Comoros travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Comoros and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp .

Visa: Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Comoros.

• Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of most countries. The visa is issued at the airport upon arrival and permits a stay of up to 45 days .
• Cost: The visa fee is approximately €30 (or equivalent in USD) and must be paid in cash .
• Extension: A stay of more than 45 days requires a long-stay visa, which must be obtained in advance from a Comorian embassy or consulate. Important: A simple return ticket does not guarantee an extension; a tourist visa on arrival is strictly limited to 45 days .
• Required Documents:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months .
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket .
  • Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation .
  • Proof of sufficient funds (cash or bank statement) .
• Comorian Dual Nationals: Comorian citizens travelling on a foreign passport should carry their Comorian national identity card. Without it, they may be treated as foreign nationals and limited to a 45-day tourist visa .

Official links: Mission of the Union of Comoros to the UN · Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry to Comoros, unless arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission .

Recommended Vaccinations: Consult a travel health specialist well in advance. Recommended vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers .
• Polio – a single booster is recommended for travellers aged 16 years or older .
• Typhoid – recommended for most travellers.
• Hepatitis B – recommended for some travellers.

Key Health Risks:

• Malaria:
  • High risk on Grande Comore (Ngazidja). Malaria prophylaxis is essential .
  • Moderate risk on Mohéli (Mwali) and Anjouan (Nzwani). Mosquito-repellent measures are essential; prophylaxis is recommended for those at increased risk .
• Dengue & Chikungunya: Mosquito-borne diseases; prevention relies on mosquito bite avoidance .
• Diarrhoeal Diseases: Drink only bottled or boiled water and maintain strict food hygiene.

Travel Health Insurance: Essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as reliable care is limited .

• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of required medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription .
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled water.

Links: CDC – Comoros · WHO – Comoros

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Stay aware of your surroundings . Small crafts on the open seas are vulnerable to piracy .
• Civil Unrest: Protests occur spontaneously in Comoros, particularly in Moroni. Some have turned violent with destruction of property. Avoid demonstrations and crowds .
• Driving: Drive on the right side of the road. Road conditions are poor. Fuel shortages can occur .
• Local Laws:
  • Drugs: Penalties for drug offences are severe.
  • LGBTQ+: Homosexual behaviour is not illegal but is not widely accepted; avoid public displays of affection .
  • Photography: Do not photograph military or government buildings.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in public places.
• Natural Hazards: Comoros is in a seismically active zone; volcanic eruptions and earthquakes can occur .

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Australian Smartraveller · Austrian MFA

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Comoros Police

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the nearest embassy or consulate. Most countries are accredited from Madagascar, Kenya, or France.

• U.S. Embassy (Accredited): Antananarivo, Madagascar
• French Embassy (Accredited): Moroni, Comoros
• British Embassy (Accredited): Antananarivo, Madagascar

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates accredited to Comoros

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: The Comoros is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Indian Ocean, located between Madagascar and Mozambique. Known as the "Perfume Islands" for its ylang-ylang plantations, the country offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and French influences . The islands are largely untouched by mass tourism, offering pristine beaches, lush forests, and a vibrant coral reef .

• Capital: Moroni (on Grande Comore)
• Population: ~850,000
• Economy: Agriculture (vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang), fishing, and remittances.
• Culture: A blend of African, Arab, and French influences.

Official information: Comoros Tourism · Government of Comoros

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical, with a warm and humid climate year-round. The islands have two main seasons: a cooler, dry season (May to October) and a hotter, wet season (November to April).

• Best Time to Travel: May to October, during the cooler and drier season.
• Rainy Season (Nov–Apr): Heavy rainfall and high humidity, with a risk of cyclones.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly, especially in public places and when visiting villages.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; sandals for the beach.
• Rainy Season: A lightweight raincoat or umbrella is essential.

8. Language & Communication

Official languages: Comorian (Shikomori), Arabic, and French. French is widely spoken in administration and tourism.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type E (French standard).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: No — plugs are compatible. For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to C/E). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Comorian Franc (KMF).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 491 KMF; 1 USD ≈ 450 KMF.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially outside Moroni. Credit cards are rarely accepted. Euros and US dollars are accepted at hotels and for visas .
• ATMs: Limited availability in Moroni.
• Cash Declaration: There are no currency restrictions on entry or exit .
• Price level: Medium — affordable compared to Western Europe, but imported goods are expensive.
• Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airport is Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) on Grande Comore. Other airports are on Anjouan (AJN) and Mohéli (NWA).

• Flights: Limited international connections. Fly via Kenya, Tanzania, or France.

Inter-island Transport: Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands. Ferry services are limited .

Driving: Drive on the right side of the road. Road conditions are poor. Fuel shortages can occur .

Official transport pages: Comoros Airlines

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From a few hotels in Moroni to guesthouses and eco-lodges on the other islands .
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00. Many shops are closed on Fridays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Comorian cuisine is influenced by African, Arab, and French traditions, with a focus on seafood, rice, and spices.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3. No daylight saving time .
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: +1 hour (1 hour ahead of Central Europe).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 3 April – Good Friday
• 5 April – Easter Sunday
• 6 April – Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 10 April – Eid al-Fitr *dates may vary
• 17 June – Eid al-Adha *dates may vary
• 6 July – Independence Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Comoros for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Comoros offers a range of attractions, from active volcanoes to pristine beaches and rich marine life .

Official tourism pages: Comoros Tourism · Halahalele App (Official Guide)

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nightlife in Comoros is limited, mostly confined to Moroni, with a few bars and restaurants.

• Moroni: A few hotel bars and restaurants.
• Outer islands: Very limited.

Festivals & events:

• Independence Day (6 July) — the national day, with celebrations and parades.
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — major Islamic holidays with celebrations.

17. Media & Further Links

🇰🇲 Comoros — the perfume islands where the Indian Ocean meets volcanic wonder.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.