Entry Requirements and Visas
All visitors to the Comoros require a visa, which is conveniently issued on arrival at Moroni airport. A standard visa costs 15,000 Comorian francs (approximately €30) and is valid for 45 days. Children under 10 are exempt from visa fees. The visa can be extended, though only with a compelling reason—simply wanting to stay longer will not be accepted.
When arriving, bring the exact visa fee in cash, as change may not be provided. Payment can be made in Comorian francs, US dollars, British pounds, or euros. Be aware that the ATM just outside the airport terminal may not be operational, so it's wise to carry sufficient cash or euros and US dollars when entering the country. During immigration processing, you'll need to list a place of residence for your stay, though this is not verified. Customs officials may search your luggage upon arrival.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The currency of the Comoros is the Comorian franc (KMF). US dollars and euros are widely accepted and useful to have on hand, particularly since ATMs may not always function reliably. It's advisable to arrive with sufficient cash for your initial expenses.
Getting There
Several airlines provide international connections to Moroni airport, including Kenya Airways (connecting via Nairobi), Ethiopian Airlines (daily service from Addis Ababa), Air Austral (from Paris and Marseille via Reunion), and seasonal routes from other carriers. Inter Iles Air, Air Tanzania, and Ewa air offer additional connections from regional hubs.
For budget travelers, freighters from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, or Madagascar offer cheaper passage than flying, though schedules are less reliable and travel times are longer. Negotiating directly with boat captains at the harbor may yield fares as low as €100.
Staying Safe
The Comoros is generally a very safe country for visitors. You are unlikely to experience theft, and walking alone at night is typically safe even for solo female travelers. However, exercise caution when walking along roadsides at night, particularly on weekends, as pavements and street lighting are limited.
Be aware that the political situation can be tense, particularly on Anjouan island, where clashes between rebel and African Union forces occasionally occur. Civil unrest is a possibility, as demonstrated by strikes and revolts in recent years. Cyclones are a risk during the rainy season from December to April, and the active Karthala volcano on Grande Comore poses geological hazards.
Most countries maintain diplomatic representation in the region through embassies in nearby Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, or South Africa rather than in Moroni, though a few nations do have full embassies in the capital.
Health
Malaria, including the more serious cerebral malaria, is prevalent throughout the Comoros. Protect yourself by sleeping under a permethrin-treated mosquito net and taking antimalarial medication. Medical facilities are best on Grande Comore and Anjouan, where you can be tested for malaria in most major towns. If you develop a fever, particularly one that doesn't respond to paracetamol or doesn't resolve quickly, seek testing promptly. Moheli has a hospital in Fomboni, with another facility in Nioumachoua that may occasionally be accessible.
Healthy food is readily available, with abundant fruits, vegetables, and rice. A local specialty is madaba, a nutritious dish of pounded and boiled manioc leaves, though it requires hours to prepare. Note that on Grande Comore, locals add fish to madaba, while on Moheli they do not—an important distinction for vegetarians. If staying with local families, you may have the opportunity to try this traditional dish.
Regarding tap water, there is conflicting information: the National Tourism Office states it is drinkable, while the CDC advises against it. Exercise caution based on your comfort level. Women should be aware that extended stays of several months or longer may result in changes to the menstrual cycle due to nutritional factors.
Staying Connected
The international dialing code for the Comoros is +269. Mobile SIM cards and internet services are available, though specific details on providers and coverage are best confirmed upon arrival in Moroni.
Local Customs and Etiquette
The Comoros is a Muslim country, though relatively liberal in its practices. Dress respectfully, particularly for women: avoid exposing shoulders, chest, knees, stomach, and lower back. Wear shirts or shawls that provide coverage in these areas. Men should wear shorts that extend below the knee, though this rule is less strictly enforced for men than for women. Locals will not expect foreign, non-Muslim women to cover their heads.
When swimming, note that local women dress fully. While foreigners are not required to do likewise, wearing shorts and a swimming shirt is more respectful than bikinis or swimming shirtless. Public affection between men and women is not acceptable, though you may occasionally see Comorian couples briefly holding hands, particularly in nightclubs.
Religious proselytizing by non-Muslims is illegal, as is distributing Bibles to locals. Locals are generally tolerant and friendly toward non-Muslims, but attempting to convert them is inappropriate. Drinking alcohol in public is disrespectful, though it occurs in nightclubs; restaurants typically do not serve alcohol unless catering to foreigners.
When greeting elders, say "kwesi." The elder may respond with "mbona, mkana baraka," to which you should reply "salaama."
Do not hand out sweets or money to children on the street. Since locals are unaccustomed to tourists, children are usually simply pleased to talk with visitors. Once tourists begin distributing gifts and money, locals begin to view Westerners as wealthy and generous, which undermines the possibility of genuine human connection and encourages children to solicit tourists for handouts. This practice is disrespectful as it assumes locals value only material gain from tourists and demonstrates ignorance of the negative consequences.
Photography requires particular sensitivity. Due to past exploitative incidents involving a resident, locals are averse to being photographed or filmed without permission. Taking unauthorized photographs can range from offending individuals to provoking violent reactions. Always seek permission before photographing people.