From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Cameroon
Date: 29 Dec 1992 12:09:09 -0600
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cameroon
============================================================
Cameroon - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of Yaounde on Rue Nachtigal, telephone (237) 234014.  The Embassy 
fax number is (237) 230753.  There is also a U.S. Consulate in 
Douala at 21 Avenue du General de Gaulle, telephone (237) 425331 or 
420303.  The fax number for the Consulate is (237) 427790.

Country Description:  Cameroon is a developing African country.  
Facilities for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Airport 
visas may be issued upon arrival only to travelers arriving from 
countries in which there is no Cameroonian embassy.  Obtaining a 
visa in advance saves much time and trouble.  Evidence of yellow 
fever and cholera immunizations must be presented.  Additional entry 
information can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of 
Cameroon, 2349 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 265-8790 to 8794.

Areas of Instability:  The disputed results of the recent 
presidential election have increased tension within the country.  
Isolated incidents of violence occurred in several areas in the 
aftermath of the vote.  The government declared a three-month state 
of emergency in the Northwest Province on October 27, 1992.  The 
political situation remains volatile throughout the country, with 
continuing potential for disorder.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Cleanliness 
and sanitation levels in even the best hospitals are low.  Not all 
medicines are available.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  
Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 
332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Banditry is an increasing problem in many 
areas of the country, including major cities.  Persons traveling at 
night on rural highways are at extreme risk.  Even travel between 
Nsimalen Airport and downtown Yaounde is dangerous.  To curb 
banditry, security forces have established checkpoints throughout 
the country.  All persons must show their passports, residence 
cards, drivers' licenses, or vehicle registration at these 
checkpoints.  There is increasing circulation of counterfeit U.S. 
and Cameroonian bills in the country.  Business travelers have 
experienced increased credit risk in Cameroon's banking sector.  
Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of 
State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Photography Restrictions:  While photography is not officially 
forbidden, security officials are sensitive about the photographing 
of government buildings and military installations, many of which 
are unmarked.  Photography of these subjects may result in seizure 
of photographic equipment by Cameroon authorities.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It includes general information on travel 
in the area.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security in 
the country.

 No. 92-133


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