Comoros Travel Safety

Road safety

Exercise extreme caution when driving at night. Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Most urban roads are paved, but many rural roads are not. Emergency and roadside assistance is non-existent. In the event of an accident, you should proceed to the nearest police station. Taxis and car rentals are available and preferable to public transportation.

Identification

Always carry photo identification, such as a passport or driver's licence, as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity.

Marine transportation

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. It is possible to travel between the islands by boat. You should avoid boats that are in poor condition or overcrowded, as there have been incidents of boats capsizing.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Comoros, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Exercise caution in crowded outdoor markets, parks and beaches. Although infrequent, petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from unlocked cars occurs. Ensure that personal belongings and your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid walking alone at night.

Dress and behaviour

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Comoros and the Penal Code provides a punishment of up to five years imprisonment and heavy fines for acts that are found to be "indecent or against nature with an individual of the same sex".

Illegal or restricted activities

It is illegal to be inebriated in public. Convicted offenders are subject to fines and possible imprisonment. Photography of military installations, government buildings, public installations (such as ports and train stations) and monuments is illegal and may result in a penalty, including detention and arrest. Authorities could also confiscate your photographic equipment. Do not take photos of Comorans without permission. There are strict penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. Convicted offenders can expect a mandatory minimum five-year jail sentence, heavy fines and deportation.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for drivers and passengers in the front seat.