A Guide to Cameroon's e-Visa for Mauritian Citizens

Mauritian citizens planning a trip to Cameroon can now take advantage of the streamlined e-Visa system, which simplifies the visa application process by allowing travelers to apply for Cameroon e-visa online without visiting an embassy or consulate. This digital platform is designed to facilitate various travel purposes, including tourism, business, transit, and long-term stays. This efficient system not only saves time but also provides greater flexibility, making it easier for Mauritian travelers to plan their visits to Cameroon.

Do Mauritian Citizens Need a Visa for Cameroon?

Yes, Mauritian passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Cameroon for all purposes, including tourism, business, study, or family visits. Unlike some other African nations, there is no visa-free agreement between Mauritius and Cameroon. However, the e-visa system provides a convenient online pathway for application.

The Cameroon e-Visa: Your Digital Gateway

The Cameroon e-visa is an electronic travel authorization that streamlines the visa application process. It allows foreign nationals, including Mauritian citizens, to apply for and receive their travel authorization online. It's important to understand that the e-visa is an initial authorization. Upon arrival in Cameroon, or at a designated diplomatic mission if instructed, applicants will undergo biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photo) and then receive the physical visa sticker affixed to their passport.

Key Aspects of the e-Visa System:

1. Online Application: The entire application, including document submission and fee payment, is completed digitally.
2. Electronic Authorization: Approved applicants receive an electronic authorization with a QR code, which permits them to travel to Cameroon.
3. Biometric Enrollment at Entry: The actual visa sticker is placed in the passport after biometric data is collected at the point of entry (e.g., airport) or, in some cases, at a competent diplomatic mission if required.
4. Processing Time: Standard processing usually takes up to 9 - 11 Working Days after payment is confirmed. An express option is typically available for 5 - 7 Working Days processing at an additional fee.

Cameroon e-Visa Categories for Mauritians

The e-visa system accommodates various travel intentions, offering different visa categories:

Essential Requirements for Mauritian Citizens

To apply for a Cameroon e-visa, Mauritian citizens will generally need to provide the following documents and information. It's crucial that all scanned documents are clear and legible.

• Valid Passport: A scanned copy of your passport's biodata page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Cameroon and have at least two blank pages.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A clear, recent, color photograph (typically 35mm x 45mm, white background, neutral expression, no eyeglasses).
• Flight Itinerary: A copy of your confirmed flight reservations, showing your full name and confirmed entry and exit dates.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Proof of yellow fever immunization is mandatory for entry into Cameroon. Ensure your certificate is valid and clearly states the Yellow Fever vaccine.
• Proof of Accommodation: This can be:
• A confirmed hotel reservation for your projected duration of stay.
• An invitation letter from your host in Cameroon, with their signature legalized by a territorially competent mayor or police authority.
• Proof of Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Cameroon. This could include recent bank statements. Alternatively, a legalized invitation letter from your host guaranteeing financial responsibility may be accepted.
• Detailed Travel Itinerary: A clear outline of your planned activities and movements within Cameroon.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable):
• For Tourist/Visitor Visa: An invitation letter from a family member or friend residing in Cameroon, legalized by a competent local authority.
• For Business Visa: A company letter guaranteeing your stay, outlining the purpose of your visit, and potentially an introduction letter from your business partner(s) in Cameroon, legalized by Immigration or Police Authorities.
• Proof of Profession (if applicable): A document evidencing your professional status (e.g., employment letter, business registration).
• Proof of Residence (if applicable): A document to evidence your current residence in Mauritius.
• For Minors (under 18): A copy of the birth certificate and a notarized parental authorization (even if one parent is traveling with the child).

Specific Requirements for Long-Stay Visas

For Long-Stay visas (work, study, etc.), additional documents are essential:

How to Apply for the Cameroon e-Visa from Mauritius

The application process is entirely online through the official Cameroon Consular Services Portal. Follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: Before applying, ensure you have the necessary documents for eVisa application.
2. Submit Online Application: Apply for the eVisa through the official Cameroon eVisa website.
3. Print & Present eVisa Upon Arrival: Once approved, travelers must print the eVisa and present it at immigration upon arrival in Cameroon. The eVisa is electronically linked to the passport and allows entry for the approved duration.

Filling out the Cameroon eVisa Application Form

When applying for a Cameroon eVisa, Mauritian travelers need to carefully complete the online application form. Here's a simple breakdown of what to expect:

Once completed and paid, you will receive a confirmation and tracking number to monitor your visa status. Approval is typically sent by email within a few business days.

Keeping Tabs on Your e-Visa Application for Mauritians

Once Mauritian applicants submit their Cameroon eVisa application online, they can track its status through the official eVisa portal using their login credentials. Updates on the application, including approval or requests for more information, are usually sent via email.

