logo
Cameroon: United States (U.S.) Embassy in Yaoundé Announces Changes to Visa Procedures and Fees

Cameroon: United States (U.S.) Embassy in Yaoundé Announces Changes to Visa Procedures and Fees

Zawya3 days ago
Effective immediately, and in keeping with the U.S. Government's global efforts to tighten U.S. immigration requirements, the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé is revising its visa procedures, as well as the validity periods and issuance fees for most visa classifications. Cameroonian citizens who successfully apply for a tourist, business, exchange, or student visa are now issued a single-entry, three-month validity visa, with a significantly reduced issuance fee of $35 or its equivalent in FCFA (down from $215) to be paid if the visa is approved. Temporary work visas now also have a single-entry, three-month validity, with a reduced issuance fee of $45.
A U.S. visa permits the visa holder to travel to the United States up until the visa's expiration date. The traveler's authorized duration of stay in the United States is distinct from the visa validity and is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (that is, the U.S. immigration authorities travelers encounter upon arrival at port of entry).
In addition, the Embassy is suspending indefinitely the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program that allowed some visa applicants who had had prior visas to apply without coming into the Embassy for an interview. Henceforth, all nonimmigrant visa applicants applying in Cameroon are now required to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
The Embassy remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of its visa adjudication and issuance process. We strongly encourage all applicants to visit the Embassy's website at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ for detailed procedural information and to schedule a visa interview accordingly. Applicants should also carefully review the legally-established visa eligibility criteria prior to paying for an appointment to try to assess objectively whether they are likely to qualify for the desired visa under U.S. law. Doing an objective self-assessment against the legal criteria will save applicants time, effort, and money on a visa application that is likely to be denied.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US Visa Integrity Fee: Key Details for Travelers Explained
US Visa Integrity Fee: Key Details for Travelers Explained

UAE Moments

time6 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

US Visa Integrity Fee: Key Details for Travelers Explained

US Visa Integrity Fee: Everything You Need to Know On July 4, US President Donald Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act into law, introducing significant changes to visa-related fees. Among the most notable updates is the new "Visa Integrity Fee," which has sparked global interest as travelers seek to understand its implications. What Is the Visa Integrity Fee? The Visa Integrity Fee is a mandatory charge applied to all non-immigrant visa applicants. This includes individuals applying for tourist, student, or work visas. The fee is in addition to the regular costs associated with visa applications and aims to enhance compliance with US visa regulations. How Much Does the Visa Integrity Fee Cost? As outlined in the bill, the Visa Integrity Fee starts at $250. However, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to increase this amount as deemed necessary. Starting from 2026, the fee will be subject to annual adjustments to account for inflation, calculated using the Consumer Price Index. Is the Visa Integrity Fee Waivable? No, the Visa Integrity Fee cannot be waived under any circumstances. However, specific cases allow for reimbursement of this fee, provided certain criteria are met. Who Is Eligible for Fee Reimbursement? To qualify for reimbursement of the Visa Integrity Fee, applicants must meet strict requirements designed to enforce visa compliance. These criteria include: Adhering to all visa-related rules, including avoiding illegal employment. Departing the United States within five days of the visa's expiration date without requesting an extension. Securing a visa extension or obtaining a green card during the validity period of their visa. Why Was the Visa Integrity Fee Introduced? The Visa Integrity Fee was designed to ensure visa applicants follow US immigration laws and procedures. By introducing this fee, the government aims to discourage visa violations such as overstays, illegal work practices, and non-compliance. Furthermore, the fee's annual adjustment mechanism ensures its relevance over time by accounting for inflation. Impact of the Fee on Travelers For travelers seeking non-immigrant visas to the United States, the additional cost could influence budgeting considerations. Families traveling together, students studying abroad, and foreign workers may need to factor this extra charge into their plans. The potential for reimbursement offers some relief, albeit limited to those who fully adhere to visa regulations. How to Stay Informed?

South Africa: Tourism budget proposes $134mln for 2025/26
South Africa: Tourism budget proposes $134mln for 2025/26

