Business visa applicants must now submit a certificate of accommodation, which is a document that must be endorsed by two different government offices, instead of an invitation letter with their applications.
Application Process
The certificate of accommodation application process is as follows:
- The applicant obtains the certificate of accommodation application form;
- The applicant submits the form to the local municipal authority for endorsement and signature with a copy of the passport bio page (this costs XAF 12,000); and
- The applicant submits the form to the immigration authorities for a secondary endorsement (this costs XAF 20,000).
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Business visa applicants now face an extra administrative hurdle for the application process. The endorsement procedures may delay processing and involve additional service fees.
Applicants should contact their immigration professional to obtain the certificate of accommodation.