as far as paying for express passports worth FCFA 300,000, are yet to receive their passports. In towns like Yaoundé and Douala, citizens are flooding immigration offices to collect their passports, but end up grumbling why it takes long for a Cameroonian passport booklet to be issued. However, those with competent channels at the immigration offices say the absence of booklets could still be a man-made crisis as they still have ways to get express passports, despite the scarcity. Immigration officials are yet to comment on this.

Last year, a similar report was raised over the media on the scarcity of paper boards, but the general secretary of DGSN (National Security), in Cameroon, Dominique Baya, said there was no blockage neither in the production of passports nor in national identity cards.

Applying for an emergency travel document in Cameroon

If your passport or identity card (ID card) is lost or stolen while you are in Cameroon, follow these steps.

Check whether you need an emergency document

You do not always require an emergency or replacement document. Go to your embassy or consulate website and look for information on lost travel documents to find out what to do in your situation.

If you require an emergency document, send an email

If you need an emergency document, email the embassy or consulate-general as soon as possible. See below for contact details.

Include the following information and documents, so that the embassy or consulate-general can process your application:

• a scan or photograph of your lost or stolen passport or ID card;
  or:
  • your full name (as it appears in your lost or stolen passport or ID card);
  • your date of birth;
  • the name of the authority that issued your passport (mayor of…., ambassador to….., consul in…);
  • the date on which your lost or stolen passport or ID card was issued;
• the telephone number on which you can be reached;
• proof that you cannot postpone your journey, for example, a travel itinerary, flight details, other reservations or a letter from your employer;
• your current location.

Permission to issue an emergency travel document

After they have received your email, the staff at the embassy or consulate will decide what travel document you require, based on your travel itinerary. This will either be:

• a new passport or ID card;
• a laissez-passer; or
• an emergency passport

Some countries, however, do not accept emergency passports. For instance, in the case of those visiting Cameroon from the Netherlands, a Dutch laissez-passer or emergency passport is not accepted by all countries. So double check with your embassy or consulate before heading to any country.

After it has received your email, the embassy or consulate will need to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for permission to issue you with an emergency document. It usually takes between 1 and 3 working days for permission to be given.

If you have not attached a scan or photo of your missing passport or ID card, the ministry will check your details with the municipality or authority that issued your passport or ID card. It is only possible to check details Monday to Friday. This may cause a delay.

Make an appointment

The embassy or consulate-general will contact you to discuss where and when you can apply for your emergency travel document. You will need to go to the embassy or consulate in person.

Bring the right documents

Make sure you take the following documents with you to the embassy or consulate:

• a completed passport application form;
• a completed declaration stating that the travel document is missing (C2 Form);
• 2 photos that meet your country of origin requirements;
• proof that you are a tourist or proof that you cannot postpone your journey;
• tickets for your onward journey if you are traveling by plane, train or boat;
• if possible: a photocopy of the passport or ID card that was lost or stolen;
• if possible: other identity documents or photocopies of them;
• if possible: a police report stating that your passport or ID card was lost or stolen.

Emergency travel documents for children

If the emergency travel document is for a child younger than 18, their parent(s) or guardian(s) must give permission. They must sign the passport application form and submit photocopies of their own passports.

If this is not possible, bring proof of consent from the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) and photocopies of their passports.

How much does an emergency document cost?

For the cost of applying for a regular or emergency travel document, see the overview of consular fees for your country.

How long will it take?

Issuing a laissez-passer or emergency passport generally takes 1 to 3 working days.

If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides that you need a new regular passport or ID card instead – for instance because the country you are due to travel to does not accept laissez-passers or emergency passports – it will take longer.

Applying for an emergency Cameroonian document in a country or region other than Cameroon

To apply for an emergency travel document, please email the embassy in of your country of origin. Include the information and documents listed above, so that the embassy can process your application.

U.S Embassy in Cameroon Passport Services

Passport Services

U.S. citizens can renew their passport with American Citizen Services, or obtain a new one, should the old one be lost while traveling in Cameroon.

Important notice:   The passport execution fee is $35 for U.S. passport applicants using the DS-11 form, including first-time applicants over age 16, children under age 16, and applicants who reapply after reporting their previous passport lost or stolen. For more details, please visit our website at travel.state.gov.

