Travel alerts & warnings
Cameroon driving guide.
Driving in Cameroon involves busy city traffic, uneven road surfaces and slower rural journeys, so plan conservative distances and avoid driving after dark. Check current travel advisories before departure, particularly for the Far North, North-West and South-West, where conflict and kidnapping risks affect travel.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- November to…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Cameroon due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, health, kidnapping, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Crime
- Violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking are common in Cameroon. This is especially true in the Southwest, Northwest, Far North, and North Regions; the Adamawa Region north of the capital city of Ngaoundere; and the East Region within 20 kilometers of the border with Central African Republic.
- There is high risk of kidnapping by non-state armed groups in the Southwest and Northwest Regions.
- There is high risk of kidnapping by terrorists in the Far North Region.
- Petty crime is common in Cameroon, especially in Yaoundé and Douala.
- Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.
Driving there
Your permit in Cameroon
- Cameroon honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Cameroon
Road rules and speed limits
Wear seat belts and follow posted speed limits, which vary by road and vehicle category. Slow well before villages, markets and checkpoints: speed humps may be unmarked, and pedestrians frequently use the carriageway.
Tolls
Expect toll stations on major intercity routes, including roads linking Douala and Yaoundé. Carry small-denomination Central African CFA francs (XAF), pay at the designated booth and retain any receipt.
Fuel
Refuel at established stations in Douala, Yaoundé and other large towns before rural excursions. Availability can be unreliable outside urban areas; carry cash, confirm your rental's fuel type and avoid roadside fuel sold in bottles.
Rental vehicles
Reserve ahead and confirm that the company accepts your national licence together with your International Driving Permit. Check insurance exclusions, permitted regions, spare tyre and roadside assistance; high clearance is useful for unpaved access roads, especially after rain.
Police and gendarmerie checks
Carry your passport, national driving licence, International Driving Permit, rental agreement and vehicle registration and insurance documents. Slow down at checkpoints, remain courteous and avoid photographing officers; ask for an official notice and receipt for any fine.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Cameroon
Mefou Primate Sanctuary
Centre Region · Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Yaoundé; the final access road can deteriorate after rain.
Forest sanctuary near Yaoundé offering guided visits focused on rescued primates; confirm opening arrangements before travelling.
Ebogo
Centre Region · Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours from Yaoundé.
A forest-and-river excursion near Mbalmayo, with locally guided canoe trips on the Nyong River.
Lobé Falls
South Region · Approximately 3.5–5 hours from Douala via Kribi.
Coastal waterfalls just south of Kribi, where the Lobé River reaches the Atlantic, with nearby beaches and seafood restaurants.
Ekom-Nkam Falls
Littoral Region · Approximately 4–5 hours from Douala; allow extra time for the final access road.
Dramatic waterfalls surrounded by forest near Melong; use a local guide and keep clear of slippery edges.
Foumban Royal Palace and Museum
West Region · Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Bafoussam.
A major centre of Bamoun heritage, with royal history, distinctive architecture and an active craft tradition.
Bandjoun Chiefdom
West Region · Approximately 30–45 minutes from Bafoussam.
Traditional Bamileke architecture and cultural collections close to Bafoussam; ask locally about guided access and photography rules.
Heading to Cameroon?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.