The electronic visa is now possible in Cameroon: An opportunity for foreign investors.
According to the information made public on the 06th of April, by the Minister of External Affairs, this measure has been effective since April 30, 2023.
That press release of the Minister of External Affairs specifies that: “As from April 30, 2023, all visa applications for Cameroon will be processed online, with the platform www.evisacam.com.” It is the application of the decree fixing the application modalities of law No 97/012 du 10 Janvier in relation to the conditions of entry, stay and departure of foreigners in Cameroon signed on March 02, 2023, by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya.
The obtention of the electronic visa is subject to certain conditions or steps, that are displayed as follows:
Steps for the obtention of the e-visa
According to the Minister of External Affairs’ press release, everything starts with online enrollment. The visa applicants are required to use the online platform www.evisacam.cm, to create an account user. After the activation, the visa applicants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire (personal information, passport information and the type of visa they are applying for), and upload their travel documents: a copy of their passport, their flight tickets, and the invitation letter or lodging justification.
The second step is the payment of the visa (e-visa) fees. Once the form is filled out, the fees of the e-visa are paid through the means of a credit card Visa or Mastercard and PayPal. After the payment, the applications receive a message or an email of confirmation of the payment.
The 3rd step is processing the application at the level of the diplomatic mission or legally competent consular post or geographically close. The press release of the Minister of External Affairs highlights for the applicants situated far from those posts, an online visa issuance authorization with a QR code will be issued.
“For those residing in towns where the competent post is located, a notification via e-mail of a message will be sent to make an appointment for the biometric enrollment. The procedures normally takes 72 hours to be processed, it can be 24 hours in case of an express entry” adds the Minister.
The last step concerns the apposition of the visa, during the appointment day after the registration.
The people targeted by the electronic visa
The press release of the Minister of External Affairs specified that only the arrivals through airways are eligible for the e-visa, at least for the moment, “the e-visa will gradually be settled in control posts of land and sea entries” adds the press release.
It is important to note that, the apposition of the visa is done either at the entry control posts, for the holders of an authorization of issue either online, or from the Cameroon embassy, or the compétente consulate, for the applicants having done the biometric enrollment.
“The Cameroon e-visa system deals with rendering the destination to Cameroon more attractive, respond to complaints of the Cameroonian diaspora, also aligning with the international standards”
In conclusion, the electronic visa system, more than aligning with the Cameroonian consular system, the international standards, is an opportunity for all, especially for investors who will spare time.
Reine Tsafack
compliance Officer