Health and Vaccination Requirements for Traveling to Cameroon

Planning a trip to Cameroon. Before you go, make sure your health and vaccinations are in order. The yellow fever vaccine is the most important one. It's mandatory for all travelers aged nine months and above. You'll need to show your yellow fever certificate, also called the yellow card, when you arrive. Without it, you could be denied entry or even placed under quarantine. Along with that, a few recommended vaccines will keep you safe during your stay. Make sure your routine shots are up to date, like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and influenza. Add hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies if you plan outdoor or long-term travel. For some areas, meningitis and cholera vaccines are also suggested. Get vaccinated at least four to six weeks before you travel. Your yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after the shot, and a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection for most people. Make sure your certificate is in English or French, properly stamped and signed. At airports like Douala or Yaoundé, health officials will check your certificate upon arrival. Remember, malaria is present across Cameroon. Take anti-malarial medication, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets. Carry a small travel health kit. Include your medicines, painkillers, bandages, sanitizer, and water purification tablets. If you feel unwell after returning home, tell your doctor you recently traveled to Cameroon. Stay prepared, stay protected, and enjoy your time exploring this beautiful country safely.