First-Time CM Cameroon visa online 500x500 px Application Tips - Beginner's Guide

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 500×500 px in JPEG format, minimum 300 dpi, RGB color space
• File size: between 50 KB and 200 KB to ensure fast upload and embassy compliance
• Background: plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, uniform illumination
• Head positioning: center face vertically/horizontally with head covering 70–80 % of frame
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible without glare or red-eye
• Accessories: no hats, head coverings (except for religious reasons) or tinted glasses; prescription glasses allowed with clear lenses
• Photo recency: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
• Online form accuracy: complete all fields (personal data, travel dates, purpose) exactly as in passport
• Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Cameroon
• Supporting documents: scanned copies of passport biodata page, flight itinerary, invitation or hotel booking, bank statements (last 3 months)
• Visa fee payment: pay online via credit/debit card and save the payment receipt PDF
• Confirmation page: download and print the application summary for embassy appointment or pick-up
• Follow-up tip: double-check email (including spam folder) for interview/approval notifications within 7–10 business days

Step-by-Step Process

Before you begin, ensure you have a valid passport, a recent 500×500 px digital photo and a credit/debit card for payment. Then follow these steps:

• Prepare your passport scan and photo by scanning the bio-data page at 300 dpi and creating a 500×500 px JPEG headshot on a plain white background with even lighting and a neutral expression to meet Cameroon’s e-visa specs.
• Create or retake your photo with a digital camera or smartphone positioned at eye level and crop to 500×500 px so your face fills 70–80% of the frame—this ensures feature clarity and reduces the risk of automatic rejection.
• Register on the official Cameroon e-visa portal by entering a valid email, choosing a secure password and confirming your address to access the online application dashboard.
• Complete the personal information form by typing your full name, date of birth, passport details and travel itinerary exactly as they appear on your passport to prevent mismatches that cause delays.
• Upload your 500×500 px photo and scanned passport bio-data page (max 300 KB each) in JPEG format, ensuring file names contain only letters and numbers to comply with the portal’s upload rules.
• Review all entries on the summary page for typos or inconsistencies—cross-check your passport number, spelling and dates—because corrections after submission incur extra fees and processing time.
• Pay the visa fee using your credit/debit card, confirming the transaction reference number and saving the e-receipt PDF; payment must clear before the application moves to processing.
• Submit your application and monitor its status via your portal dashboard; once approved (typically 3–5 business days), download and print two copies of the e-visa to present upon arrival in Cameroon.

After submission, keep your receipt and printed e-visa in a safe place and arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure to allow for pre-boarding checks.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Pixel Dimensions: resize and crop your photo to exactly 500×500 px using a reliable editor to prevent automatic platform rejections for incorrect dimensions
• Square Aspect Ratio: maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio without stretching or squeezing to ensure your image isn’t distorted or flagged as non-compliant
• Proper Face Framing: position your head so it occupies around 70% of the frame with eyes 42–48% down from the top to match Cameroon’s biometric requirements and avoid “too small/too large” rejections
• Clean White Background: use a solid #FFFFFF backdrop with even lighting and no shadows or patterns to meet the embassy’s clarity standards and bypass manual retakes
• JPEG Format & File Size Limit: save as a high-quality .jpg under 100 KB (no filters or watermarks) so the system accepts your upload without error messages or compressing artifacts

Conclusion

Conclusion

Applying for a first-time Cameroon visa online is straightforward when you adhere to precise photo specifications, complete the application meticulously, upload all required documents, and pay the fee securely. Following these tips will help you avoid processing delays and secure your travel plans on time.

Key takeaways:

• Photo: 500×500 px JPEG, white background, head occupies 50–70% of frame
• Application: complete the online form accurately, double-check personal and travel details
• Documents: upload clear scans of passport bio page, invitation letter, proof of accommodation
• Fee: pay securely via the portal and save your payment receipt
• Review: proofread all entries and attachments before final submission