Medical repatriation from Cameroon to France
A relative is in hospital in Douala or Yaoundé, or you manage an insured person’s file in Cameroon. We organise the transfer to a hospital in France.
The route: two departure airports, direct flights to Paris
[Route to be confirmed by the company]
According to the Cameroonian civil aviation authority, Douala International Airport lies about 5 km from the city and Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport about 27 km from the capital. The cities are some 200 km apart, and the French foreign ministry calls the road between them dangerous and advises against driving it at night: a patient treated in Yaoundé can leave from Nsimalen instead.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle is about 5,000 km from Douala and 5,100 km from Yaoundé as the crow flies. Air France flies direct from both cities to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, in roughly seven to eight hours according to published schedules. Other French cities need a connection, whereas an air ambulance can land close to the receiving hospital.
Three ways to travel from Cameroon
Depending on the patient’s condition and on medical advice, the options are:
Air ambulance
A dedicated aircraft and medical team, from Douala or Nsimalen to the airport nearest the hospital. Flight time depends on the aircraft, winds and any technical stop: indicatively, at least that of the scheduled flight. Air ambulance
Stretcher on a scheduled flight
For a patient who must lie flat, some airlines can install a stretcher, subject to their medical approval and the aircraft; this is checked flight by flight. Stretcher on a scheduled flight
Seat with a medical escort
A doctor or nurse travels beside a patient who can sit for the whole flight. The airline approves the trip in advance, based on a MEDIF from the treating doctor. Medical escort
Formalities for the patient and a relative
A Cameroonian national needs a Schengen visa, unless they hold a French residence permit. The application is made online on France-Visas, then lodged at a visa centre attached to the embassy in Yaoundé or the consulate general in Douala, by region of residence. For treatment, the consulate expects the receiving hospital’s written agreement with a cost estimate and proof of payment; an accompanying relative needs their own visa. See France-Visas on medical treatment stays.
A relative flying out from France needs a Cameroonian visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, required from all travellers aged one year and over. The French foreign ministry advises vaccination at least 10 days before departure: see its health advice for Cameroon.
The ministry formally advises against the Far North and North-West regions, some border areas and parts of the South-West, but not Douala or Yaoundé; a transfer from those zones needs careful planning. See the security advice.
Timescale and cost
Once the medical plan, the payment and a bed in France are agreed, our usual time to take-off is [usual time from agreement to take-off]. The visa is often the longest step: an application is normally lodged at least 15 days before travel, though consulates can speed up a justified urgent case.
The cost depends on the transport, the departure airport and the medical team; with an insurance or assistance contract, call its emergency number first. See costs and our guide to repatriation from Africa.
Important information
General information only: it does not replace the treating doctor’s advice, and the treating doctor, the medical team and the airline decide whether the patient can fly. In an emergency, call the local emergency number (112 in the European Union).
Questions about repatriation from Cameroon
Which airport will the patient leave from?
Usually the one closest to the hospital, depending on opening hours, permits and the flights available.
Can the patient go to a hospital outside Paris?
Yes, once a hospital agrees to admit them, for example a university hospital in Lyon, Marseille or Bordeaux. An air ambulance flies close to it; otherwise an ambulance or a connection continues from Paris.
Does a relative need a visa to come along?
Yes, if they are a Cameroonian national without a French residence permit. Apply at the same time as the patient, with proof of the family link.
A relative to bring home from Cameroon?
Send us the hospital’s name and the treating doctor’s contact details, and we reply with the options and a written quote. Another country? See our other routes.