Comoras

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.