NGO and UN missions in Cameroon: accommodation and transport in Douala and Yaoundé
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 7 min read
Most NGO and UN missions to Cameroon pass through Yaoundé, where the UN agencies and many international NGOs have their country offices, or through Douala, the port and logistics hub. For missions of a few weeks to a few months, a furnished apartment by the week or the month and a car with driver are often more practical than a hotel and taxis. Security clearance and movement rules stay with your own organisation; we take care of the stay in Douala and Yaoundé.
NGO and UN missions in Cameroon: the usual pattern
- Yaoundé is the capital: ministries, embassies, the UN Country Team (its offices are in Bastos) and most international NGO head offices. Briefings, meetings with authorities and partners usually happen here.
- Douala is the economic capital and the main port: procurement, logistics, shipping and many suppliers.
- Field locations are often in other regions. Several of them are areas where governments advise against travel: see the security section below.
What mission planners usually ask us
| Need | What we can do |
|---|---|
| Accommodation for one person or a team | Furnished apartments in Douala and Yaoundé, by the night, the week or the month. Ask for a quote for long stays. |
| Arrival | Pickup at Douala (DLA) or Yaoundé-Nsimalen (NSI), with the traveller's name on a sign, following the flight. |
| Daily transport | A car or van with driver by the day, for meetings and errands in town. |
| Paperwork | A written quote and booking confirmation, and receipts in the organisation's name. Tell us what your finance team requires. |
| Changes | Missions move: tell us as soon as dates change; see our cancellation policy. |
Security: your organisation's rules come first
Your organisation's security rules apply throughout the mission: UN personnel follow UN security management procedures, NGOs their own security plans and briefings. We do not give security advice and we adapt to your rules (for example on arrival times, vehicles or who meets the traveller).
Regions under travel advisories
At the time of writing, several governments advise against travel to the North-West, South-West and Far North regions and to areas near some borders. Check your government's current advice and your organisation's clearance before any field trip. We only operate in Douala and Yaoundé, where ordinary precautions apply.
- Avoid road travel at night, especially between cities.
- Carry ID at all times: a certified copy of your passport with the visa, or your residence permit.
- Do not photograph government buildings, airports, ports or military sites: it is illegal.
Transport with driver
A car with driver by the day covers meetings with ministries, partners and suppliers, and errands between the office and the apartment. If your security focal point needs the driver's name and the vehicle details before the trip, ask us when you book. For a team, a van can carry several people and their equipment.
Before arrival: documents and health
- Visa: apply online at evisacam.cm before travelling; there is no visa on arrival. Holders of service or diplomatic passports should follow their organisation's procedure.
- Supporting letters: the list depends on the embassy covering your country; for missions, a letter from your organisation is often the main document. Ask your travel or HR team.
- Yellow fever certificate, compulsory for everyone. Polio: proof of vaccination can be asked for stays of more than 4 weeks.
- Malaria is present all year: see a travel clinic before you leave. See preparing your trip.
Long missions: living comfortably for weeks
For a mission of a month or more, an apartment gives a kitchen, a work table and space to rest after long days. Our apartments have Wi-Fi; some have backup power, shown on each apartment page. In Yaoundé, Bastos and Golf are close to the UN and NGO offices; in Douala, Bonapriso and Bonanjo are close to the port and the banks. If the mission becomes a posting, read long stays and moving to Cameroon.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the UN offices in Cameroon?
The UN Country Team and most agency country offices are in Yaoundé, many of them in the Bastos district. Field offices exist in other regions.
Can we rent a furnished apartment by the month for a mission in Yaoundé?
Yes, in Yaoundé and in Douala. Tell us the dates and the number of people and we will send a quote.
Can you issue documents in our organisation's name?
We can put the organisation's name on the quote, the booking confirmation and the receipts. Tell us what your finance team requires.
Is it safe to travel to the North-West, South-West or Far North of Cameroon?
Several governments advise against travel to these regions. Follow your government's current advice and your organisation's security rules.
Do I need a polio vaccination for a long mission in Cameroon?
Proof of polio vaccination can be asked for stays of more than 4 weeks. Check with a travel clinic before you leave.