Comoros

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 17 for police
• Dial 18 for fire services
• Dial 772-03-73 or 773-26-04 for ambulances or for general emergencies

Demonstrations

Protests occur spontaneously in Comoros. They are typically motivated by political factors. 

• Most protests occur in Moroni.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Protesters have also engaged in the destruction of property.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds in Comoros.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

The most reported crimes are petty crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing or theft.

• Be vigilant, particularly when visiting crowded markets, parks, and beaches.
• Ensure personal belongings, passport, and other travel documents are always secure.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Do not display cash and valuable personal property.
• Comoros has also had reports of piracy. Small crafts on the open seas are vulnerable to attack. Review MARAD's page for maritime advisories.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

If using dating apps or websites in Comoros: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Madagascar before contacting local law enforcement for assistance.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Madagascar for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Cellphones are the primary means of communication in Comoros. It may be possible to purchase a subscriber identity module (SIM) card locally and use a global system mobile (GSM)-compatible cellphone. Cellular data packages, at 2G or 3G speeds, are also available for purchase.

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

Adventure travel is common in Comoros. Many adventure travel sites are difficult or dangerous to travel to. Emergency services are limited outside of major cities.

• Review the CDC tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence and big fines.
• You may be fined or possibly imprisoned for public intoxication.
• It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) products or derivatives into Comoros. Travelers may be arrested and detained for long periods of time.
• It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings and military installations. Violators could be fined, have photographic equipment confiscated, and risk detention and arrest.
• It is illegal to bring skin whitening products, sex toys, or anything pornographic. Travelers may be subject to fines, and all items will be taken by customs.
• Do not take pictures of Comorians without permission.
• It's illegal to promote or publicly practice non-Sunni Muslim ceremonies.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Comoros seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

The U.S Embassy in Madagascar provides consular assistance. There is no full-time official U.S. presence in Comoros.

Detention conditions

Prison and detention center conditions can be very harsh and overcrowded.

• Prisons have inadequate food, water, sanitation, and medical facilities.
• Inmates receive 1 meal daily from the prison. They can supplement with items brought by family.
• Video calls and in-person visits are permitted. The prison buildings are outdated, and medical care is provided by public nurses and Caritas, a Catholic relief organization working in partnership with the French Embassy.
• There are no dedicated doctors for inmates. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Clothing

Comorians dress conservatively. Do not wear shorts or short sleeves, except at the beach. Dresses or slacks covering the knees are recommended for women.

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Reports of religious-based violence are rare. It's illegal to promote or publicly practice non-Sunni Muslim ceremonies in Comoros.

 Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Human Rights Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Comoros. They are punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 2,300 USD.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Comoros prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. However, the law is not effectively enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited to nonexistent in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts. Most buildings lack working elevators.

The Ministry for Aging and Disability Affairs in Mohéli provides limited interpretation services.

• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers

Sexual harassment is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. However, harassment can be common for women travelers and enforcement of such laws is inconsistent. 

Review our information for:

• Women Travelers
• Marriage
• Victims of Crime

Human rights

Comoros has credible reports of the following human rights issues:

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Restrictions of religious freedom
• Child labor

Comoros faces serious limits on free expression and media freedom. There are credible reports of violence and threats against journalists. Many journalists deal with unjustified arrests and prosecutions. Review the Department of State’s guidance for journalist travelers before traveling to Comoros

• Review the Department of State’s most recent Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Comoros Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 772-03-73 or 773-26-04 for general emergencies

Ambulance services

Ambulance services do not exist. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is extremely limited throughout Comoros. Any serious medical condition will usually require evacuation.
• All care providers require payment in KMF or USD in full before treatment is performed.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation for all travelers.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are limited and concentrated in Moroni. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Some hotels or resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or have a family member stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are very limited.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Comoros does not allow the importation of marijuana, even with prescription. Travelers should avoid carrying them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Comoros. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

• If you are considering traveling to Comoros to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Comoros with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Comoran courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Comoros via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Electricity

The supply of electricity is frequently disrupted, sometimes for extended periods.

Water quality & food safety

• High risk of traveler’s diarrhea exists throughout the country due to inadequate community sanitation and food safety measures.
• In many areas tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Water supplies can fluctuate, including potable water. This affects tourists and other public services.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Road conditions and safety

• Some urban roads are paved, but most are poorly maintained. This is especially true outside of major cities.
• Pedestrians and drivers should exercise extreme caution after dark. Roads outside of major cities are often not maintained, poorly lit after hours, are unreliably accessed by emergency services, and may have the presence of armed criminal groups.
• Professional roadside assistance service is not available.
• Bring spare tires, fuel, and essential mechanical items. Mechanic garages are not available along the roads. They may be absent in rural areas.

Traffic laws

• You will need an international driving permit to drive in Comoros.
• Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts.
• Do not drive more than 30 miles per hour.
• Traffic signs are not common, and traffic laws are rarely enforced.
• Carry travel documents while driving.
• Some travelers have reported harassment or bribe solicitations by traffic police.

If you have a traffic accident while driving in Comoros:

• Dial 17 for police and gendarmerie.
• Give a clear and precise account of events to the authorities.
• Do not leave the scene, as this could worsen your situation. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. government employees are not allowed to use taxis without door locks or windows that cannot be secured.
• U.S. government employees are not allowed to use taxi brousses or mini bus taxis due to overcrowding and poor maintenance records.
• Find a reliable taxi driver and stay in touch to provide regular services. Hotels and travel agencies may be able to provide recommendations.

Public and commercial transportation

• Taxis or a rental car with a driver are preferable to public transportation.
• Public transportation in Comoros is overcrowded and not well-maintained. There are often mechanical failures and accidents.
• Pickpocketing and other crimes occur on public transportation.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Comoros’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

The Department of State recommends that travelers to Comoros consider using airlines that meet the FAA standards of aviation and oversight, meet the aviation standards of safety and oversight of other economically developed countries, and do not feature prominent safety concerns.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Comoros should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Travel between the islands of Comoros by boat is common but is poorly regulated.

• Boats may be overcrowded and lack safety equipment resulting in capsized vessels and fatalities.
• Use only commercially licensed ferry services. These have adequate safety devices and ship-to-shore communications.
• Small crafts on the open seas around Comoros are at risk of potential pirate attacks.

U.S. government employees require special permission to travel between the islands of Comoros by boat. U.S. government employees traveling by boat must take the following precautions when traveling by boat:

• Purchase a ticket for a reserved seat and avoid overcrowded vessels.
• Travel on multi-engine ferries. They should have enough life safety devices, easy access to exits, and regular maintenance.

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Comoran ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Comoros ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers in Comoran ports should be careful and use stronger security measures. 

Helpful resources

• Directorate of National Meteorology

Weather conditions

Comoros experiences a tropical climate. It has warm temperatures, high humidity, and wet and dry seasons. 

Weather events

• Cyclones can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges. This can lead to flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. Cyclone season typically occurs between November and April. It peaks between January and March.
• Intense rainfall during the wet season can lead to localized flooding and flash floods. The wet season occurs between November and April. It peaks in January and February.
• Mount Karthala is an active volcano on Grande Comore and poses a risk of eruptions. While eruptions are infrequent, they can result in ashfall, lava flows, and environmental damage.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.