{"slug":"comoros","title":"Comoros travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T13:42:55+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T13:42:55Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/comoros","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Comoros’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Comoros set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.ambassade-comores.com/\">Comoros Embassy in Paris</a> (in French).     </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Comoros, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a visa to enter or travel through Comoros. You can buy a visa for 30 euros when you arrive at Hahaya airport or other points of entry.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/54/comoros#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Comoros guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://douane.gov.km/en/dedouanement.php\">goods you can take into or out of Comoros</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-comoros\">Terrorism in Comoros</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Comoros, attacks cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation</h2>\n\n<p>Protests and unrest can happen in Comoros, including in Moroni and other parts of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, particularly following elections. Protests have previously blocked roads, making travel in Moroni difficult, including between the city and the international airport.</p>\n\n<p>In January 2024, a protestor was killed and several injured in clashes with security forces.</p>\n\n<p>Avoid crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.</p>\n\n<p>Due to a longstanding dispute between Comoros and France about the island of Mayotte, there is some anti-French sentiment in Comoros and occasional demonstrations on the issue. Monitor local media to keep up to date with developments.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<p>Crime levels are low but take precautions against pickpocketing. Street crime such as robbery is rare. Walking alone at night increases your risk, including on beaches or in town centres.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Keep your valuables, cash and important documents in hotel safes where possible.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>Always travel with your ID. Keep printed copies of your passport’s photo page and visa stamp.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"religion\">Religion </h3>\n\n<p>Comoros is an Islamic country. The official religion is Sunni Islam. People are not allowed to practise Shia Islam in Comoros.</p>\n\n<p>Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices. Make sure you do not offend cultural or religious beliefs.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"dress-and-behaviour-codes\">Dress and behaviour codes</h3>\n\n<p>Clothing for men and women needs to cover the body loosely, from the shoulders to the knees.</p>\n\n<p>Islanders mostly consider outward displays of intimacy to be contrary to public decency. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"ramadan\">Ramadan</h3>\n\n<p>All matters of religious practice and custom are given particular importance by the people and authorities throughout the year. This importance is especially heightened during the month of Ramadan.</p>\n\n<p>Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Check the year’s Ramadan dates before you travel. During this time of Ramadan do not:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car or in public view</li>\n  <li>play loud music or dance</li>\n  <li>swear in public</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.</p>\n\n<p>You should also: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>check opening hours of shops and restaurants</li>\n  <li>be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens</li>\n  <li>follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time</li>\n  <li>be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening</li>\n  <li>be patient and show tolerance</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"alcohol-laws-and-bans\">Alcohol laws and bans</h3>\n\n<p>It is possible to buy alcohol in Comoros, for example at hotels, but drinking alcohol or being drunk on public highways is illegal. Offences are punishable by fines or even imprisonment.</p>\n\n<p>Pay particular attention to these rules during the Ramadan period.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences</h3>\n\n<p>Drug trafficking and possession are serious offences. If you are found guilty, you could get a long prison sentence and a fine.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"using-cameras-in-secure-areas\">Using cameras in secure areas     </h3>\n\n<p>It is advisable to ask people for permission before photographing them. Avoid taking photos of public buildings, particularly military and police buildings.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Comoros. If convicted you could get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and heavy fines.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"money\">Money</h3>\n\n<p>There are very few banks or ATMs in Grande Comore or on the other islands. People in Comoros mainly use cash. Credit cards are not always accepted – check in advance if your hotel accepts your card.</p>\n\n<p>Technical or connection issues with equipment may also make it difficult to pay by card so always have cash available. Some hotels and restaurants accept foreign currencies such as euros. However, they will give you change in Comorian francs.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Comoros, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Comoros for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (IDP)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>If you need an extension after 3 months, go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Rue du place de l’indépendance des Comores à Moroni or visit their Facebook page: <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/people/Minist%C3%A8re-des-Affaires-Etrang%C3%A8res-de-lUnion-des-Comores/100064519133618/?mibextid=ZbWKwL\">Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de l’Union des Comores</a>.</p>\n\n<p>On Grande Comore, the main ring-road is of a reasonable standard, but many other roads are in poor condition.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"sea-travel\">Sea travel</h3>\n\n<p>Boats and ferries take passengers between the 3 islands. They can be overloaded, in poor condition and without life jackets. Overloaded vessels have capsized in Comorian waters with significant loss of life.</p>\n\n<p>Recent attacks off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden highlight the significant risk of piracy and armed robbery.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling by sea, <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sea-river-and-piracy-safety\">read about the regional risks at sea</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">extreme weather and natural hazards</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"tropical-cyclones\">Tropical cyclones</h3>\n\n<p>Tropical cyclones can affect Comoros between January and May. Monitor local news and check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/tc/swi/index.html\">World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Comoros</a>.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volcanic-eruptions\">Volcanic eruptions</h3>\n\n<p>Karthala, near Moroni on Grande Comore, is an active volcano which last erupted in 2007. Check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=233010\">Karthala’s most recent reports and monitoring</a> before you make plans to visit.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Keep your valuables, cash and important documents in hotel safes where possible.","Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.","All matters of religious practice and custom are given particular importance by the people and authorities throughout the year.","This importance is especially heightened during the month of Ramadan.","It is possible to buy alcohol in Comoros, for example at hotels, but drinking alcohol or being drunk on public highways is illegal.","People in Comoros mainly use cash.","Technical or connection issues with equipment may also make it difficult to pay by card so always have cash available."]}
