MINREX boss counts achievements of e-Visa project three years on.

Cameroon transitioned to an online system for applying for entry visas to the country in April 2023. Impact Palmarès R&D SAS is implementing the e-Visa.

According to the MINREX boss, the innovative project fully aligns with the Head of State’s vision to modernize Cameroon's public services, particularly through the digitization of diplomatic services.

He recounted that a Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT, partnership agreement was signed with Impact Palmares to finance, design and implement the security and standardisation of Cameroon’s consular services for a renewable period of ten years. 

A year after the contract signing, he said the country effectively shifted to an online system for processing Cameroon’s consular services via the digital platform www.evisacam.cm or www.evisacam.com. 

Minister Mbella Mbella expressed his satisfaction of the new system three years on, with key figures achieved. 

So far, he said, the new system has been able to issue over 541,000 visas to visitors entering the country. He also mentioned over 5,700 Consular Cards since launch of “second-generation” consular services in October 2025 as well as over 510 laissez-passers.

Besides the setting up of two operational post at Douala and Yaounde-Nsimalen international airports, he said the project has also established 46 Consular Posts serving thousands of Cameroonian diaspora, investors and tourists visiting Cameroon. Minister Mbella Mbella equally cited the creation of Validation Centres within partner government ministries.

“One unit has been set up to process various requests from members of the diplomatic community and all other foreign nationals residing in Cameroon. Project management bodies have been established, comprising all partner government ministries, to ensure the monitoring and evaluation of implementation,” the Member of government said.

Helps gov’t generate revenue

Mbella Mbella also revealed that the e-Visa initiative has enabled the State to generate substantial income since its launch, thus enabling his ministry to make significant contribution to the public treasury through revenue generated from consular services. 

Regarding the added value of the new system, he highlighted that it has not only enhanced the tracking of visitor statistics at Cameroon’s two primary international airports but has also resulted in the standardisation and improved security of the system for delivering Cameroon’s consular services. 

“The e-Visa system has allowed our nation to conform to global standards concerning the digitalization of consular processes. This enhances Cameroon's attractiveness as a destination, as it simplifies these processes and progressively improves life for our citizens residing overseas,” he added.

Works advancing on MINREX Digital Transformation Centre

The member of government also revealed that construction works on the MINREX Digital Transformation Centre is well on course. The foundation stone of the centre, located in the new administrative district in Etoudi, was officially laid on April 16, 2024.

Despite the challenges that the project has faced, Minister Mbella Mbella explained that the construction of the ultra-modern structure represents an important progress in achieving the President Paul Biya’s vision for the public service. 

“By its characteristics, it allows Cameroon to enhance the quality of services offered to users in this sector to meet international standards, while also serving its main purpose of protecting the data produced by the e-visa system,” Mbella Mbella said.

He mentioned that the edifice distinctly confirms Cameroon’s authority over the handling of information and its adherence to existing laws concerning personal data protection.  

Prospects of E-visa Project

Looking at the prospects of the E-visa project, the minister said the short and mid-term goal is to complete and approve the works of the MINREX Digital Transformation Centre, incorporate maritime and land border posts into the e-visa system, and introduce third-generation consular services such as international document validation, extended visas, and exit visas. 

While extending gratitude to the partner of e-Visa project, Impact Palmares R&D SAS, for the excellent standard of collaboration, and his MINREX team for their support in the implementation of the project, Minister Mbella Mbella reaffirmed government’s renewed commitment to the successful execution of the reform. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026