Comoros Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Comoros.
Healthcare System
Comoros has a very limited healthcare system with basic facilities concentrated in the capital, Moroni. Medical infrastructure is underdeveloped across all three islands, with shortages of equipment, medications, and trained medical personnel. Most facilities lack modern diagnostic equipment and specialists.
Hospitals
El-Maarouf Hospital in Moroni is the largest facility but remains basic. Private clinics offer slightly better service but are still limited. On Mohéli and Anjouan, medical facilities are extremely basic. No facilities meet Western standards of care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in major towns but have limited stock. Common medications may be unavailable or of questionable quality. Bring all prescription medications in original packaging with documentation, plus extras in case of travel delays. Over-the-counter medications are limited.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000 USD) is essential and strongly recommended. Verify that your policy covers Comoros specifically and includes air ambulance evacuation to Réunion or Mauritius.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any medications you might need for your entire trip plus extra
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before traveling as emergency evacuation can cost $50,000+ USD
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in both English and French
- Consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for required vaccinations
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts, antibiotics (with prescription), antimalarial medication, and basic wound care supplies
- Download offline medical information and emergency protocols on your phone
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur, particularly in crowded areas and markets. Theft from hotel rooms and beaches has been reported.
Roads are generally in poor condition with potholes, no street lighting, and inadequate signage. Driving standards are erratic, and accidents are common. Many vehicles are poorly maintained.
Diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and hepatitis A are common due to poor sanitation and water quality. Food hygiene standards are inconsistent.
Malaria is endemic throughout Comoros year-round. Dengue fever also occurs, particularly during the rainy season. Chikungunya has been reported.
Strong currents, sharp coral, sea urchins, and occasional jellyfish pose risks. Limited rescue services are available if swimmers get into difficulty.
Comoros has a history of coups and political unrest, particularly on Anjouan. While currently stable, demonstrations and political tensions can arise suddenly.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services at inflated prices or taking them to shops where they receive commissions, resulting in overpriced goods. Some may demand payment for unsolicited 'help' or information.
Taxi drivers quote inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport or port. Meters are rarely used, and drivers may claim not to have change for large bills.
Street money changers may use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or exchange counterfeit notes. Some offer rates that seem too good to be true.
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists claiming document checks or alleged violations, then demand 'fines' or bribes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals and in cloud storage
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic French phrases as English is rarely spoken
- Carry a charged mobile phone with local emergency numbers saved
- Keep emergency cash in USD or Euros hidden separately from daily spending money
- Maintain situational awareness and trust your instincts
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
- Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Respect prayer times and Islamic customs during Ramadan
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Learn about local customs and show respect for traditional practices
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations (limited availability)
- Credit cards are rarely accepted; carry sufficient cash in Comorian Francs (KMF)
- Keep valuables in hotel safes when available
- Divide cash and cards between different locations on your person and luggage
- Avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry, watches, or cameras unnecessarily
- Carry a photocopy of your passport for daily use, leaving the original secured
Transportation
- Use only registered taxis or arranged transportation through your hotel
- Avoid traveling between towns after dark due to poor road conditions and lack of lighting
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph existing damage
- Wear life jackets on boat transfers between islands
- Book domestic flights early as schedules are unreliable and capacity is limited
- Allow extra time for all journeys due to poor infrastructure and unpredictable delays
Health Precautions
- Start antimalarial medication before arrival as prescribed
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Stay hydrated but only drink bottled or purified water
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid swimming in fresh water (risk of schistosomiasis)
- Protect against sun exposure with high SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Get adequate rest to maintain your immune system
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (coverage is limited outside main towns)
- Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Learn key phrases in French and basic Comorian greetings
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
- Have hotel addresses written in French for showing to taxi drivers
- Download translation apps for offline use
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Comoros safely, but should be aware that it is a conservative Islamic society with traditional gender roles. Solo women travelers are relatively uncommon and may attract attention or questions. While serious incidents against female tourists are rare, women should take extra precautions regarding dress, behavior, and situational awareness. Harassment is generally limited to staring or occasional verbal comments, but can be more persistent in tourist areas.
- Dress conservatively: cover shoulders, chest, and knees at minimum; long skirts or loose pants are preferable to shorts
- Wear a headscarf when visiting mosques or rural villages to show respect
- Avoid walking alone after dark; arrange transportation through your hotel
- Consider wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) to discourage unwanted attention
- If harassed, respond firmly but politely; seek help from nearby women or enter a shop
- Book accommodations in reputable hotels or guesthouses with good security
- Join group tours or hire guides through established companies rather than traveling solo to remote areas
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from men you don't know well
- Sit near families or other women on public transportation
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Connect with other travelers or expat communities for advice and potential travel companions
- Be aware that beach attire should be modest even at resort areas; one-piece swimsuits or rash guards are preferable to bikinis
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized under Comorian law, but the country is governed by a mix of French civil law and Islamic (Sharia) law. Same-sex sexual activity could potentially be prosecuted under Sharia provisions or public decency laws. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex relationships are not recognized.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly with locals unless you are certain of their views
- Be cautious about LGBTQ+ content on social media and electronic devices
- Book accommodations carefully; consider requesting separate beds if traveling with a same-sex partner
- Be aware that local attitudes may be hostile; prioritize personal safety over self-expression
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel resources before departure for updated advice
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about traveling companions
- Consider whether travel to Comoros aligns with your comfort level regarding discretion
- Register with your embassy and know how to contact them in case of issues
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for travel to Comoros due to extremely limited medical facilities and the high likelihood of requiring medical evacuation for any serious illness or injury. Medical evacuation from Comoros can cost $50,000-$150,000 USD. Standard travel insurance is insufficient; you must have specific coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency could result in inadequate care or catastrophic financial burden.
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