Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

BBB - Regulated state with medium corruption and a medium frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is low. The workplace HSE risk is medium.The country scored 127/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.735 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

 

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue for some areas after appropriate security advice is taken.

 

Crime

Crime levels are low, but you should take sensible precautions against pick-pocketing and mugging. Avoid walking alone at night on beaches or in town centres. Safeguard valuables and cash. Use hotel safes, where possible. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport, in a separate place. Although uncommon, sexual assaults have occurred.

 

Local travel

 

Facilities on Anjouan are basic. Visitors to the island usually stay in Mutsamudu. Mohéli has few facilities for tourists. On Grande Comore (also known as Ngadijza) there are a few hotels of an acceptable standard in or near the capital Moroni.

 

Road travel

 

On Grande Comore, the main round-island road is of a reasonable standard, but some other roads are in a poor condition.

 

You may use either an EU Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit for up to three months. Consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (telephone: + 269 744 100 or email: mirexcab@yahoo.fr if an extension is required.

 

Air travel

 

The European Commission has banned all Air Service Comores flights, except one aircraft (type LET 410 UVP, with the registration D6-CAM), from operating within the EU due to safety concerns. Genvisec advises that clieints should avoid flying on all Air Service Comores aircraft subject to the EU ban.

 

Air Madagascar operates flights from Madagascar to Comoros. A number of aircraft operated by Air Madagascar have been banned from operating in the EU because they don’t meet international safety standards. Genvisec advise clients to use alternate airlines to reach Comoros where possible. A full list of airlines subject to operating restrictions in the EU is available  from Genvisec.

 

Sea travel

 

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable. We advise against all but essential travel by yacht and pleasure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean, which includes the waters around the Union of the Comoros.

 

You can travel between the three islands by boat. Take care at all times when travelling by boat and avoid travelling on vessels that are clearly overloaded, in poor condition or without life jackets. Overloaded ferries have capsized in Comorian waters, sometimes with significant loss of life.

 

See our Piracy in the Indian Ocean page.

 

Political situation

 

As a result of its colonial history and the ongoing political debate regarding the separate status of Mayotte, there are regular reports of demonstrations and there is anti-French sentiment throughout Comoros. Remain vigilant, maintain a low profile while moving around and avoid any crowds or political gatherings. Monitor local media to keep up to date with local developments. Avoid taking pictures of official buildings.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are basic and limited on all three islands, and most are private. Electricity and water supplies are subject to frequent interruptions, which can affect hospitals and other public services. Medicines and food may not have been safely stored. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation

 

Malaria and cholera are common to Comoros, with malaria affecting all three islands.

 

Money

Cash is the main means of paying for goods and services in Comoros. The Banque International du Comore (BIC - affiliated to BNP) is the only established bank on Grande Comore, and banking facilities are minimal to non-existent on the other islands. The two cash machines found at the BIC and the Itsandra Hotel work occasionally.

 

You can withdraw cash (local currency only) against a credit card from a small Bureau de Change office attached to the main BIC branch (on left hand side of main entrance).

 

Only one or two hotels accept credit cards for payment of bills (this can sometimes be problematic due to technical / connection problems with the equipment), but will not provide local currency against credit cards. Some hotels and restaurants will accept some foreign currencies (Euros and US Dollars preferred). Change may be given in local currency.

 

Local laws and customs

Comoros is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan

 

In January 2013, President Ikililou Dhoinine promulgated a law declaring that Sunni Islam and the Chafeite rite as the country’s official religion. Shia Islam is not allowed in the Comoros.

 

Homosexuality is illegal in Comoros and the Penal Code provides a punishment of up to five years imprisonment and heavy fines for acts that are found to be “indecent or against nature with an individual of the same sex”.

 

Drug smuggling and the possession of drugs are serious offences. Those caught face long prison sentences, fines and deportation.

 

Visas

 

Visas are required. They can be obtained on arrival at Hahaya airport, or at other points of entry for €30. Details are available on the airport website (in French only).

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Comoros.

 

Natural disasters

Comoros can be affected by tropical cyclones between January and May. Monitor regional and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. See our Tropical cyclones page.

 

The Karthala volcano near Moroni on Grande Comore erupts periodically, most recently in January 2007. Although there are no predictions of an imminent eruption, you should check the situation locally before making plans to visit the island.

 

 

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