Messaging – Elimination of Visa Page Inserts

• The Department of State has proposed to discontinue the consular service of adding additional visa pages to U.S. passports beginning January 1, 2016.
• A notice of proposed rulemaking for the elimination of this service was published in the Federal Register as the Department prepares to convert to a newly designed U.S. passport. The notice  solicited public comments on the proposal.  The proposal will go to OMB for final review.
• Visa page inserts pose vulnerabilities to both the security of the ePassport and the internal controls of the issuance process. The ePassport integrates the latest concepts in electronic document protection. One of these measures preventing unauthorized reading of ePassports is adding RF blocking material to the ePassport cover. Adding visa page inserts diminishes the effect of this blocking material.
• The determination to eliminate the visa page insert service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.
• The Next Generation Passport will be produced in two book sizes, 26 pages and 50 pages, in order to meet the travel needs of our customers.
• As of October 2014, 52-page passport books are being issued to all applicants applying at overseas posts at no extra cost. This policy aims to lessen the burden that may be placed on frequent travelers who need more pages and those customers who may need to update residence permits or foreign entry/exit visas to comply with foreign country immigration practices.

Very Important Notice

The consular section is closed to the public each last Wednesday of each month. Therefore, applications for visa renewals as well as immigrant visas comebacks will not be accepted. We apologize for any inconvenience this change might cause, and appreciate your usual understanding.

Renew an Adult Passport

To renew your passport schedule an appointment and appear in person to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde with the following materials:

• Completed and unsigned Application for U.S. Passport (DS-11). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.

For Adults

• who can submit their most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card;
• who was at least 16 years old when their most recent passport book and/or U.S. passport card was issued;
• whose most recent passport book and/or U.S. passport card was issued less than 15 years ago;
• whose most recent passport book and/or U.S. passport card for which they are renewing has not been lost, stolen, mutilated, or damaged; and
• who uses the same name as on their most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card OR have had their name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect their name change;

Completed and signed Application for U.S. passport (DS-82).

• American passport (current or expired).
• One 2 x 2 inches (passport size) photograph , can be in color but the background must be white.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $135.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-11.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $110.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-82.
• Passport fee for children under 16 years of age: $105.00 or FCFA equivalent.

Forms: Forms related to the passport application are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html, at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ or in the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Fees: For services requiring a fee, payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent in FCFA.  We only accept U.S. currency printed within the last 10 years.

Special Appointment Procedure for Minors: Please note that when renewing U.S. passports of minors in the same family, only one appointment is necessary.

Apply For a Passport

Apply for an Adult Passport

To apply for a passport for the first time schedule an appointment and appear in person to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde with the following materials:

• Completed and unsigned Application for U.S. Passport (DS-11) (PDF 89 KB). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if applicant was born a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. (original or certified copy).
• Two 2”x2” photographs, can be color but background must be white.
• Official identification if applicant is over age 16.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $145.00 or FCFA equivalent.
• Passport fee for children under 16 years of age: $115.00 or FCFA equivalent.
• Pictures of applicant growing up from birth to present age.

Forms: Forms related to the passport application are available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ or in the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Fees: For services requiring a fee, payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent in FCFA. We only accept U.S. currency printed within the last 10 years.

Special Appointment Procedure for Minors: Please note that when renewing U.S. passports of minors in the same family, only one appointment is necessary.

Apply for a Child’s Passport

To renew your passport schedule an appointment and appear in person to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde with the following materials:

• Completed and unsigned Application for U.S. Passport (DS-11). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.
• American passport (current or expired).
• One 2 x 2 inches (passport size) photograph, can be in color but the background must be white.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $145.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-11.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $110.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-82.
• Passport fee for children under 16 years of age: $115.00 or FCFA equivalent.

There are additional requirements when the applicant is a child under 16 years old:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if applicant was born a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. (original or certified copy).
• Both parents need to be present with the child and sign the application in front of Consular Officer.
• Both parents need to present their passports or other official photo identification containing their signature.
• If one parent is not present due to extenuating circumstances:  submit a notarized original Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053)completed by the absent parent with a copy of parent’s notarized photo identification with signature (e.g. passport or driver’s license).
• If parents are divorced: submit an original or certified copy of divorce decree.
• If one parent, or another individual, has sole legal custody: submit the original or certified copy of the court decree indicating this.
• If one parent is deceased: submit an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
• If a guardian is caring for the child: submit a notarized letter from both parents (or an individual with legal custody) giving permission to obtain a passport.
• Pictures of applicant growing up from birth to present age

Forms: Forms related to the passport application are available athttp://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html, at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ or in the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Fees: For services requiring a fee, payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent in FCFA. We only accept U.S. currency printed within the last 10 years.

Special Appointment Procedure for Minors: Please note that when renewing U.S. passports of minors in the same family, only one appointment is necessary.

Lost or Stolen Passport

To replace a lost or stolen passport schedule an appointment and appear in person to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde with the following materials:

• Local police report/declaration of lost or stolen passport.
• Completed and signed Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64) (PDF 767 KB). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.
• Completed and unsigned Application for U.S. Passport (DS-11) (PDF 89 KB). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.
• Evidence of United States citizenship (e.g. copy of U.S. passport book/card, U.S. certification of live birth, etc).
• Official identification such as passport book/card photocopy, driver’s license, resident permit, etc.
• Two 2”x2” (passport size) photograph, can be in color but the background must be white.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $135.00 or FCFA equivalent.
• Passport fee for children under 16 years of age: $105.00 or FCFA equivalent.