Here’s a simplified 3-step process for Mauritian citizens to track their Cameroon eVisa application:

1. Log into the Official eVisa Portal: Visit the Cameroon eVisa portal and sign in using your registered email and password.
2. Go to Your Application Dashboard: Once logged in, navigate to your personal dashboard where your submitted applications are listed.
3. Check Status Updates: Click on your application to view its current status (e.g., "Under Review," "Approved," or "Additional Info Required"). Email notifications will also be sent for important updates.

Cameroon eVisa Processing Time and Fee for Mauritian Citizens

Mauritian citizens applying for a Cameroon eVisa should be aware of the following processing times and fees:

Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Cameroon eVisa varies based on the selected service:

Visa Fees

The total cost of a Cameroon eVisa consists of:

1. Government Fee – Standard visa fee charged by the Cameroonian government.
2. Processing Fee – Additional fee for handling the application.
3. Expedited Service Fees – Extra charges for faster processing.

To determine the fee, you can visit the Cameroon eVisa fee page, which includes a fee-checking tool. This tool makes it easy to find and confirm the Cameroon visa cost based on your travel details and visa type.

Validity and Duration of Stay for Cameroon eVisa from Mauritius

Mauritian citizens applying for a Cameroon eVisa should note that the visa is generally valid for up to 6 months. Travelers must enter Cameroon within this validity period; otherwise, the eVisa will expire and become unusable for entry.

The maximum duration of stay permitted with the eVisa is also up to 2 months for short term visits. However, the exact length of stay is determined by the immigration authorities at the time of visa approval and entry into the country.

Cameroon Entry Requirements

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry: Cameroon eVisas can be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on the applicant's needs and the discretion of the issuing authority.

Use Within Validity: Regardless of the visa's validity period, travelers must enter Cameroon within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so renders the visa invalid.

Consequences of Overstaying Your Cameroon eVisa

Overstaying your permitted duration of stay in Cameroon is a serious violation of immigration law and can lead to significant penalties. Mauritian citizens, like all foreign nationals, must strictly adhere to the dates stamped in their passport. Common penalties for overstaying include:

1. Daily Fines: The most common penalty is a financial fine for each day you overstay.
2. Exit Visa Requirement: In some cases, overstayers may be required to pay for an "exit visa" before being allowed to leave the country. 
3. Detention: For prolonged or repeated overstays, immigration authorities have the right to detain individuals.
4. Deportation: Overstaying can lead to formal deportation from Cameroon.
5. Re-entry Ban: Individuals who overstay their visa may face a ban from re-entering Cameroon for a specified period (e.g., several years), making future visits impossible.
6. Impact on Future Visa Applications: A record of overstaying can severely jeopardize any future visa applications for Cameroon and may also negatively affect visa applications for other countries.

Your Arrival at a Cameroonian Port of Entry with an e-Visa

Upon landing in Cameroon with your e-visa authorization, here's what to expect:

1. Present Your e-Visa Authorization: Show your printed e-visa authorization (with the QR code) to the immigration officer.
2. Biometric Data Collection: Your fingerprints and a photo will be taken for biometric enrollment.
3. Passport Stamping: The immigration officer will then affix the physical visa sticker into your passport and stamp your entry date, indicating your permitted duration of stay.
4. Customs Declaration: Proceed to customs to declare goods if necessary.

Important Considerations and Tips for Mauritian Travelers

To ensure a smooth travel and visa experience, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly and follow all e-Visa requirements. Here are key considerations and tips to help Mauritian travelers avoid common pitfalls.

• Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check every piece of information entered in your application form. Discrepancies between your application and passport details are a common cause for delays or rejections.
• Document Quality: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, high-resolution scans. Blurry or unreadable documents can cause delays.
• Passport Validity: Strictly adhere to the six-month passport validity rule beyond your intended departure date.
• Application Timeline: While normal processing takes a few business days, it's highly advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date, ideally at least 3 months, especially for long-stay visas, to allow for any unforeseen delays or requests for additional information.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Always retain and be ready to present proof of your onward or return travel from Cameroon.
• Stay Within Visa Limits: It is critical not to overstay the authorized duration of your visa. Overstaying is illegal and incurs penalties, fines, potential detention, and future re-entry bans.
• Health Precautions: Beyond the mandatory Yellow Fever vaccination, consult your doctor about other recommended vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Cameroon (e.g., malaria prophylaxis).
• Embassy Contact (if needed): While the e-visa process is online, if you encounter specific issues or have complex inquiries, you might contact the nearest diplomatic mission accredited to Mauritius. However, note that all e-visa applications are processed through the online portal.
• Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with Cameroon's local laws and cultural norms to ensure a respectful and trouble-free visit. This includes strict drug laws, photography restrictions (especially for government and military installations), and conservative dress in certain areas.

By diligently following these guidelines, Mauritian citizens can confidently navigate the Cameroon e-visa application process, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience in "Africa in Miniature."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a visa on arrival at a Cameroonian airport as a Mauritian citizen? Do I still need to visit a physical embassy or consulate in Mauritius after applying for the e-Visa? What if my application is rejected? Can I extend my stay in Cameroon?

 

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in June 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.