Cameroon eVisa for Dual Nationals

Traveling to Cameroon as a dual national can be a bit different from regular travel, especially because Cameroon does not officially recognize dual nationality. This means that if you hold a Cameroonian passport and a passport from another country, you may still need a visa to enter Cameroon—depending on which passport you use. Understanding how to apply for the Cameroon eVisa and which documents to present can help you avoid confusion at immigration and ensure a smooth entry. This guide explains everything dual nationals need to know before applying for and using a Cameroon eVisa. For the best experience, always apply for Cameroon eVisa using the passport you’ll use to enter and exit the country.

Who Is a Dual National?

A dual national is a person who is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries and holds valid passports for both. For example, someone may be both French and Cameroonian, or American and Nigerian.

Understanding Dual Nationality in Cameroon

Cameroon generally does not accept dual nationality, which is very important for travelers who have two passports.

Losing Cameroonian Citizenship: If you are from Cameroon but later become a citizen of another country by choice, the law says you may lose your Cameroonian citizenship. Even if this is not always enforced, the law is clear.
What This Means for Travel: If you have both a Cameroonian passport and a passport from another country, the government expects you to use only one identity when you enter or leave the country (usually the Cameroonian one if you still have it).

🎯 Do Dual Nationals Need a Visa to Enter Cameroon?

Yes. In most cases, dual nationals do need a visa to visit Cameroon, even if one of their nationalities is Cameroonian. Here’s why:

Cameroon does not officially accept dual nationality. If a Cameroonian becomes a citizen of another country on their own, they are usually seen as no longer Cameroonian under the law.
Enter as a foreigner. Because of this, people with two nationalities are often expected to use their foreign passport to enter and leave Cameroon.
Apply for an e-Visa. If you have another nationality (like French, American, or British), you should apply for a Cameroon eVisa using that foreign passport.
Be consistent. Always use the same foreign passport for your visa application and when passing through immigration.

✅ Tip: Always check your citizenship status before applying. If you're unsure whether you're still recognized as a Cameroonian citizen, contact an embassy or consulate for guidance.

💡 Which Passport Should You Use for Your Cameroon Trip?

Which Passport Should You Use For Your Cameroon Trip

When you hold two passports, deciding which one to use for international travel can feel like a strategic game. For Cameroon, however, the strategy is quite clear-cut due to the country's unique legal position on dual nationality: Cameroon generally does not recognize dual nationality.

Given this, the most effective and problem-free approach for dual nationals is to use your foreign (non-Cameroonian) passport for all travel-related procedures when heading to Cameroon.

Why You Should Travel on Your Foreign Passport

To have a smooth trip to Cameroon as a dual national, it’s better to use your foreign passport. Here’s why:

Clear legal status: Cameroon usually sees people who get another country’s citizenship as no longer Cameroonian. Using your foreign passport makes things clear (you’ll be treated like a visitor, not a citizen).
Avoid problems at the airport: If you try to enter with a Cameroonian passport while also having another one, immigration officers may ask questions or delay you.
Get help if needed: If something goes wrong during your trip, your foreign embassy can help you (but only if you entered using your foreign passport). If you use a Cameroonian passport, they might not be able to help.

Essential Steps for Consistency

Once you've decided to use your foreign passport, consistency is paramount. You must use this same passport for:

Applying for the eVisa:All details on your eVisa application must precisely match the information in your foreign passport.

Booking Your Flight: Ensure the name on your flight ticket exactly matches the name on your foreign passport.

Entering and Exiting Cameroon: Present only your foreign passport and your valid eVisa authorization to immigration officials upon both arrival and departure.

⚠️ A Word of Caution:

Switching passports mid-process : for example, applying for the eVisa with one passport and then trying to travel or exit with the other (can lead to significant immigration problems, serious delays, or even denial of entry/exit at the airport). Stick with the chosen foreign passport from start to finish.

🌍 Special Case: Dual Nationals with Cameroonian Heritage

Many dual nationals of Cameroonian descent (born abroad or naturalized elsewhere) wonder if they can enter Cameroon without a visa.

If you do not hold a valid Cameroonian passport, you are considered a foreigner for immigration purposes and must apply for a Cameroon eVisa.
A Cameroonian birth certificate or ID card is not accepted in place of a passport at the border.
Consider renewing or applying for a Cameroonian passport if you want to travel without a visa in the future.

📌 Documents Dual Nationals Need for the eVisa

When applying for a Cameroon eVisa, dual nationals should prepare the following documents:

Clear scan of the passport you will travel with: This must be the passport you’ll use to enter and exit Cameroon. Make sure the photo and personal details are clearly visible.
Passport-size photo: A recent, color photo of your face—just like the kind used for official documents.
Proof of travel (flight booking): This shows your travel plans, including your arrival and return or onward journey.
Hotel reservation or invitation letter: If you’re staying in a hotel, upload the booking confirmation. If you’re staying with family or friends, you’ll need a signed invitation letter from your host in Cameroon.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate: This is a required health document proving you’ve received the yellow fever vaccine. It may be checked upon arrival.
Parental authorization (for minors): If the traveler is under 18, you’ll need a signed letter from a parent or guardian. Some authorities may also ask for a copy of their ID.

Applying for the Cameroon eVisa as a Dual National

The eVisa application process for dual nationals follows the standard procedure, with the critical distinction of which passport you use:

Choose Your Foreign Passport:Select the nationality that you will use for your eVisa application. This should be the passport you intend to use for entry into Cameroon.

Standard Requirements Apply: You will need to provide all the required documents.

Complete the Online Form Accurately: Ensure all information filled in the eVisa application form exactly matches the details on your chosen foreign passport.

