Destinations / Cameroon
Driving in Cameroon as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Cameroon drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and road conditions vary widely between regions.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Cameroon expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 119 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XAF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Frequent police checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Cameroon
At the pump
Petrol (essence/super) runs around XAF 840 per litre and diesel (gasoil) around XAF 828 per litre (2026) at government-fixed prices. Stations are attended (no self-serve); cash in CFA francs is expected, with cards rarely accepted outside major-city branded stations, so carry fuel for long rural legs.
After a crash
Stop, do not leave the scene, and call the police on 117 (general emergencies 112); a police report is required for insurance and rental claims. Move vehicles only if they block traffic and it is safe, and avoid disputes as crowds can gather quickly.
Sources: tyremap.com · globalpetrolprices.com · whitepages.com.cm · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cameroon?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Cameroon drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and road conditions vary widely between regions.
Which translation format is used for Cameroon?
Cameroon uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Cameroon ask for a translation?
Douala and Yaoundé desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Cameroon?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.