Canada visa from Cameroon: cost, documents, processing time (and the scam to avoid)

You're Cameroonian and dream of visiting Canada? Here is the visitor visa, step by step. And at the end, the scam to avoid.

Do you need a visa for Canada with a Cameroonian passport?

Yes. Cameroon is on the official list of countries whose citizens need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa). And even if you already have a US visa, you can't skip it: the simpler electronic travel authorization (eTA) does not apply to the Cameroonian passport.

Step 1: the online application

You apply online, on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal. You create an account, fill in the form and upload your documents.

Step 2: the cost

Step 3: the documents

This is the most important part. The documents most often requested:

• a valid passport (ideally more than 6 months left, because the visa cannot go beyond its expiry date);
• your bank statements;
• a letter from your employer (position, leave granted, return date);
• your previous visas (Schengen, United States…);
• an invitation letter if you're visiting family or friends.

Step 4: biometrics in Yaoundé

After applying, you receive a letter asking you to give your fingerprints and photo at the visa application centre (VFS Global) in Yaoundé, the only one in Cameroon, by appointment. You have 30 days after the letter to go. Good news: your biometrics stay valid for 10 years.

Step 5: processing time

The processing time shown by IRCC for Cameroon was 43 days on 1 October 2026 (the figure in the video), then 48 days on 21 October. It changes every week: check it on IRCC's official tool before booking anything.

How long you can stay

• The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but not beyond your passport's expiry date.
• At the border, the officer usually gives you up to 6 months per stay.

The flight

No direct flight from Douala: expect at least one stopover, often in Paris, Casablanca or Istanbul, to Toronto or Montreal.

Once you're there

• Toronto is 5 hours behind Douala in summer, and 6 hours behind from 1 November 2026, when Canada switches to winter time.
• In winter, temperatures can drop below -20 °C. Bring proper winter clothing.

The scam to avoid

Plan your trip

The full Canada guide is on Travora: visa, budget, season and things to do. See the Canada guide. And to prepare your application document by document, the Travora app assistant gives you the list and checks your documents.