Comoros Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Comoros: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

Flag of Comoros

Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Comoros

The capital of Comoros is Moroni, located on the island of Grande Comore, known for its bustling markets and historic medina.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Comoros, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport for a fee (around €30). Check requirements with the Comoros Government.

Comoros uses the Comorian Franc (KMF). Cash is king, as credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Moroni.

Comoros is generally safe, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like Moroni’s markets. Political instability has occurred in the past, so check travel advisories.

The official languages are Comorian (Shikomoro), Arabic, and French. Comorian is widely spoken, while French is used in government and tourism.

Comoros is known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, the Mount Karthala volcano, and being a major producer of ylang-ylang, used in perfumes.

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather for exploring beaches and hiking. The wet season (November to April) can bring heavy rains and cyclones.

Comoros can be affordable, but costs can rise due to limited tourism infrastructure. Budget accommodations and local food are cheap, but flights and inter-island travel can be pricey.

No, tap water in Comoros is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available, to avoid health issues.

Top spots include Moroni (Old Friday Mosque), Mohéli (marine park for snorkeling), Anjouan (Sultan’s Palace), and Mount Karthala for hiking on Grande Comore.

The Comoros, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, is a hidden gem known for its volcanic islands, coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage. Comprising three main islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Ndzwani)—plus the disputed Mayotte, Comoros offers unspoiled beaches like Chomoni and Bouni, and lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity. Moroni, the capital, features a historic medina, the Old Friday Mosque, and vibrant markets selling spices and ylang-ylang products, for which Comoros is a global leader. Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore, is a challenging hike with stunning views. The islands’ culture blends African, Arab, and French influences, seen in Swahili-style architecture, traditional dhow boats, and cuisine featuring coconut, fish, and vanilla. With limited tourism infrastructure, Comoros appeals to adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, from snorkeling in Mohéli’s marine park to exploring Anjouan’s waterfalls.

Visa & Passport for Comoros: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Comoros. Ensure it has at least one blank page for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) in Moroni for €30 (around $33 USD). A return ticket and proof of accommodation may be required. Check with the Comoros Government for specific requirements.
  • Health Entry Rules: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended due to prevalence on the islands. Check with the World Health Organization for travel health advice.

Driving in Comoros: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national license, as local authorities may not recognize foreign licenses alone.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory, though enforcement is lax. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas like Moroni and 80 km/h on rural roads, but signage is limited.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are often poorly maintained, especially outside Moroni, with potholes and unpaved sections common. On Grande Comore, roads to Mount Karthala are rugged. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for rural areas, especially during the rainy season (November to April).
  • Parking: Parking in Moroni is informal—find a safe spot and avoid blocking roads. In rural areas, parking is not regulated but space can be limited near beaches like Chomoni.
  • Emergency Number: Emergency services are limited. Dial 112 for general emergencies, but response times can be slow. It’s best to have a local contact for assistance.
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving regulations, contact the Comoros Government.

Comoros Currency: Using the Franc for Your Trip

  • Comorian Franc: Comoros uses the Comorian Franc (KMF). Coins come in 25, 50, 100, and 250 KMF; banknotes are 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 KMF.
  • Currency Exchange: Euros are often accepted in tourist areas, but it’s best to exchange money in Moroni at banks or hotels. Rates outside the capital can be poor. US dollars are less commonly accepted.
  • Payment Methods: Cash is the primary payment method. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at a few high-end hotels in Moroni, but ATMs are scarce and often unreliable—carry sufficient cash.
  • ATMs: ATMs are limited to Moroni and may not accept international cards. The main bank, Banque Centrale des Comores, has an ATM, but it’s best to bring cash in euros or dollars to exchange locally.

Comoros Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Public consumption of alcohol is frowned upon in this predominantly Muslim country, especially during Ramadan—drink discreetly in hotels.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting mosques like the Old Friday Mosque in Moroni—women should cover shoulders and knees. Greet locals with “Salaam Alaikum” to show respect. Avoid public displays of affection.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography of government buildings, military sites, or ports is prohibited. Ask for permission before photographing locals, especially in markets or villages.
  • Public Behavior: Respect Islamic traditions—avoid loud behavior during prayer times. Women may face more scrutiny in conservative areas like Anjouan.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel issues, contact local authorities or your embassy, as there’s no official tourism board. The Comoros Government website may provide contacts.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies, but services are limited. For non-urgent issues, contact the local police via your accommodation.

Travel Safety in Comoros: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Comoros: Comoros is relatively safe, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas like Moroni’s Volo Volo Market. Keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be hazardous due to poor road conditions and lack of lighting. Motorbikes are common in Moroni—watch for reckless driving. Avoid driving during heavy rains in the wet season.
  • Health Risks: Malaria is a risk—use mosquito repellent and sleep under a net. Tap water is not safe; drink bottled water. Food hygiene can be an issue in rural areas—stick to freshly cooked meals.
  • Natural Hazards: Cyclones are a risk during the wet season (November to April), particularly on Grande Comore. Mount Karthala is an active volcano—check for recent activity before hiking.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare is limited. The main hospital, El-Maarouf in Moroni, has basic facilities, but serious cases may require evacuation to Réunion or Madagascar. Bring necessary medications and travel insurance.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies, though response times are slow. Pharmacies in Moroni can provide basic supplies, but stock is limited.
  • Public Transport Safety: Minibuses (called “taxis-brousse”) and ferries between islands are common but can be overcrowded and poorly maintained—ensure boats have life jackets.

Flights to Comoros: Travel Options

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) in Moroni on Grande Comore is the main gateway, with flights from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Addis Ababa. Smaller airports like Ouani Airport (AJN) on Anjouan and Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport (NWA) handle domestic and regional flights.