Jurisdiction Guide

May to November is best, during the dry season with lower humidity and fewer storms. Cyclone risk rises from January to April.

French and Arabic are official, but basic Swahili helps. Cash is king; few places accept cards, ATMs can run out. Shared taxis are cheap but can be crowded and slow. Buy SIM cards from Telma or Comores Telecom at airports or in towns. Dress modestly, especially in rural villages.

Greet with 'Salam' and a handshake or nod. Women should cover legs and shoulders in public. Locals often eat with the right hand and sitting on mats. Friday is a prayer day, so most shops and offices close mid-morning. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

Petty theft happens in markets and on crowded beaches, so keep valuables close. Roads are narrow, potholed, and poorly lit at night; avoid driving after dark. Power cuts are common, so carry a flashlight. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue occur, so use repellent and sleep under nets.

Lac Salé, a saltwater crater lake on Grand Comore, is peaceful and rarely busy. The beaches around Itsamia hold nesting sea turtles from June to September. On Anjouan, the village of Moya sits above scenic valleys and gets few visitors.

Most visitors, including EU and US nationals, can get a visa on arrival for stays up to 45 days. You need a passport with six months' validity and proof of onward travel, paid in cash (euros or USD preferred). Long-term or digital nomad visas are not available yet, and paths to residency are limited.

Between islands, travel by small plane or ferry, but ferries can be weather dependent and slow. On land, taxis and shared minivans are common, but schedules are loose. Car rental is possible but roads can be rough, so driving requires patience. There are no trains or ride-hailing apps.

Rice and fish stews, often flavored with coconut milk, are daily staples. Try mataba (cassava leaves in coconut sauce) and pilao, a spiced rice dish. Local markets offer fresh fruit juices and street snacks. Most meals are home-cooked outside Moroni, and vegetarian options are limited. Tap water is not safe to drink; buy bottled.

Comoros is affordable if you stick to local guesthouses and street food, with basic rooms from $20 per night. Mid-range hotels charge $50 to $80, while international-style resorts are rare and pricier. Meals at local restaurants cost around $3 to $6. Most imported goods, including alcohol, are expensive and sometimes hard to find.