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.
The healthcare system in Comoros is basic. Public hospitals and clinics often lack resources. Private facilities, mainly in Moroni, provide better care but remain limited.
El-Maarouf Hospital in Moroni is the main public facility. For complex cases, private clinics or medical evacuation are recommended. Clinics on Anjouan and Moheli are more basic.
Pharmacies operate in urban areas like Moroni and Mutsamudu, stocking common medications. Bring essential prescriptions from home. Stock can be inconsistent in Comoros.
Travel insurance with medical coverage, including evacuation, is strongly recommended. Treatment costs add up. Facilities in Comoros might not handle emergencies well.
- ✓ Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications you rely on.
- ✓ Consider vaccinations for yellow fever. Take malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is present in Comoros.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded or tourist-frequented areas of Comoros.
Road conditions in Comoros are often poor. Narrow, unpaved roads and erratic driving are common. Vehicle maintenance might not meet expected standards.
Malaria, dengue fever, and cholera are present in Comoros. Food and waterborne illnesses can also concern travelers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Vendors, taxi drivers, or market sellers might quote higher prices to tourists, assuming limited local knowledge or language skills in Comoros.
Individuals may approach offering tour guide services without proper credentials in Comoros. This can lead to rushed tours, misinformation, or demands for extra payment.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Use licensed taxis or arrange transport through your hotel for reliability in Comoros.
- • Be cautious with public minibuses, known as 'taxi-brousses'. They can be overcrowded and less safe.
- • Carry only small amounts of cash for daily expenses. Use ATMs in secure locations like banks during daylight hours in Comoros.
- • Leave passports, extra cash, and valuables in a hotel safe if available.
- • Dress modestly in rural areas and near religious sites. Show respect for Comorian culture.
- • Avoid public drunkenness or loud behavior. It might attract unwanted attention or offend locals in Comoros.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Comoros is a conservative Muslim society. Women traveling alone might receive more attention, though this is often curiosity rather than hostility. Solo female travel is possible with some adjustments in Comoros.
- → Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees to blend in and reduce stares or comments.
- → Avoid walking alone at night. Use trusted transportation or travel with others when possible in Comoros.
Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Comoros and can be punished with imprisonment.
- → Avoid public displays of affection. Be discreet regarding your relationship status in Comoros.
- → Be aware that accommodation may not welcome same-sex couples. Discretion is advised in Comoros.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Given the limited medical facilities in Comoros, insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is essential for any serious illness or injury.