When Cameroon citizens try to book a spontaneous trip, they often hit a wall: the Cameroonian passport opens doors to just 49 destinations, a fraction of the freedom enjoyed by neighbours on the Indian Ocean. The disparity became crystal‑clear in a comparative report released in April 2025, which showed Seychelles passport holders strolling into roughly 150 countries visa‑free, and Mauritians enjoying access to about 146. Dr. Amina Ngako, a senior fellow at the Centre for African Policy, warned that such a gap “limits business, education and cultural exchange for millions of Cameroonians.” The same data set also cited Global Connect and Get Golden Visa as the two most cited sources for passport rankings, each arriving at slightly different numbers because of how they treat e‑visas and visa‑on‑arrival rules.
Why the numbers don’t line up
Different organisations count "visa‑free" in their own way. Global Connect tallied 53 visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival destinations for Cameroonians, including Bangladesh (visa on arrival) and the United Kingdom (electronic travel authorisation). Meanwhile, Get Golden Visa reported 50 such entries and placed the passport at 92nd in the world. Cameroon‑eVisa.org painted a bleaker picture, ranking the document 173rd and saying it only clears more than 20 nations. The last major player, VisaGuide.World, listed a meagre 25 visa‑free spots as of September 2025. The root of the confusion? Some indices count eTA‑eligible trips as visa‑free, others don’t; some add short‑term tourist permits, while a few exclude territories like the US Virgin Islands.
What the Cameroonian passport actually opens
Here’s a quick snapshot of the places where a Cameroonian can simply walk through the gate:
- Barbados – 90‑day stay
- Benin – 90‑day stay
- Gabon – visa on arrival
- Senegal – visa on arrival for 90 days
- Seychelles – free visitor’s permit for up to 3 months
- Mauritius – visa on arrival
- Kenya – electronic travel authorisation (eTA)
- United Arab Emirates – visa on arrival
Notice the heavy African focus and a sprinkle of Caribbean islands. The list also includes a handful of Asian destinations such as Cambodia and Timor‑Leste, but the United States, Canada, most of Europe and Australia remain firmly locked behind a traditional visa process.
How Seychelles and Mauritius built travel muscle
The two island nations have pursued a very different diplomatic playbook. Both have signed upwards of 30 bilateral visa‑waiver agreements in the past decade, often leveraging their tourism‑driven economies to negotiate reciprocal entry. Seychelles capitalised on its reputation as a luxury destination, while Mauritius positioned itself as a regional financial hub. Their passports now grant visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to roughly 150 and 146 countries respectively – more than three times what Cameroonians enjoy.
Implications for ordinary Cameroonians
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing. For entrepreneurs, a limited passport translates into higher transaction costs when chasing investors abroad. Students face longer processing times for study visas, which can deter enrolment in coveted overseas programs. Even families find it harder to visit relatives living in Europe or North America. As Get Golden Visa noted, “passport strength is a proxy for diplomatic reach,” and the current ranking suggests Cameroon’s foreign policy hasn’t kept pace with its regional peers.
What could change the odds?
Experts point to three pathways. First, expanding bilateral agreements with emerging markets in Asia and Latin America could add quick wins. Second, joining regional mobility initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) visa‑free travel protocol would lift the ceiling for intra‑African movement. Finally, a concerted push to improve domestic governance and security perception might persuade more Western nations to relax entry requirements.
Looking ahead
The next passport index update is slated for early 2026. If Cameroon can seal ten new visa‑waiver deals before then, its ranking could climb a few spots, but closing the gap with Seychelles and Mauritius will likely require a longer‑term strategy. In the meantime, many Cameroonians continue to rely on costly e‑visas for destinations like India, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates – a reminder that a passport is both a document and a reflection of a country’s place on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries can Cameroonian passport holders visit without a visa?
The number varies by source, but the most widely‑cited figure for April 2025 is 49 visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival destinations. Some indices count up to 53, while others list as few as 25, depending on how they treat electronic travel authorisations and short‑term permits.
Why does the Cameroonian passport rank lower than Seychelles or Mauritius?
Seychelles and Mauritius have built extensive bilateral visa‑waiver networks through tourism‑focused diplomacy and regional trade agreements. Cameroon, by contrast, has fewer reciprocal arrangements and a weaker negotiating position, which limits its ability to secure visa‑free access.
Which major economies are still off‑limits for Cameroonian travelers?
The United States, Canada, most European Union members, Australia, New Zealand and many South American nations still require a full visa. Even some Caribbean islands, like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, need a visa despite their proximity.
What steps is the Cameroonian government taking to improve passport strength?
Officials have announced plans to negotiate additional visa‑waiver agreements with Asian and Latin American partners, and to actively participate in AfCFTA’s travel facilitation program. However, concrete deals are still in early talks and may not materialise before the 2026 index release.
How does the passport ranking affect Cameroonian businesses?
A lower ranking means higher travel costs and longer processing times for business visas, which can deter entrepreneurs from seeking overseas partnerships or attending trade fairs. Improving mobility is seen as a way to boost foreign investment and market access.
1 Comments
Sara Lohmaier October 9, 2025 AT 02:04
It is evident from the recent indices that the Cameroonian passport currently grants visa‑free access to a relatively limited number of destinations, especially when contrasted with the extensive travel privileges enjoyed by Seychelles and Mauritius. The disparity underscores the importance of bilateral negotiations and strategic diplomatic outreach. While the data presented is comprehensive, it is essential to consider the methodological differences among the ranking organizations. A concerted effort by the Cameroonian government to engage in multilateral agreements could gradually improve the passport’s standing. Ultimately, enhancing mobility will contribute positively to economic and cultural exchanges.