There are additional requirements when the applicant is a child younger than 16 years old:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if applicant was born a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. (original or certified copy).
• Both parents need to be present with the child and sign the application in front of Consular Officer.
• Both parents need to present their passports or other official photo identification containing their signature.
• If one parent is not present due to extenuating circumstances:  submit a notarized original Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) (PDF 28 KB) completed by the absent parent with a copy of parent’s notarized photo identification with signature (e.g. passport or driver’s license).
• If parents are divorced: submit an original or certified copy of divorce decree.
• If one parent, or another individual, has sole legal custody: submit the original or certified copy of the court decree indicating this.
• If one parent is deceased: submit an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
• If a guardian is caring for the child: submit a notarized letter from both parents (or an individual with legal custody) giving permission to obtain a passport.
• Pictures of applicant growing up from birth to present age.

Forms: Forms related to the passport application are available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ or in the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Fees: For services requiring a fee, payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent in FCFA.  We only accept U.S. currency printed within the last 10 years.

Minor Applicants

Apply for a Child’s Passport

To renew your passport schedule an appointment and appear in person to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde with the following materials:

• Completed and unsigned Application for U.S. Passport (DS-11). Print the online application and bring to Consular Section or visit the Consular Section for the form.
• American passport (current or expired).
• One 2 x 2 inches (passport size) photograph, can be in color but the background must be white.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $145.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-11.
• Passport fee for applicant over 16 years of age: $110.00 or FCFA equivalent if using form DS-82.
• Passport fee for children under 16 years of age: $115.00 or FCFA equivalent.

There are additional requirements when the applicant is a child under 16 years old:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if applicant was born a U.S. citizen outside the U.S. (original or certified copy).
• Both parents need to be present with the child and sign the application in front of Consular Officer.
• Both parents need to present their passports or other official photo identification containing their signature.
• If one parent is not present due to extenuating circumstances:  submit a notarized original Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053)completed by the absent parent with a copy of parent’s notarized photo identification with signature (e.g. passport or driver’s license).
• If parents are divorced: submit an original or certified copy of divorce decree.
• If one parent, or another individual, has sole legal custody: submit the original or certified copy of the court decree indicating this.
• If one parent is deceased: submit an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
• If a guardian is caring for the child: submit a notarized letter from both parents (or an individual with legal custody) giving permission to obtain a passport.
• Pictures of applicant growing up from birth to present age

Forms: Forms related to the passport application are available athttp://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html, at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ or in the Consular Section at the Embassy.

Fees: For services requiring a fee, payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent in FCFA. We only accept U.S. currency printed within the last 10 years.

Special Appointment Procedure for Minors: Please note that when renewing U.S. passports of minors in the same family, only one appointment is necessary.

Lost/Stolen/Expired Legal Permanent Residence (LPR) Card

(Green Card/Form I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card)

If you are a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) without proper travel entry documentation for the United States, please walk-in to the U.S. Embassy Consular Section any Monday, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm or contact the Embassy by email at: yaoundeacs@state.gov . Only applicants who meet the following two criteria may apply:

• A returning U.S. LPR must request a boarding foil interview if he has been outside of the United States for less than one year and the permanent resident card has expired or been lost.
• A returning U.S. LPR must request a re-entry permit interview if he has been outside the United States for more than one year.

The Embassy will issue a “Boarding Foil” valid for one entry to the United States within 30 days of issuance. You should not leave the United States again until you have applied for and received your new LPR card.

To apply for a boarding foil in Cameroon, bring the following to the Embassy in Yaounde on the day of your interview:

• A valid passport
• A completed I-131A – Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (https://www.uscis.gov/i-131). Answer all questions on pages 1-5
• Alien registration number / green card number, consisting of A-O+ eight digits
• One recent 2”x 2” passport photograph.
• Police report of stolen or lost Permanent Resident card (if applicable)
• Evidence of last departure from the United States (for example, airline e-ticket or boarding pass)

To apply for a re-entry permit, bring the following to the Embassy in Yaounde on the day of interview:

• A valid passport
• A completed DS-117
• A $180 or CFA equivalent interview fee
• Justification for overstay.

If approved, further instructions will be provided regarding the application for an SB-1 visa. Requirements are available here: https://cm.usembassy.gov/visas/returning-resident-visa/

Returning U.S. LPRs who do not meet the above criteria should consult USCIS, CBP, or http://www.travel.state.gov for more information.