Crossing land borders can be intimidating, especially when you’ve heard stories of danger and uncertainty. I recently made my way from Ni...
Crossing land borders can be intimidating, especially when you’ve heard stories of danger and uncertainty. I recently made my way from Nigeria into Cameroon via the Ekok border, and I want to share my full experience—what to expect, how to prepare, and why it’s not as scary as some people say.
Facing the Fear: A Personal Confession
Before starting my journey, I had a major panic attack. The fear of the unknown hit me hard—I cried, my face was vibrating, and I felt overwhelmed. But after some reflection, prayers, and reading encouraging messages from friends and followers, I reminded myself:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I’m sharing this to let anyone who’s scared of traveling alone or crossing borders know that fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
The Crossing: From Nigeria to Cameroon
I started by stamping out of Nigeria, which was straightforward. At the Cameroonian side, the immigration officers asked a few simple questions—where I was going and my purpose. They also took my bike’s details and a picture of me, which they said was for official purposes.
I smiled, stayed pleasant, and followed instructions. Within minutes, I was officially welcome to Cameroon.
Observations at the Border
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Officers were professional and courteous.
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They asked for my passport and bike documents, including my international driver’s license and brown card.
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A photo of my bike was taken, and I was briefly interviewed by the police.
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No kidnapping fears—locals reassured me that it’s safe for tourists, and stories of danger were exaggerated.
The Challenge: Caution Fees and Customs
Upon inquiry, I was told that to cross my bike into Cameroon, I might need to deposit a caution fee of 2 million CFA francs (over 4 million naira). Initially, this was alarming—I didn’t have that much cash, and it seemed disproportionate.
After consulting a local friend who had crossed with his bike, I learned that as a tourist, this fee might not apply. They issued me a temporary pass (similar to a West African “lass pac”) for my bike free of charge, which allowed me to legally cross without paying the huge deposit.
Key Documents Required
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Passport
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Bike’s brown card and registration papers
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International driver’s license
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Any visas for onward travel (to prove you’re a tourist and not planning to sell your bike)
Accommodation and Connectivity
I stayed at the Victory Bright Hotel in Ekok, which cost 19,000 Naira (7600 Frs CFA francs) per night. It was modest but clean, with a fan (no AC) and basic facilities.
I also purchased an MTN Cameroon SIM card to stay connected, which was essential for navigation, contacting local bikers, and managing communications at the border.
Safety Tips and Lessons Learned
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Don’t panic: Fear can make a journey seem scarier than it is. Take a deep breath, pray, or prepare mentally before crossing.
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Prepare documents: Bring all required identification, bike papers, and any visas for your onward journey.
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Consult locals: Local bikers or travelers familiar with the route can provide guidance and reassurance.
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Temporary passes are possible: For tourists, Cameroonian authorities can issue passes for vehicles without requiring huge deposits.
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Border etiquette: Smile, stay polite, and follow instructions. Officers may take photos for records, but they are not unfriendly.
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Accommodation: Book a hotel in advance to rest before or after the crossing.
Final Thoughts
Crossing the Ekok border was initially intimidating, but in reality, it was smooth, manageable, and safe. The key is preparation—both mentally and logistically. Once I crossed and got settled, I could finally enjoy the beautiful scenery and the excitement of being in a new country.
For anyone planning to cross from Nigeria into Cameroon, remember: fear is natural, but it doesn’t define the experience. With the right documents, guidance, and mindset, you’ll arrive safely and start your adventure on the right foot.
FAQ: Crossing the Ekok Border
Q: Is it safe for tourists?
A: Yes. Despite stories, tourists are generally safe. Kidnapping fears are mostly exaggerated.
Q: Do I need to pay a caution fee for my vehicle?
A: Sometimes, but tourists may receive a temporary pass without paying the huge deposit. Always ask local authorities.
Q: What documents do I need?
A: Passport, bike papers (brown card and registration), international driver’s license, and visas for onward travel.
Q: Can I cross alone?
A: Yes, but some tourists are accompanied by local authorities or convoys for safety.
Q: Are there hotels nearby?
A: Yes, Ekok has affordable options like Victory Bright Hotel, offering basic accommodation.
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