Cameroon Currency and Money Declaration | africatourvisa

Currency and Money Declaration

Cameroon, as part of the CEMAC zone, has specific regulations regarding the declaration of currency when entering or exiting the country. These rules are in place to combat money laundering and ensure compliance with foreign exchange controls.

Here's a breakdown of the currency declaration rules for Cameroon:

1. Foreign Currency (Import)

• Declaration Threshold: You must declare foreign currencies (cash, traveler's cheques, etc.) when imported if their value is equivalent to 1 million CFA Francs (XAF) or higher. To give you a rough idea, 1,000,000 XAF is approximately €1,524 EUR (since 1 EUR = 655.957 XAF) or about $1,640 USD (based on current exchange rates, this fluctuates).
• Method of Declaration: For air travelers, the customs declaration must be submitted online using the “Customs Cmr” app (available in app stores). It's also likely that traditional paper forms are available upon arrival, but the app is being promoted for efficiency.
• Purpose: The declaration helps authorities track large sums of money entering the country. It's not a tax, but a requirement to inform them about the funds you are bringing in.

2. Local Currency (XAF - Export)

• Export Limit: The export of local currency (Central African CFA Francs) is limited to XAF 20,000. This is a very small amount (less than €31 or $33 USD), meaning you generally cannot take significant amounts of XAF out of the country. This restriction is common in many countries to control the flow of their own currency.

3. Foreign Currency (Export):

• Declaration Threshold: While there is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can export, travelers are required to make a declaration when they are exiting with XAF 3,000,000 or more in foreign currency. This translates to approximately €4,573 EUR or around $4,920 USD.
• Proof of Origin: While not explicitly stated for tourists in all sources, it's generally good practice to be able to demonstrate the legitimate source of large amounts of foreign currency you are exporting, especially if it significantly exceeds what you declared upon entry or what could reasonably be spent during your stay. This could include bank withdrawal slips, exchange receipts, etc.

4. General Advice for Tourists:

• Always Declare if Above Threshold: If you are carrying foreign currency (or a combination of currencies) that meets or exceeds the declaration threshold (1 million XAF upon entry, 3 million XAF upon exit), always declare it. Failure to declare can lead to fines, confiscation of funds, or other legal penalties.
• Keep Records: It's a good idea to keep records of your currency exchanges (receipts from banks or official exchange bureaus) and any large cash withdrawals from ATMs, especially if you plan to carry significant amounts of foreign currency.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Customs officials may ask questions about the source or purpose of large sums of money. Be ready to provide clear and honest answers.
• Online Declaration: Consider downloading and familiarizing yourself with the "Customs Cmr" app before your trip if you plan to carry substantial cash.
• By understanding and adhering to these currency declaration regulations, you can avoid unnecessary complications at customs when traveling to and from Cameroon.