From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Cameroon Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 13:44:47 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:952 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960215134446_76702.1202_CHN61-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 101 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cameroon ============================================================ Cameroon - Consular Information Sheet February 13, 1996 Country Description: Cameroon is a developing African country. Facilities for tourism are limited. Entry Requirements: Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon, 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-8790/94. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Cameroonian embassy or consulate. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Sanitation levels in even the best hospitals are low. Not all medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical service outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Areas of Instability: Continuing political tensions and the social consequences of Cameroon's severe economic downturn have sparked isolated incidents of violence in several areas of the country. The continued armed banditry in the far north province in the region between Waza Park and Kousseri has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde to restrict all travel of U.S. Embassy personnel north of Waza Park. The potential for disorder exists throughout Cameroon. Information on Crime: Armed banditry is an increasing problem throughout the country, including tourist areas in Cameroon's far north province and in all major cities. To curb banditry, security personnel at random security checkpoints may request persons to show their passports, residence cards, driver's license and/or vehicle registrations. There has been a marked increase in street and residential crime. Carjackings and burglaries committed by well-armed groups have occurred with increasing frequency in the larger cities, particularly in Yaounde and Douala. The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to follow common-sense security precautions such as locking car, hotel and house doors at all times and remaining aware of the surroundings and any suspicious-looking persons when exiting cars or buildings. There is an increasing circulation of counterfeit U.S. and Cameroonian currency in the country. Business travelers have experienced increased credit risk in Cameroon's banking sector. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Road Safety/Automobile Travel: Traveling at night in isolated areas of Yaounde is dangerous. Persons traveling outside the major towns, even in daylight hours, are at extreme risk from armed banditry. Travel at night on rural highways in the far north province is particularly dangerous. 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: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde on Rue Nachtigal, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Cameroon. The mailing address for the U.S. Embassy is B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon. The telephone number is (237) 234-014, and the fax number is (237) 230-753. No. 96-027 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 6, 1995, to update the sections on entry requirements, areas of instability, information on crime, and, to include a section on road safety and automobile travel. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories