Orientation briefing in Comoros

For centuries prior to colonization in the 19th century, the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean served as a key node in maritime trade networks that connected the Middle East, India, and eastern African regions. Composed of the islands of Anjouan, Mayotte, Moheli, and Grande Comore, Comoros spent most of the 20th century as a colonial outpost until it declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. Residents of Mayotte, however, voted to remain in France, and the French Government has since classified it as a French Overseas Department.

Since independence, Comoros has weathered approximately 20 successful and attempted coups, mostly between 1975 and 2000, resulting in prolonged political instability and stunted economic development. In 2002, President AZALI Assoumani became the first elected president following the completion of the Fomboni Accords, in which the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli agreed to rotate the presidency among the islands every five years. This power-sharing agreement also included provisions allowing each island to maintain its local government. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis with sanctions and a naval blockade of Anjouan, but in 2008, the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, AZALI won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. In 2018, a referendum -- which the opposition parties boycotted -- approved a new constitution that extended presidential term limits and abolished the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. AZALI formed a new government later that year, and he subsequently ran and was reelected in 2019. AZALI was reelected again in January 2024 in an election that the opposition disputed but the Supreme Court validated.

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.

In January 2024, a protestor was killed and several injured in clashes with security forces.

Avoid crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

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.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

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.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Comoros

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Comoros, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Political situation

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.

In January 2024, a protestor was killed and several injured in clashes with security forces.

Avoid crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

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.

Crime

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.

Protecting your belongings

Keep your valuables, cash and important documents in hotel safes where possible.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always travel with your ID. Keep printed copies of your passport’s photo page and visa stamp.

Religion 

Comoros is an Islamic country. The official religion is Sunni Islam. People are not allowed to practise Shia Islam in Comoros.

Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices. Make sure you do not offend cultural or religious beliefs.

Dress and behaviour codes

Clothing for men and women needs to cover the body loosely, from the shoulders to the knees.

Islanders mostly consider outward displays of intimacy to be contrary to public decency. 

Ramadan

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.

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:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car or in public view
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• 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
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Alcohol laws and bans

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.

Pay particular attention to these rules during the Ramadan period.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug trafficking and possession are serious offences. If you are found guilty, you could get a long prison sentence and a fine.

Using cameras in secure areas     

It is advisable to ask people for permission before photographing them. Avoid taking photos of public buildings, particularly military and police buildings.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Comoros. If convicted you could get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and heavy fines.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

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.

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.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Comoros, see information on driving abroad.

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 update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

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: Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de l’Union des Comores.

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

Sea travel

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.

Recent attacks off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden highlight the significant risk of piracy and armed robbery.

If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones can affect Comoros between January and May. Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Comoros.  

Volcanic eruptions

Karthala, near Moroni on Grande Comore, is an active volcano which last erupted in 2007. Check Karthala’s most recent reports and monitoring before you make plans to visit.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call hospitals and ask for an ambulance.

• Grande Comore, hopital El Maarouf: +269 773 26 04
• Mohéli, hopital de Fomboni: +269 772 03 73
• Anjouan, hopital de Hombo: +269 771 00 34

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Comoros
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Comoros.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Comoros

Medical facilities on all 3 islands of Comoros are basic and most are private. Disruptions to electricity and water supplies can affect hospitals and other public services.

Makes sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Comoros.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.