Comoros
Phone Code
+269
Capital
Moroni
Population
870,000
Native Name
Komori
Region
Africa
Eastern Africa
Timezone
East Africa Time
UTC+03:00
On This Page
The Union of the Comoros, an archipelagic island nation in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, comprises three islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Mohéli (Mwali)—plus numerous smaller islands, offering travelers a unique blend of African, Arab, and French cultural influences set among volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, coral reefs, and remarkable biodiversity. Known as the Perfume Islands for their historic production of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, the Comoros attracts visitors seeking unspoiled natural beauty, rare wildlife including the living fossil coelacanth found in deep waters off the islands, endemic species like Livingstone's fruit bats, volcanic crater lakes, traditional Swahili-Arab architecture, and authentic cultural experiences far from mass tourism. The country's immigration system is notably welcoming, offering visa-on-arrival for nationals of all countries at the affordable cost of €30 for tourist visits up to 45 days, making the Comoros one of the most accessible destinations in terms of entry requirements. This straightforward visa policy reflects the nation's desire to develop tourism as an economic pillar while maintaining the islands' character as an off-the-beaten-path destination. Understanding the Comoros' visa procedures, entry requirements, and extension possibilities is essential for travelers planning visits to explore Mount Karthala active volcano, dive pristine coral reefs, experience traditional village life, discover unique endemic flora and fauna, or simply relax on deserted beaches in this Indian Ocean island paradise.
Comoros Visa & Immigration System Overview
The Comoros operates one of the world's most straightforward visa systems, offering visa-on-arrival to nationals of every country without advance applications, embassy visits, or complex documentation requirements for tourist stays. Upon arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (Hahaya) on Grande Comore or Ouani Airport on Anjouan, travelers proceed to visa-on-arrival counters where immigration officials issue tourist visas for €30 (cash payment in euros required, though some report accepting U.S. dollars), valid for 45 days of stay with single entry. The process typically takes only minutes, requiring presentation of valid passports with at least six months remaining validity, proof of return or onward travel (airline tickets), accommodation details such as hotel reservations or invitation letters from hosts, and sufficient funds to cover the intended stay. Unlike many destinations, the Comoros does not currently operate an electronic visa or e-visa system, so all tourist visas are issued physically upon arrival. For stays exceeding the 45-day visa-on-arrival period, travelers must obtain long-stay visas requiring advance applications through Comorian embassies or consulates, with fees of €255 and more comprehensive documentation including purpose of extended stay, financial evidence, accommodation arrangements, and potentially police clearances. Transit passengers departing within 24 hours can obtain free transit visas if they need to leave the airport, though most international connections do not require leaving the terminal. The visa system distinguishes between short tourist visits (handled entirely on arrival), extended stays requiring advance long-stay visa applications, work and residence permits for those employed in the Comoros, and business visits which can often use tourist visas for brief commercial activities or apply for business visas when substantial local engagement is planned. Comoros' visa policy simplicity stands in sharp contrast to most African nations, eliminating common barriers like mandatory advance applications, visa fees payable only at specific locations, or nationality-based restrictions, instead welcoming all travelers with equal treatment at arrival. This accessibility combined with the islands' relative isolation and limited tourist infrastructure creates unique opportunities for authentic experiences in one of the world's least-visited yet naturally stunning destinations.
Common Visa Types
Visa on Arrival (Tourist)
Tourism, leisure travel, visiting family and friends, exploring islands' natural attractions including Mount Karthala volcano, beaches, coral reefs, and marine life, cultural experiences, and temporary visits not involving employment or business establishment. Available to nationals of all countries upon arrival at international airports (Prince Said Ibrahim on Grande Comore, Ouani on Anjouan). No advance application required. Issued at immigration counters immediately after passport control. Payment of €30 in cash (euros preferred, U.S. dollars sometimes accepted) required at visa desk. Must present valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining, proof of return or onward travel (airline tickets), accommodation details (hotel reservation or invitation letter from Comorian host), and declaration of sufficient funds for stay. Processing typically takes 5-15 minutes. Immigration officials may ask purpose of visit and intended destinations within Comoros. Travelers should carry printed confirmations of accommodations and return flights to facilitate smooth processing. Single entry only. Extensions possible through immigration offices in Moroni for additional fees
Transit Visa
Short transit through Comoros when traveling to another destination and needing to leave the airport during layover or stopover. Required only if exiting airport terminal; travelers remaining in international transit areas do not need visas. Free of charge for stays up to 24 hours. Must present passport, tickets to final destination showing departure within 24 hours, and visa for next country if required. Issued at arrival immigration. Allows leaving airport to visit Moroni briefly during longer layovers or staying overnight in hotels near airport before continuing journey. Not suitable for any tourism activities beyond immediate transit area. If transit extends beyond 24 hours or traveler wishes to explore the islands properly, regular tourist visa recommended
Long-Stay Visa
Extended visits exceeding 45 days for purposes including long-term tourism, extended family visits, volunteer work with local organizations, research projects, educational programs, business setup reconnaissance, or other activities requiring presence beyond tourist visa validity. Cannot be obtained on arrival; must be applied for in advance through Comorian embassies (Paris is primary location for most nationalities) or consulates before travel. Requirements include completed long-stay visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and blank pages, multiple passport photographs, detailed explanation of purpose for extended stay, proof of accommodation for entire duration (lease agreements, hotel bookings, or host letters), comprehensive financial evidence (bank statements showing sufficient funds for extended period), police clearance certificates from countries of residence, health certificates from authorized physicians, and visa fee of €255. Processing times vary by embassy but typically require 2-4 weeks. Embassies may request additional documentation based on stated purpose of visit. Holders should check with immigration upon arrival regarding any residence permit requirements for very long stays
Business Visa
Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, attending trade shows, exploring investment opportunities, market research, establishing business relationships, and commercial activities not constituting employment. Short-term business visitors (under 45 days) can often use standard tourist visa-on-arrival if activities limited to meetings and networking. For more substantial business engagement, advance business visa application recommended through Comorian embassies. Requires business invitation letter from Comorian company or organization, company registration documents, letter from home country employer describing business purpose, proof of business activities and financial means, and business visa fees. Multiple entry options may be available for frequent business travelers. Suitable for those negotiating contracts, assessing investment projects in agriculture, fishing, tourism development, or other sectors, attending business conferences, or establishing import-export relationships. Business visas do not permit employment; separate work permits required for actual employment
Work Permit
Employment in Comoros for foreign nationals with job offers from Comorian employers, international organizations operating in Comoros, NGOs, development projects, or foreign companies with local operations. Requires employer sponsorship with employer initiating application through Ministry of Labor or relevant government department. Documentation includes employment contract specifying position, salary, and duration; employer's business registration and tax compliance; proof of employee qualifications and professional experience; justification that position cannot be filled by Comorian national; medical certificates from approved physicians; police clearance certificates from countries of previous residence; passport copies and photographs; and work permit fees. Common for positions in fishing industry, tourism sector management, development projects (funded by international organizations), teaching positions in international schools or higher education, technical specialists in infrastructure projects, and healthcare professionals. Work permits typically valid for one year renewable annually subject to continued employment. Holders must register with immigration and may need residence permits depending on stay duration. Changing employers requires new work permit application
Residence Permit
Long-term residence authorization for foreign nationals intending to live in Comoros for extended periods including retirees, spouses of Comorian nationals, long-term workers, investors, or those establishing permanent homes on the islands. Application typically follows initial entry on long-stay visa or work permit. Requirements vary by category but generally include application forms, valid passport and entry visa, proof of accommodation (property ownership or long-term lease), evidence of financial means to support residence (pension income, investment income, employment, or business ownership), police clearances, medical examinations, photographs, and residence permit fees. Spouses of Comorian nationals have facilitated pathways requiring marriage certificate, spouse's Comorian citizenship proof, and evidence of genuine relationship. Investors or business owners may obtain residence permits based on substantial investment in Comorian economy or business establishment creating employment. Retirees with stable foreign income may apply demonstrating pension or investment income sufficient for self-support. Residence permits generally issued for one to three years renewable periodically. Long-term residents may eventually apply for permanent residence or citizenship through naturalization after extended continuous residence
Student Visa
Studies at Comorian educational institutions including University of Comoros, vocational schools, language programs, or research programs at local institutions. Relatively uncommon due to limited higher education infrastructure, but available for foreign students accepted into Comorian programs or conducting academic research in fields like marine biology, volcanology, endemic species studies, or anthropology. Application requires acceptance letter from Comorian educational institution, proof of payment of tuition or scholarship documentation, evidence of financial means to cover living expenses and education costs, accommodation arrangements, police clearances, medical certificates, academic transcripts and qualifications, and student visa fees. Applications processed through Comorian embassies before travel. Students must maintain enrollment status and make satisfactory academic progress for visa validity. Part-time employment generally not permitted on student visas. Upon completing studies, students must depart unless transitioning to other visa categories such as work permits if securing local employment
Important Travel Information
Travel Guide
The Comoros are the Perfume Islands — three volcanic dots in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland, scented with ylang-ylang (a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5), vanilla and cloves, and so far off the tourist map that most travellers have never heard of them. That anonymity is the draw. Mount Karthala on Grande Comore is one of the world's largest active volcanoes — a 2,361-metre stratovolcano with a summit caldera three kilometres across that erupted as recently as 2005, climbable in a two-day trek through tropical forest to a moonscape rim with views across the Indian Ocean. Moheli, the smallest and wildest island, protects the country's only marine park: green turtles nest en masse on deserted beaches from June to November, humpback whales calve in the warm channel waters from July to October, and the reefs are pristine because almost nobody dives them. The deep waters off Grande Comore and Anjouan are home to the coelacanth — a lobe-finned fish unchanged for four hundred million years, thought extinct until a live specimen was caught off the Comoros in 1938, one of the most remarkable zoological discoveries of the twentieth century. Anjouan is the perfume island proper, with hillside ylang-ylang plantations whose artisanal distilleries supply French perfume houses. Moroni, the capital on Grande Comore, preserves a Swahili-Arab medina of whitewashed coral-stone mosques, carved wooden doors and a harbour that has traded with the Arabian Peninsula since the ninth century. The grand mariage (anda) — a weeks-long wedding celebration that families save for years to fund — is the central social institution and the most vivid expression of Comorian identity. Visa on arrival for every nationality (EUR 30, cash at the airport). No e-visa system. Almost no tourist infrastructure. Power outages, unreliable ferries, and a cash-only economy. The Comoros do not make travel easy — but for those who go, the reward is an Indian Ocean that the rest of the world has not found yet.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Mount Karthala (2,361 metres) on Grande Comore is one of the largest active shield volcanoes in the world, with a summit caldera roughly three kilometres across. The two-day trek (mandatory guide) ascends through farmland, elfin forest and bare volcanic terrain to the crater rim, where fumaroles vent and the view stretches across the Indian Ocean to Moheli. The most recent eruption was in 2005. There is no infrastructure at the summit — bring a tent, sleeping bag and provisions. This is raw, unmanaged volcanic trekking without the crowds of more famous volcanoes.
Moheli Marine Park protects coral reefs, mangroves and the nesting beaches of green sea turtles. From June to November, turtles haul out on beaches like Itsamia in large numbers — guided night excursions allow observation under conservation protocols. From July to October, humpback whales breed and calve in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel — observation by boat or, with authorised guides, by snorkelling alongside. The reefs are in excellent condition thanks to the near-total absence of tourism. Community-run eco-lodges provide accommodation on this quiet, unhurried island.
The coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) was known only from fossils dating back four hundred million years and was presumed extinct for sixty-five million — until a live specimen was caught by a fisherman off the Comoros in 1938, one of the twentieth century's most sensational zoological discoveries. The fish lives at depths of 150 to 200 metres in the volcanic caves off Grande Comore and Anjouan. Deep-dive expeditions and underwater video projects occasionally operate from Moroni. For marine biologists and natural-history enthusiasts, the chance to visit the waters where the coelacanth was rediscovered is a pilgrimage.
The Comoros produce a significant share of the world's ylang-ylang essential oil — the floral heart note of Chanel No. 5 and many other high-end perfumes. Anjouan's hillside plantations grow the cananga trees whose flowers are steam-distilled in artisanal copper stills. Visiting a working distillery — watching petals being loaded into the alembic, smelling the raw oil as it separates — is a sensory experience found almost nowhere else. Vanilla and cloves are also cultivated, continuing a spice-trade heritage that links the Comoros to Zanzibar, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean trading world.
Moroni, the capital on Grande Comore, preserves one of the finest old medinas on the East African coast: whitewashed coral-stone mosques, intricately carved wooden doors, narrow alleys and a working harbour that has traded with Oman, Yemen and the Swahili coast since the ninth century. The Ancienne Mosquee du Vendredi (Old Friday Mosque) dates from the fifteenth century. Taarab music — a blend of Arab, African and Indian Ocean influences — fills the evenings. The grand mariage (anda), a multi-day wedding ceremony that is the defining social event of Comorian life, can be witnessed during celebratory seasons with respectful attendance.
Money & Currency
Comorian Franc (KMF)
Currency code: KMF
Practical Money Tips
Comorian Franc (KMF) — Fixed Peg to the Euro at 491.9677 KMF/EUR
The Comoros uses the Comorian franc (KMF), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 491.9677 KMF/EUR — a guarantee backed by the French Treasury through the franc zone agreement. This makes budgeting straightforward for euro-zone visitors: 100 EUR = 49,197 KMF, and prices convert cleanly. USD can be exchanged at banks in Moroni. Bring EUR or USD in cash — the KMF is not available outside the Comoros and cannot be pre-purchased abroad.
Very Limited ATMs — Moroni Has Some, Other Islands Very Few
ATM coverage in the Comoros is very limited. The capital Moroni (Grande Comore) has a small number of ATMs operated by Banque de Développement des Comores (BDC), Exim Bank, and Meck. On Anjouan and Mohéli, ATMs are scarce and may not accept international cards. Many ATMs have unreliable connectivity. Bring sufficient cash for your entire stay and use Moroni ATMs as a supplementary option rather than a primary source.
Cash Economy — Cards and Digital Payments Rarely Accepted
The Comoros is primarily a cash economy. Credit and debit cards are accepted only at a handful of upscale hotels in Moroni. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not available. Mobile money services (M-Pesa through local operators) exist but require a local SIM and Comorian ID registration — not accessible to passing visitors. Cash (KMF, EUR, or USD) is the only practical payment method throughout the archipelago.
Affordable Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination — Diving, Coelacanths, and Active Volcanoes
The Comoros is one of Africa's least-visited countries, offering a genuinely off-the-beaten-path experience: world-class diving in warm Indian Ocean waters, the chance to see living coelacanths (a prehistoric fish thought extinct until 1938), Mount Karthala (one of the world's largest active calderas), and ylang-ylang plantations producing much of the world's perfume oil. Daily costs are low — budget guesthouses from USD 20–40/night. Tourism infrastructure is very limited; plan logistics carefully.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
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