Saturday 25 November 2006

Jumping through hoops to get a Visa

It's not as easy to get a Visa from the UK to the Cameroon as one might hope. A country that lacks any industry of note (does that remind you of the UK?) should look at putting few obstacles in the way of Tourism I thought. My suggestion is to simplify the Visa procedure.

Currently there is the Cameroonian High Comission in Holland Park, London, UK standing squarely between the holiday maker and Cameroon. The process of getting a Visa is okay if you are either well prepared or you live in London. It is possible to get a Visa within two working days, but beware of the pitfalls most first time visitors fall into. I witnessed three baffled would-be tourists including myself when I waited for my Visa. Without an invitation to the country or a hotel booking you will be scolded by the woman who checks your application and then sent away like a little child. The costs for a three months Visa stand currently at £59 (too expensive). A Yellow Fever vaccination is required, should you forget it, you'll be taken aside by a medic on arrival at the airport and vaccinated there and then. Go to a vaccination clinic or your GP for it, some travel agencies like STA travel offer it as well.

Room For Improvements to invite Tourism: Drop the request for an invitation, drop the price for the Visa. Why is it not possible to get a Visa on arrival?

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