Pay the eVisa Fee: Complete the payment online.

Receive eVisa Authorization: Upon approval, you will receive your eVisa authorization by email. Print a copy and keep an electronic backup.

Common Mistakes Dual Nationals Make When Applying for a Visa to Cameroon

If you hold a Cameroonian passport and another country’s passport, it’s important to choose one identity when applying for your eVisa. Below are common mistakes dual nationals make—and how to avoid them.

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	What to Do Instead
Using the wrong passport	Using your Cameroonian passport confuses immigration if you also have another nationality.	Apply and travel with your foreign passport.
Showing both passports	This raises questions and can delay or block your entry.	Use only one passport for visa and travel.
Mismatched information	If your visa form doesn’t match your passport, your visa might be rejected.	Make sure visa details match your foreign passport exactly.
Assuming Cameroonian citizenship	Cameroon doesn’t recognize dual nationality if you chose another country’s citizenship.	Travel as a foreign visitor—you’ll likely need a visa.
Choosing the wrong visa type	You may not be allowed to enter or do what you planned in Cameroon.	Select the correct visa type (tourist, business, etc.).
Applying too late	You risk not getting your visa on time or facing last-minute issues.	Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel.

🌍 Can You Enter Cameroon Without a Visa If You Were Born There?

No, being born in Cameroon does not automatically exempt you from needing a visa. Many travelers are confused about this, but here’s what you need to know:

Cameroon Does Not Automatically Recognize Dual Citizenship: If you were born in Cameroon but later became a citizen of another country (and didn’t retain Cameroonian nationality officially), Cameroon treats you as a foreign national.
Your Passport Matters More Than Your Birthplace: Immigration officers look at your current passport, not just where you were born. If you travel on a non-Cameroonian passport, you are expected to apply for a visa like any other foreign visitor.
Place of Birth Might Raise Questions: If your foreign passport lists Cameroon as your place of birth, immigration officials may ask questions to confirm your status. Just explain clearly that you’re entering as a visitor with a valid visa.
Don't Assume Exemption: Unless you still hold valid Cameroonian citizenship and have a Cameroonian passport, you must apply for a visa, even if you were born there.

✅ Tip: Always use the same foreign passport to apply for your eVisa and to enter/exit Cameroon. This avoids delays or complications at immigration.

⚠️ Can Dual Nationals Be Denied Entry to Cameroon?

Yes, dual nationals can be denied entry to Cameroon in certain situations — especially if they don’t follow the proper travel and visa procedures. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Reason for Denial	Explanation	✅ How to Avoid It
Using Two Passports Confusingly	Presenting both Cameroonian and foreign passports at the border may raise legal concerns.	Stick to one passport—preferably your foreign passport—during the visa process and entry/exit.
Cameroon Doesn’t Recognize Dual Nationality	If you acquired another nationality voluntarily, you may be seen as having lost Cameroonian status.	Travel as a foreign national. Apply for an eVisa and avoid claiming Cameroonian citizenship unless verified.
Incorrect Visa Process	Entering without a visa or with the wrong one can lead to being denied at the border.	Apply for an eVisa with your foreign passport in advance—even if you were born in Cameroon.
Suspicion of Misrepresentation	Inconsistent answers or documents may lead officials to question your intentions.	Be truthful and consistent. Know your visa type and citizenship status.
Past Immigration Violations	Overstaying or prior issues in Cameroon may result in a ban or refusal to enter.	Respect past visa rules. Check your immigration record and resolve any issues before reapplying.

🚨 Important Tips for Dual Nationals

✅ Use one passport for the entire trip.

✅ Make sure the passport you’re using has at least 6 months validity.

✅ If you have dual nationality but only one passport, apply for the eVisa using that document.

✅ Don’t assume Cameroonian ancestry means automatic visa exemption.

✅ If you’re applying with a non-Cameroonian passport, follow the eVisa process like any other traveler.

✈️ Arrival in Cameroon: What to Expect

Upon arrival at a Cameroonian airport:

Present the same passport used for the eVisa.
Show your eVisa approval letter (with QR code).
Submit your Yellow Fever card and other required documents.
Go through biometric enrollment and get your visa sticker.

🛂 Legal and Consular Protection: Why Your Entry Status Matters While in Cameroon

If you’re a dual national traveling to Cameroon, how you enter the country matters more than you might think.

If you enter Cameroon using your foreign passport and a valid eVisa, Cameroonian authorities will treat you as a visitor from another country. This means if something goes wrong—like legal trouble or a medical emergency—your foreign embassy or consulate can step in to help you.

But if you enter using a Cameroonian passport or claim to be a Cameroonian citizen at the border, you’ll be treated as a Cameroonian national. In that case, your foreign embassy may not be able to help you, because Cameroon does not officially recognize dual nationality and may refuse outside consular assistance.

In short: To stay safe and avoid complications, it's best to enter Cameroon using your foreign passport and eVisa, especially if you acquired foreign citizenship after birth and Cameroon no longer considers you a citizen.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Dual nationality offers travel flexibility, but when it comes to entering Cameroon, the rules are clear: your entry depends on the passport you use. Always apply for your eVisa with the correct passport, keep your documents consistent, and check the latest travel and visa rules on the official Cameroon eVisa portal or your nearest Cameroonian Embassy. With proper planning, dual nationals can enjoy a smooth journey to Cameroon.

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.

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Applying for a Cameroon eVisa

Step 1: Complete the online application form with your personal details and passport information.
Step 2: Proceed to securely pay online using your credit card.
Step 3: Check your email for payment confirmation and receipt of your Cameroon eVisa, which will be sent electronically.

Get Your Cameroon eVisa