Cameroon

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Cameroon, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Cameroon

Capital

Yaoundé

Main Cities

Yaoundé, Douala

Local Languages

French, English

Currency

Central African CFA Franc

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

All international film and television crew entering Cameroon for professional filming purposes must apply for a Business Visa (Professional / Short-Stay Visa). This applies to film and television productions, commercial shoots, documentaries, and media or content creation activities. Tourist visas are not valid for professional filming. Business visas are generally issued as single or multiple entry, with validity of up to 90 days. Length of stay is determined by Immigration and typically aligns with approved filming dates and the issued film permit. Visa extensions may be requested in-country but are subject to Immigration approval and are not guaranteed. A Letter of Invitation issued by the local production partner is mandatory.

Required Documents:

Passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
Completed online Business Visa application
Letter of Invitation
Film permit or official confirmation of filming activity
Hotel reservation or accommodation confirmation
Return or onward flight itinerary
Passport-size photograph
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)

Visa Application Process:

Application submitted via the official Cameroon e-Visa platform
Application may be completed directly by the applicant or by the local production partner on behalf of the applicant

Official application portal:
https://www.evisacam.cm/ords/dl_portal/r/public_portal/home

Processing Time:

1–2 weeks, subject to Immigration approval.

Cost:

USD 150 government visa fee. (Service or handling fees may apply separately.)

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign cast and crew must obtain a Business Visa and an approved film permit prior to undertaking filming activities. Work authorisation is embedded within the visa and permit approval process. Productions must operate through a local Cameroonian production partner, who coordinates with relevant ministries and immigration authorities.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Approved Business Visa
Film permit approval
Cast and crew list (names, roles, nationalities)
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Equipment list (if applicable)

Processing Time:

Aligned with visa and film permit timelines. Typically 1–4 weeks depending on ministry coordination.

Cost:

Included within visa and film permit fee structures.

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Arts and Culture (most commonly used)
Ministry of Communication
Ministry of Wildlife (required for wildlife, national parks, or protected areas)

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Full script or detailed treatment
Shooting schedule and proposed locations
Full cast and crew list with roles and nationalities
Production budget summary
Production company registration documents
Local production partner details
Equipment list (if applicable)

Processing Time:

Up to 1 month.

Cost:

USD 500.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

All private locations require written permission from the property owner. The local production partner typically identifies owners, negotiates location fees and terms, and secures written location agreements.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Determined based on location, duration, and access requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use is strictly regulated
Permitted with approval in rural and non-sensitive areas
Special authorisation required for urban and city filming
Prohibited near airports, government institutions, military installations, and security zones

Drone Importation Regulations:

Importation of foreign drones is permitted but highly regulated
Due to Ministry of Defence procedures, use of licensed local drone operators is strongly recommended

Permit Issuance:

Ministry of Defence.

Timing:

Local drone permits: included within the general film permit timeline.
International drone importation: may take several months.

Cost:

Local drone permit included within the general film permit.
International drone importation costs provided upon application.

Carnet Status:

Cameroon is not officially an ATA Carnet country. An ATA Carnet is strongly recommended to facilitate customs clearance.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment list
Serial numbers
Declared equipment values
ATA Carnet (if available)
Approved film permit

Issuing Organization:

Cameroon Customs Service

Timing:

Approximately 1 week with pre-approval.

Cost:

From USD 100, dependent on volume and value of equipment.

General Overview:

Cameroon is generally safe for filming operations. The North and South-West regions are not recommended due to security considerations.

Security Requirements:

Security personnel may be required depending on location and scale of production
Authorities must be provided with:
- Shooting schedule
- Work plan
- Location details

Rebates/Incentives:

Cameroon does not currently operate a formal national cash rebate programme.

Available Support

Government coordination through relevant ministries
Location facilitation through local production partners
Wildlife and environmental authority liaison where required

Eligibility

International productions working with a Cameroonian-registered production partner

Notes

Visa approval, film permits, drone permissions, and customs clearance operate independently
Ministry-level approvals are required for many production activities
Early coordination is essential due to multi-ministerial review processes