ANALYSIS: Why exactly is Cameroon on the US travel watchlist? Here’s what to know

By Hans Ngala

The US government has announced a ban on some 43 countries including 20 from Africa, with Cameroon among. The New York Times reported on Saturday that the list of countries to be barred from entry to the US was made up of three country categories—red, orange and yellow.
The red list comprises 11 countries whose citizens face a complete ban while the other two lists would face visa restrictions pending reviews, making a total of 43 countries, according to the publication
Upon returning to the Oval Office on January 20, Trump issued an executive order requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the U.S, to detect national security threats.
According to Newsweek “The prospect of prohibiting entry to citizens from dozens of countries has echoes of Trump’s ban on seven Muslim-majority nations during his first term, which sparked angry responses and legal challenges before being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The ban was revoked by the administration of President Joe Biden”

Here is What to Know

According to The New York Times “The process was led by the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and assisted by the Justice and Homeland Security Departments and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence”.
The “red list” is countries which will receive outright rejections for visas to enter the US and these countries are:
• Afghanistan.
• Bhutan.
• Cuba.
• Iran.
• Libya.
• North Korea.
• Somalia.
• Sudan.
• Syria.
• Venezuela.
• Yemen.
The “orange list” is for countries whose citizens face restrictions but travel would not be cut off and could include business travelers but not those on immigrant or tourist visas. Visa candidates would require in-person interviews. These countries are:
• Belarus
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan
On the “yellow” list are 22 countries (including Cameroon) which have 60 days to clear up perceived deficiencies and could be relegated to other lists if they do not comply.
Some of the issues these countries must address within the two-month period include failing to share with the United States information about incoming travelers, purportedly inadequate security practices for issuing passports, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries.
At press time, CNA was still waiting for comment from the US embassy as to whether Cameroon was on the list because of the ongoing conflict in its Anglophone regions which led to its expulsion from AGOA during Trump’s first presidency. Trump also said during his first presidency that military aid was being cut from Cameroon because authorities were diverting ammunition and artillery supplied by the US to fight Boko Haram – to the Anglophone regions.
CNA also sought to know whether this recent ban by the Trump administration was somehow targeted just at Cameroonian officials or simply a sweeping ban on anyone from Cameroon. A response from the US embassy in Yaounde will be shared once it is received.
Impact of the Ban on Cameroon
The Trump administration’s decision to place Cameroon on the travel watchlist could have significant consequences for Cameroonians seeking to travel for education, business, or tourism. If Cameroonian authorities fail to meet the US government’s security requirements within 60 days, it risks being moved to the more restrictive orange or red lists, which would further limit access to US visas.

1. Impact on Students
   Cameroon has a large number of students who aspire to pursue higher education in the United States. Other Cameroonian students are already in the US on study visas that may need extension or renewal. A ban on student visas would significantly impact thousands of young Cameroonians seeking education in the US. Many students who rely on scholarships, research opportunities, and exchange programs would be left stranded, potentially shifting their focus to European, Asian or other African universities instead.
2. Impact on Businesses and Trade
   With Cameroon on the watchlist, obtaining business visas will become more difficult. This will likely affect trade relations between Cameroon and the US, discouraging American companies from investing in Cameroon or Cameroonian entrepreneurs from engaging in cross-border business activities. Additionally, since Cameroon was already removed from AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) in 2019 due to human rights violations, this new restriction could further distance the country from trade benefits with the US.
3. Impact on Tourism and Family Reunification
   The restriction on tourist visas means Cameroonians will find it harder to visit relatives in the US or travel for leisure. The US has historically been a major destination for Cameroonians visiting family members who have settled abroad. The new restrictions could separate families for longer periods, leading to emotional and economic hardships.
4. Diplomatic Strain Between Cameroon and the US
   This travel restriction comes at a time when US-Cameroon relations have already been strained due to past conflicts and human rights concerns. Trump previously cut military aid to Cameroon in response to reports of human rights violations in the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. This new ban further signals worsening diplomatic ties, which could impact future cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and humanitarian assistance.
   Political Implications Ahead of Cameroon’s 2025 Elections
   Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and is currently 92 years old, is standing again in October 2025 for another seven-year presidential term. The US travel restrictions could become a campaign issue, as opposition leaders may use it to criticize Biya’s administration for failing to maintain good relations with international partners.
   The Biya government may need to take swift action to address the US’s security concerns within the given 60-day timeframe to prevent further travel and economic consequences. However, given the government’s history of slow bureaucratic responses, there is uncertainty about whether Cameroon will meet the requirements in time.
   If Cameroon moves from the yellow to the red or orange list, the diplomatic repercussions could be severe.
   Conclusion
   The US travel restrictions on Cameroon are yet another sign of deteriorating relations between the two countries. If Cameroon fails to comply with US security requirements, the impact could be far-reaching, affecting students, businesses, and families alike. As the 2025 elections approach, this ban could also influence political dynamics within Cameroon, further complicating the country’s internal and external challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Cameroon can salvage its position on the US travel list especially with the poor economic status of youth in the country. Many are unemployed and disgruntled with Biya’s moribund regime. The country is in a terrible state with the streets of Yaounde the capital city, flowing with filth. It is unclear whether Cameroonian authorities have been selling passports to citizens from countries on the flat-out banned list but with Cameroon’s reputation for corruption, no one will be surprised but the clock is ticking and Yaounde better give Washington a response – and fast.