Cameroon Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Cameroon
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 15, 2026
Cameroon recorded 6.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Cameroon #55 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 60% over the past decade (from 4.2 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Cameroon at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
6.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#141 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (2000-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 60% over the past decade (from 4.2 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Cameroon Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Cameroon, the homicide rate for men is 3.0× higher than the rate for women — 6.9 vs 2.3 per 100,000 (2020).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Cameroon has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
231(2024)
Military Spending
1.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Cameroon:
Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , health , kidnapping , and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking are common in Cameroon. This is especially true in the Southwest, Northwest, Far North, and North Regions; the Adamawa Region north of the capital city of Ngaoundere; and the East Region within 20 kilometers of the border with Central African Republic.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Cameroon
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 04, 2026).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa are active in Far North, North, and Adamawa Regions of Cameroon. Suicide bombings have occurred in public places in and around urban areas resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
Border Areas
: Cameroon’s borders remain porous. Terrorists regularly cross the border into Cameroon from Nigeria and Chad to conduct attacks in the Far North, North, and Adamawa Regions. Militant activities and security operations routinely occur along Cameroon’s shared border with Nigeria in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. Armed criminals and communal militia frequently conduct attacks in border areas abutting the Central African Republic (CAR). Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling to the Northwest, Southwest, North, and Far North Regions of Cameroon, as well as within 20 kilometers of the border with the Central African Republic in Adamawa and East Regions, and within 20 kilometers of the border with Nigeria and north of Ngaoudere in the Adamawa Region.
Bakassi Peninsula
Cameroon's military authorities restrict access to the Bakassi Peninsula. U.S. citizens should avoid this area.
Use of Improvised Explosive Devices
: Multiple improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred in Douala and Yaoundé since June 2020. The threat for similar attacks could take place countrywide. Various armed actors, to include terrorists and political militants, may use such devices. To date, recent IED incidents have not directly targeted U.S. citizens or areas frequented by Westerners, however the risk of wrong place/wrong time violence remains. Locations with a high security force or government presence may be at increased risk of being targeted. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
Violent and opportunistic crime is prevalent throughout the country including major cities. Foreigners in Cameroon have been victims of all types of crime including murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, burglary, theft, armed robbery, and home invasion. Criminals often employ violence, particularly in instances where victims attempt to resist. The risk of street and residential crime is especially high, even in affluent areas with a large police and private security presence.
Transport Crimes
U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using taxis. Violent assaults on taxi passengers are common. Petty theft is prevalent, particularly on trains, buses, and taxis. The Hilton and Mont Febe hotels offer a shuttle service from Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport to downtown Yaoundé. Travelers are encouraged to use this service or retain the services of a reputable private transport company. Avoid walking alone especially after dark. Do not display cash and valuables. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Maritime Security
: Piracy and armed robbery continue to increase throughout the Gulf of Guinea including Cameroon’s waters. Pirates and armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship’s property are common and may occur near coastal areas or deep waters. More information on current conditions may be found on the Office of Naval Intelligence’s piracy page.
Communications
During periods of heightened unrest or insecurity, there is a heightened risk of communications disruptions which may affect internet access, social media, mobile messaging, and cellular voice calls. These disruptions may be localized or countrywide.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Cameroon. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/online dating Financial transactions/money transfers Too good to be true purchases or sales Contracts with promises of large commissions Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 117 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (237) 22220-1500. Dial + (237) 22222-2525 in Yaoundé or dial 112 in major cities to contact ambulance services.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Cameroon Population & Demographics
Population of 29,123,744, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cameroon safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Cameroon at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, terrorism, kidnapping, health. The homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Cameroon?
Cameroon has an intentional homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #55 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Cameroon?
Cameroon is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Cameroon compare to other countries?
Cameroon's homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.