“U.S. Embassy Yaoundé has arranged a special charter flight for U.S. citizens departing Yaoundé NSI Airport on Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m.  This flight will be direct to Washington, D.C. (Dulles International Airport), at an estimated cost of $2065 per passenger regardless of passenger age or seat location (the final cost will be announced as soon as it is confirmed).  Passengers will not be paying beforehand, but rather borrowing the cost of the flight from the U.S. Government,” said the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé March 28.

“All passengers must agree to reimburse the U.S. Government by signing a promissory note (loan agreement) for approximately $2065.  Only passengers who complete and sign the form will be allowed to board the plane.  No cash or credit card payments will be accepted at the U.S. Embassy or the airport.  Please fill out the attached form (DS-5528) and email the completed version to [email protected] to register for the flight on a first-come, first-served basis.”

The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde adds that those boarding the flight will be responsible for any arrangements and costs – lodging, connecting flights, or local transportation, etc. –  beyond Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.

“No pets will be allowed on the flight and each passenger will only be allowed one carry-on bag and two checked bags with a maximum of 46kg, the message to U.S. citizens read.  “There will be no option to pay for extra services or excess baggage on the day of the flight.”

“The airline reserves the right to refuse boarding for any passenger.  Passengers who are displaying COVID-19 symptoms or who have recently traveled to a high-risk country may be refused boarding,” the Embassy warns.

Those who want to depart on the special flight have been urged to send an email to [email protected] with full names (First, Middle, Last) as they appear in the U.S. passport, date of birth, and U.S. passport number for each traveler and the completed DS-5528 promissory note. They are required to do this even if they have previously sent such information. 

The flights will be filled in the order that the emails are received, the Embassy says. It advises applicants not to call the Embassy to confirm receipt of their email promising to contact applicants if they are confirmed for a seat on one of the flights.

“After the flight is full, subsequent requests will be placed on a standby list.  Legal Permanent Residents are also eligible to be placed on the standby list but will only be accommodated after all U.S. citizens have had an opportunity to take a seat.

“Be assured that Embassy Yaoundé will continue to make every effort to assist U.S. citizens who are not able to travel on this flight, but still wish to return home.  However, encourage those interested to take advantage of this opportunity quickly.”