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

Meet our Local Team

Cameroon

Ndem Frank

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Cameroon

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

Film Fixers in Africa

Africa Film Production Case Studies | 90 Day Fiancé Shoots Across Africa

Africa Film Production Case Studies are most valuable when they show what actually…

Introduction

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Cameroon, facilitating international productions with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, and connecting production teams with local talent and crew. Cameroon, known for its varied landscapes, vibrant cultures, and colonial architecture, provides diverse filming opportunities for documentaries, feature films, and commercials. From the bustling cities of Yaoundé and Douala to the scenic northern regions of Garoua, Hoodlum ensures a seamless production experience in this Central African country.

Let Hoodlum handle the complex logistics of filming in Cameroon—from obtaining the necessary permits to scouting prime locations—so you can focus on your creative work. Contact Hoodlum today to get started on your Cameroon production.

Country Overview

Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its geological and cultural diversity. Here’s a quick overview of the country:

Bordering Countries:

North: Nigeria, Chad
East: Central African Republic
South: Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo

Main Cities:

Yaoundé: The capital city and the political center of the country.
Douala: The economic hub and home to the largest port.
Garoua: A city in the northern region, known for its proximity to national parks.

Local Languages:

French: Official language
English: Official language (primarily spoken in certain regions)

Local Currency:

Central African Franc (CFA)

Climate:

Cameroon experiences a tropical climate with four distinct seasons:

Major Dry Season: November to March
Major Rainy Season: March to June
Minor Dry Season: June to August
Minor Rainy Season: August to November

Visa Requirements

General Requirement

A visa is required to enter Cameroon. Hoodlum can assist with the application process, or the client may apply independently via the online platform.

Required Documents:

Letter of invitation (provided by Hoodlum)
Filming permit
Hotel reservation confirmation
Copies of passports
Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever and COVID vaccines)

Visa Application Process

To apply for a visa, you can use the official online platform: Cameroon Visa Application.

Timing

Processing Time: 1-2 weeks

Cost

Visa Fee: $150

International Crew Accreditation

Accreditation Requirements

Accreditation is required for events organized by state or private companies. For personal projects, a film permit will suffice.

Required Documents:

Proof of work (previous projects)
Letter or contract with a local company
Passports

Timing

Processing Time: 1 week

Cost

Accreditation Fee: $100

General Film Permit

Issuing Organizations

Film permits can be issued by:

The Ministry of Communication
The Ministry of Arts and Culture (most commonly used)
The Ministry of Wildlife, if applicable

For certain projects, approval is required from multiple ministries, including:

The Minister of Culture
The Minister of Communication
The Minister of Defence
The Minister of Wildlife

Required Documents:

Synopsis
Script
Cast and crew names and designations
Budget
Period of shooting
Company information

Timing

Processing Time: Maximum 1 month

Cost

Permit Fee: $2,000

Private Locations

Location Scouting and Agreement

Hoodlum contacts private location owners on your behalf, negotiating rates and terms for the production.

Cost

The cost is determined based on the location and the terms negotiated.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations

Drones are permitted in certain areas, typically rural locations. However, an application is required for urban or city use. Drones are not allowed near government institutions or airports.

Drone Importation Regulations

Importation of international drones is permitted, though the process is complex. It is recommended to work with local drone operators due to the application procedures with the Ministry of Defence.

Permit Issuance

The drone permit is typically included as part of the general film permit.

Timing

International Drone Importation: The process can take several months.

Cost

A local drone permit is usually included in the general film permit cost.
Costs for international importation are available upon request from the Ministry of Defence.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Status

Cameroon is not officially a Carnet country, but a Carnet can be helpful when working with Customs Services.

Required Documents:

Equipment list
Serial numbers
Equipment values

Issuing Organization

Customs Service Department

Timing

Processing Time: 1 week. Hoodlum pre-approves the equipment list with customs before arrival.

Cost

Clearance Fee: $100 (depending on the amount of equipment)

Safety & Security

General Overview

Cameroon is generally safe, though the northern and southwestern regions are not recommended for travel due to security concerns.

Security Requirements

Production teams are required to provide authorities with work plans and shooting schedules. Security guards are often necessary, especially in sensitive areas.