← Back
Central Africa

🇨🇲 Vaccines for Cameroon

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Cameroon

Cameroon requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry — a firm requirement for all travellers. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, making antimalarial medication essential for any visit. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal (relevant for northern Cameroon, which sits in the meningitis belt), and Rabies are also recommended. Cameroon is sometimes called 'Africa in miniature' for its geographic and cultural diversity, from coastal beaches to mountains to northern savanna. Some regions, including parts of the Anglophone northwest and southwest and areas near the border with the Central African Republic and Nigeria's Boko Haram-affected regions, have security concerns worth checking current advisories for. Healthcare in Douala and Yaoundé is the most developed; elsewhere facilities are limited.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Northern Cameroon in meningitis belt.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
  • Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • Yellow Fever
  • Ebola (northwestern border)
  • Sleeping sickness (some areas)
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€771
(~$840)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

DR CongoRepublic of CongoCentral African RepublicChad
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Cameroon?
Yes, this is a firm requirement for entry to Cameroon for all travellers, and proof of vaccination is checked. The certificate must be at least 10 days old before arrival.
Do I need malaria tablets for Cameroon?
Yes, essential for any visit. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Cameroon with no low-risk areas — antimalarial medication should not be treated as optional.
What other vaccines are needed for Cameroon?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are all recommended. Meningococcal vaccination is specifically relevant for northern Cameroon, which sits within the African meningitis belt. Given Cameroon's geographic diversity, your specific itinerary affects which considerations matter most — discuss with a travel clinic.
Is tap water safe in Cameroon?
No. Tap water in Cameroon, including Douala and Yaoundé, is not safe to drink. Use bottled water throughout your stay.