Applying for a U.S. visa from Cameroon can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Between filling out the DS-160 form, pa...
Applying for a U.S. visa from Cameroon can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Between filling out the DS-160 form, paying visa fees, booking an interview, and preparing documents, there are many steps where mistakes could cost you approval. And even after securing the visa, there’s the stressful process of packing, ensuring your bags meet airline requirements, and organizing items for loved ones abroad.
This guide walks you through the entire journey of applying for a U.S. visa in Cameroon—from filling out the DS-160 form to attending the interview in Yaoundé, picking up the stamped passport, and finally preparing for travel.
Step 1: Filling Out the DS-160 Form
The first stage of applying for a U.S. visa is completing the DS-160 form online. This form captures all your personal details, family background, travel history, and intended plans in the United States.
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Start on the official U.S. Immigration website.
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Select your country of residence—Yaoundé, Cameroon if you live in Cameroon.
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Enter the security code, then click Start Application.
When creating the application, you’ll be asked a secret question, such as your grandmother’s given name. Do not forget this answer, as it is required to retrieve your application later.
Filling out the DS-160 is critical. Every answer you provide is carefully reviewed before your interview. In fact, many consular officers already have a decision in mind based on the DS-160 before you sit in front of them.
Important tips:
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Fill the form yourself. Avoid paying someone to do it, as inaccuracies can lead to rejection.
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Be consistent with past applications. If you previously claimed no relatives in the U.S., don’t suddenly list them now without explanation.
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Memorize key answers, such as your travel dates, purpose of visit, and relatives’ information. The consular officer may test your consistency.
Step 2: Paying the Visa Application Fee
Once the DS-160 is completed, the next step is paying the visa fee at the bank. However, you cannot just walk into the bank with the form.
You first need to create a profile on a third-party service contracted by the U.S. Embassy to handle interview scheduling and passport collection. After registration, you’ll receive the bank payment details.
Without this profile, the bank won’t accept your payment. Unfortunately, many applicants are caught off-guard by this step and end up paying unnecessary fees to agencies. Save money by doing it yourself online.
Step 3: Booking the Visa Interview in Yaoundé
After paying the fee, you can log back into the profile to schedule your visa interview in Yaoundé. Prepare early, as available slots may fill up quickly.
On the interview day:
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Bring your printed DS-160 confirmation page.
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Arrive on time, neatly dressed.
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Carry only essential documents—phones and large bags may not be allowed.
Step 4: The Visa Interview
The interview itself is often straightforward. The officer already has your DS-160 in front of them. Their main goal is to check your confidence, consistency, and honesty.
Possible questions include:
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Why are you traveling to the U.S.?
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When do you intend to return to Cameroon?
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Do you have relatives in the U.S.?
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Have you applied before?
For this case, both mother and daughter applied together. After rehearsing questions and answers, both were approved, and their passports were retained for visa stamping.
Step 5: Collecting the Stamped Passport
Within about a week, you’ll receive an email notification from the OIS service center that your passport is ready for pickup.
Collecting the passport can be a bit tricky, as finding the OIS office in Yaoundé is not always straightforward. But once located, you’ll receive your passport back with the U.S. visa stamped inside—the golden ticket to America.
Step 6: Preparing for the Journey
With the visa approved, preparations began for the actual trip. In this case, the main purpose of travel was to attend a family wedding in the U.S. The bride entrusted her relatives in Cameroon with selecting the traditional wedding fabric, which became a huge task.
Choosing Fabrics
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Burgundy lace was selected for the bride’s paternal family.
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Special Cabas (traditional Cameroonian dresses) were sewn for the Jamaican groom’s mother and grandmother.
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Over 80–90 yards of fabric were sourced, plus satin for lining.
Sewing and Labeling
A tailor quickly delivered the outfits. Each Caba and jumper was tagged with the recipient’s name to avoid confusion upon arrival in the U.S.
Packing Foodstuffs
No Cameroonian travels abroad empty-handed. Items packed included:
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Eru (Afang leaves) carefully dried under shade to retain color.
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Crayfish, sealed into bags.
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Dry fish and snails, sent by various relatives.
Since airline baggage weight is strictly monitored, each “Ghana Must Go” bag was weighed and rebalanced to avoid excess charges.
Day of Departure
On the day of departure, family members gathered to say their goodbyes. Multiple large bags were loaded into the car, filled with fabrics, food items, and gifts for relatives abroad.
Only the mother was actually traveling, while her daughter managed all the preparations. The excitement was mixed with stress, but at last, everything was ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to process a U.S. visa in Cameroon?
The DS-160 form takes a day or two to fill and review. Interview appointments may take weeks to secure, and visa processing after the interview usually takes about one week.
2. How much does the U.S. visa cost in Cameroon?
The standard non-immigrant visa fee is around $185 (about 115,000–120,000 XAF), but additional costs for printing, transport, and documentation can push the total higher.
3. Can someone in the U.S. fill out the DS-160 for me?
They can assist, but you must submit the application yourself from Cameroon. Submitting it from abroad may raise red flags.
4. What documents are required for the interview?
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DS-160 confirmation page
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Bank payment receipt
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Valid passport
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Supporting documents (if needed, e.g., invitation letter, proof of funds, ties to Cameroon)
5. Can food items like eru or crayfish be carried to the U.S.?
Yes, but they must be well dried, sealed, and declared at customs. Avoid liquids and fresh produce.
6. What happens if my visa is denied?
The consular officer will inform you immediately. You may reapply, but ensure you correct the reasons for denial before applying again.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a U.S. visa in Cameroon is a lengthy but manageable process if you understand each step. From carefully filling the DS-160 form to confidently answering questions at the interview, preparation is key.
And once approved, don’t underestimate the packing process—organizing food, fabrics, and gifts for relatives abroad is almost as demanding as the visa process itself!
With patience, planning, and attention to detail, your American journey can begin smoothly.
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