When travelling internationally, particularly in Europe, obtaining a visa is often a crucial and sometimes complicated stage. For nationals of Cameroon wishing to return under another nationality, the application can be made more easily thanks to the issue of electronic visas (e-Visa). It is essential to stress that the accommodation certificate is not compulsory for this type of procedure.
e-Visa: fewer formalities for Cameroonians
To make visa application procedures easier, several countries now offer an electronic option: e-Visa. This solution has also been offered by Cameroon since April 2023 and offers many advantages such as:
- The simplicity and speed of online procedures
- Significant time savings for travellers
- Less paperwork and fewer documents to provide
- Information centralised on a digital medium
- Better security for personal data
This tool considerably reduces the administrative burden for visa applicants, including those born in Cameroon.
Obviously, people travelling on Cameroonian passports do not need to apply for a visa to enter Cameroon.
Relaxation of accommodation certificate requirements
The accommodation certificate is an official document that proves that the person vouching for the visa applicant is able to accommodate and support the applicant during his or her stay. As part of an e-Visa application, this certificate is not systematically required for Cameroonian nationals, as several embassies have confirmed.
The reasons for this exemption
There are several reasons for this exception:
- The desire to simplify procedures: By abolishing this requirement, the authorities are encouraging travellers to use e-Visa, thereby minimising the administrative burden.
- Easier verification of information : thanks to the digital medium, the data provided at the time of application is more easily accessible and verifiable by the authorities concerned.
- Confidence in Cameroonian nationals of origin.
Doing without the accommodation certificate
Although proof of accommodation is not compulsory, it is essential to prepare your e-Visa application carefully and provide all the information you need to obtain it. Here is some advice on how to do this:
- Gather all the supporting documents requested: passport, passport photo, plane ticket, etc.
- Fill in the online form and take care not to make any mistakes when entering personal information
- Check several times that everything is correct before validating the application and paying any fees.
- Track the progress of your application using the tracking number provided when you submit your application
e-Visa and accommodation certificate: what about other nationalities?
Although people of Cameroonian origin benefit from a relaxation of the rules on proof of accommodation when applying for an e-Visa, it should be noted that each situation is unique and varies according to :
- The applicant's nationality at the time of travel
- His travel history
- Type of visa (tourist, business, student, etc.)
- Regulations specific to each country
- Special circumstances relating to the traveller (minor, employment, studies, etc.)
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