Comoros

Capital: Moroni

Language: Comorian, Arabic and French (Arabic is official)

Currency: Comorian franc (KMF)

Time zone: UTC+03:00

Visa on arrival — 45 days

Visa on arrival for every nationality without exception at Hahaya International Airport: ~€30 cash, up to 45 days. A passport valid 6 months and a return ticket suffice — no advance procedure needed at all. Among the easiest African destinations to enter, full stop.

Official source ↗

⚠️ Guidance only — always verify with the official source before traveling.

🕓 Last officially verified: 14/07/2026

May–October is the mild dry season (22–28°C) — the best window for diving and hiking. November–April brings rains and potential cyclones that sometimes close roads and flights.

Halal food: Almost entirely halal — a 98% Muslim country whose seafood-based cuisine carries familiar Zanzibari-Arab spicing. No need to ask except at a rare international hotel serving alcohol to foreign guests.

Prayer places: Mosques in every village — the historic Ntsaoueni mosque and Moroni's Grand Mosque are landmarks in themselves. The adhan is public everywhere, as in any authentic Islamic country.

Friday is an official holiday: Yes

Ramadan is a fully present national experience — Moroni's iftar markets, mosque taraweeh, and public life slowing by day. It feels close to any Gulf country in spirit, despite the distance.

Comorian hospitality has genuine Arab roots — coffee and tea arrive unasked. Arabic is official and widely understood, especially among the educated and clergy. Respect for elders and local tribal traditions (the grand 'Grand Mariage' weddings) is part of identity.

An almost fully cash country — international cards see near-zero acceptance outside a hotel or two in Moroni. Carry cash euros or dollars to exchange, and enough francs for all daily needs.

No effective local transport apps — taxis and boats run on direct agreement, and WhatsApp is nearly the only channel for lodges and guides. Google Maps has limited precision outside Moroni.

Right-hand driving like the Gulf, but roads are basic and uneven beyond Moroni — a local driver is the better comfort-and-safety investment over self-driving.

Not obligatory — a few francs or a dollar for porters and guides is appreciated generosity.

Comores Telecom is nearly the sole network — simple tourist SIMs from the airport kiosk, no eSIM available. Coverage is good in Moroni and thins sharply rurally and on smaller islands.

Small domestic flights link the three main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli) — no bridges between them. Local boats are a slower budget alternative. In Moroni, taxis are always pre-agreed; a rental with driver is easier for rural areas.

Kindly priced: local meal $3–8, tourist restaurant $10–20, hotels $40–100/night. The Comorian franc (~450/$) gives family budgets comfort, though tourist infrastructure is simpler, with few luxury options.

ℹ️ Prices are approximate and subject to change

Calm, tourist-safe islands — very low crime and genuine hospitality. The real caution is natural: Mount Karthala's volcanic activity (one of the world's largest active volcanoes) is locally monitored, and swimming demands respecting some beach currents.

• Volcanic Mount Karthala
• Moroni's Grand Mosque
• Pristine Itsandra beaches
• Fragrant ylang-ylang plantations
• Mohéli's marine protected area