Comoros Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
OtherEU	Yes	Yes	Yes
Japanese	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.

Visas
Required by all except those continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft without leaving the airport and holding documents certifying onward/return travel.

Types of visa and cost
Ordinary: US$10.

Validity
Two weeks.

Application to
Visas are issued on arrival in Comores or by some of their diplomatic representations, such as Antananarivo, Cairo, Paris and London (the Honorary Consulate in London can issue a tourist visa valid for 90 days for £10).

Application requirements
(a) Application form (provided at airport). (b) Valid passport with at least three months' remaining validity. (c) Two passport-sized photos for visas issued outside the country. (d) Fee (payable in Comoros Francs, Euros or US Dollars only). (e) Return/onward tickets.
Note: Single parents or other adults traveling alone with children should be aware that some countries require evidence of parental responsibility before allowing them to enter the country. For further information, contact the Comoran Embassy in Paris (see Passport/Visa Information).

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros in France
20 rue Marbeau, 75016 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 4067 9054. Fax: (1) 4845 1365.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Honorary Consulate of the Comoros in the UK
Flat 6, 24-26 Avenue Road, London NW8 6DU, UK
Tel: (020) 7722 1146.
E-mail: kchehabi@blueyonder.co.uk

Permanent Mission of the Comoros to the United Nations
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 418, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 750 1637.
Website: www.un.int/comoros


Most visits to the Comoro Islands are trouble-free but travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
The Comoro Islands are generally crime-free, but travelers are advised not to walk around town centers unaccompanied at night and to take sensible precautions against pickpocketing and mugging. Travelers should keep a copy of their passport with them, and if possible keep the original in a safe place (such as a hotel safe or deposit box).
The Union of the Comoros is predominantly Muslim, and it is important for visitors to respect the customs associated with Islam. Whilst Comorans are tolerant towards other cultures (for example, alcohol is not banned and is available in hotels and restaurants), they expect moderate behavior from non-Muslim visitors, such as non-consumption of alcohol in public places, and modest dress in public. Homosexuality is not illegal in Comoros. Sex with minors is. Anyone found guilty of drug smuggling or possession will be imprisoned for four to five years. On release, the person will be fined (in proportion to the quantity of drugs seized) and then deported.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	No	1
Cholera	Yes	2
Typhoid and Polio	3	N/A
Malaria	4	N/A

1
Some travelers from areas infected with yellow fever have been asked to provide vaccination certificates, but this is not an official policy.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to the Comoro Islands. However, outbreaks of cholera still occur periodically. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Typhoid fevers are present.

4
Malaria risk exists all year throughout the whole country, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine. There have been cases of Dengue fever reported on Grande Comore. Travelers should take strict prevention measures against mosquito bites, by using repellents and by wearing sleeved shirts and long trousers.

Food & drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks
Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis may be found. Outbreaks of yellow fever occur periodically.

Health care
There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Medical facilities are basic and most are private. In order to secure even basic medical care, visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive health insurance.


Next Page »

Related Comoros Content