Zawya

timea day ago

  • Zawya

South Africa: Tourism budget proposes $134mln for 2025/26

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has delivered the Budget Vote for the 2025/26 financial year, unveiling a R2.43bn allocation focused on sustaining tourism growth, job creation, and sector transformation across South Africa. Speaking in Parliament, Minister de Lille highlighted the budget's alignment with the Government of National Unity's Programme of Action, aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable state. She emphasised the importance of tourism as a key economic driver, referencing its central role in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan. Budget highlights • R1.3bn allocated to SA Tourism, the Department's main entity. • R331m dedicated to destination development, primarily funding the Working for Tourism Programme. • R331m earmarked for Tourism Sector Support Services, covering incentive schemes such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Market Access Programme, Tourism Grading programme, and Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). Addressing oversight and improving governance Minister de Lille outlined the department's response to Portfolio Committee concerns, including: • Finalising the Tourism Amendment Bill to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. • Reviewing outdated strategies on heritage and cultural tourism, domestic growth, rural tourism, service excellence, and climate change. • Strengthening fund management with clear deliverables, 60-day approval targets, and consequence management. • Implementing a Community Tourism Aftercare programme offering post-handover support to community lodges. • Enhancing digital transformation through a Digital Maturity Roadmap, real-time tourism dashboards, and mobile tools. • Applying a Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan focusing on climate change, health, safety, and governance. • Increasing transparency via quarterly public dashboards on EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics. Tourism performance and economic impact The Minister reflected on the sector's strong performance in 2024/25: • International visitor arrivals reached a peak of 9.1 million. • Domestic overnight travel increased to 40 million trips from 37.7 million the previous year. • International tourists contributed R92.8bn in foreign direct spend. • Domestic tourism grew by 7.6% to R133.1bn. • 76% of the budget was directed to growth-and-jobs initiatives, with 40% procurement from SMMEs and 40% from women-owned businesses. • The Green Tourism Incentive Programme retrofitted 103 properties. • Support was given to 266 SMMEs at global trade shows via the Market Access Support Programme. • R144m was spent to train and deploy 2,305 Tourism Monitors. • Major policy achievements included completing the Tourism Master Plan, Tourism White Paper, and Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan. • The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, in collaboration with Home Affairs, welcomed the first Chinese and Indian travellers via digital visas. Tourism growth partnership plan The department introduced the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with five pillars to drive sustainable sector growth by 2030: 1. Ease of access – visa reform, air and road connectivity 2. Coordinated destination marketing – covering international, continental, domestic, and MICE markets 3. Tourist safety and security – awareness and crisis management 4. Tourism product development – infrastructure and immersive experiences 5. Job creation – youth employment acceleration and skills development An upcoming Execution Lab will engage sector leaders to implement these goals. Marketing and product development initiatives The flagship 'South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!' campaign reached seven key markets, boosting website traffic by 35% and generating 1.2 million digital engagements. Domestic campaigns like 'Sho't Left/Travel Week' saw a 9% increase in provincial travel and supported 914 new jobs. The Department plans to spend R20m marketing National Domestic Tourism and has commissioned new tracking surveys to gain real-time visitor insights. Efforts continue to maintain Africa's position as a leading hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), aiming to increase exhibitor diversity by 15% for Meetings Africa and Travel Indaba 2026-2028. Tourism product development will receive R95m for the maintenance and enhancement of Department-owned sites, community tourism lodges, and branded routes in villages and townships. The department will host its first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town in September 2025. Minister de Lille reaffirmed the government's commitment to leveraging legislative, operational, and strategic interventions to strengthen tourism, remove barriers, and embed innovation. The sector is positioned as a catalyst for a resilient and inclusive South African economy.

Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival Celebrating Music and Tourism as Drivers of Dialogue and Development
Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival Celebrating Music and Tourism as Drivers of Dialogue and Development

Zawya

timea day ago

  • Zawya

Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival Celebrating Music and Tourism as Drivers of Dialogue and Development

Under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa will host the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival. UN Tourism joins the event as a supporting partner, reinforcing the shared value of culture and tourism for sustainable development and for building mutual understanding and peace. Held under the theme 'The Rumba Route for Peace,' the Festival will highlight how music can connect cultures, strengthen communities, and create opportunities. It also supports national efforts to promote cultural heritage, grow the creative economy and build peace through cultural exchange. Music, Heritage, and Innovation The festival will spotlight Congolese Rumba recognized by UNESCO in 2021 and its role in shaping identity and tourism. UN Tourism's involvement is part of wider efforts to link cultural assets to inclusive growth and cross-cultural exchange across Africa. A Three-Day Programme of Culture and Collaboration Hosted at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), the Festival will feature Roundtables on: Musical diplomacy for peace Copyrights and fair pay for artists Music and destination branding Youth and digital innovation in culture As well as: A Cultural Village and Exhibition Centre Performances from Congolese and international artists A 'Fair Play' Masterclass for artists and entrepreneurs A Rumba-themed welcome, Gala Dinner, and cultural tours As H.E. Mr. Didier M'Pambia Musanga, Minister of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated: 'The Festival will bring together voices to explore how music shapes lives, drives economic opportunity, and through innovation and technology, fosters greater connection among people'. The mix of music, dialogue, and networking reflects the Festival's commitment to inclusive development, a goal shared by UN Tourism, which supports culture as a driver of sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Platform for Exchange The Festival brings together stakeholders from governments, organizations, businesses, and civil society. Confirmed partners include UNESCO, ARIPO, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound Diplomacy, and cultural leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Europe. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, "Music speaks to people everywhere. This Festival is a valuable opportunity to celebrate Congolese creativity while supporting local development, regional cooperation, and international understanding. UN Tourism is proud to support an initiative that reflects the shared potential of tourism and culture to foster peace, build bridges and unlock opportunities." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store