IS IT SAFE TO VISIT COMOROS?

Comoros is normally a safe place to visit for tourists. It is also a popular tourist destination for a tropical islands holiday.

The crime level is exceptionally low. But in spite of all this, it does not mean that it does not come with some risks like anywhere else in the world. This is why you should still be cautious in many of the overcrowded areas, as well as the most common tourist attractions.

Although it is not common, petty crime such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and theft out of vehicles which are unlocked can happen from time to time.

Apply extra caution in crowded outdoor bazaars, public parks and beaches.

WEATHER

Mount Karthala is an active volcano near Moroni. It erupted most recently in 2007, so keep an eye on their local news for any activity.

Monsoons and fewer cyclones occasionally occur during the hot and humid rainy season, which happens from December until April. Throughout this time even small storms can quickly develop into major ones.

Severe storms can obstruct the delivery of much needed services and put a person at risk.

If you decide to visit the area during the rainy season:  Know that you open yourself up to potential safety risks. Keep informed of the lasted local weather forecasts.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER IN COMOROS

Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Keep it in a hotel safe if possible and keep a certified copy with you at all times.

Visitors should not walk alone at night or during the day in isolated areas.

No foreigner should keep large amounts of money on them.  

Especially women should dress conservatively and not wear expensive jewellery in public places.

If demonstrations do occur, visitors should stay away from the area that it is happening in. Even peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent. They also can cause traffic congestions.

SAFE TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN COMOROS

Taxis and car rentals are readily available and safe to travel in by tourists. They are far safer than the public transportation options which are overcrowded, unreliable and can sometimes be unsafe.  

If a visitor intends to drive himself, remember that seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers. 

A driver must carry his or her International Driving Permit at all times.

The road conditions and road safety changes dramatically throughout the country. Some roads are narrow and badly lit.  Most of the city roads are tarred, but many of the rural roads are gravel and not always in good condition.

Large potholes and dangerous curves are common on roads, with no guardrails being a regular sight.  If you cannot avoid driving at night, then exercise extreme caution when doing so.

There are no emergency roadside assistance services in the country and when you are involved in an accident, go to your nearest police station to report it.

There are options of boat travel among the islands in the Comoros.  Do not board a vessel that looks unseaworthy and overcrowded.  Ferry accidents happen occasionally due to the poor maintenance of the vessel or overloading.

If you plan on doing some sailing or private boating, be aware that pirate attacks and armed robberies against ships have occurred in the coastal areas and further out to sea.

 Mariners should take suitable precautions.

TAKING PHOTOS IN COMOROS

Photography of government buildings, military installations, public infrastructure (such as ports and train stations) and monuments is illegal.

This can result in penalties, including confinement and arrest. Authorities could also confiscate your photographic equipment. Ask permission before taking photos of people. 

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Keep photo identification on you at all times like your driver’s licence or your passport. Local authorities can ask you to prove your identity.

Public displays of drunkenness are illegal. Condemned offenders are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.

Comoros has three official languages, Comorian, Arabic, and French.

During the lunar month of Ramadan, abstain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2020, Ramadan is expected to begin on April 23.

Dress conservatively, act discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Do not wear shorts or other skimpy clothing, except at the local beaches.

LGBT RIGHTS IN COMOROS

The law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to five years imprisonment and heavy fines. Same sex couples visiting the country should exercise extreme discretion in public and also when making hotel bookings.

DRUGS

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a mandatory minimum five-year jail sentence, heavy fines and deportation. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.

CUSTOMS

The following goods may be imported into Comoros without incurring customs duty:

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco, one bottle of an alcoholic beverage and one bottle of perfume.

LOST PASSPORT

Always keep a copy of your passport with you at all times.  If you do lose your passport, report it to your nearest police station and get a copy of the police report. Also report it to your nearest embassy to obtain another passport.

MEDICAL FACILITIES IN COMOROS

There are basic medical facilities on Grand Comoro, Anjouan and the Mohéli islands. Pharmacies supplying medical supplies and prescription medications are limited.

The numerous interruptions of electricity and water supplies can affect hospitals. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that covers hospital stays and medical evacuations.

IMMUNIZATIONS

The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for Comoros: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

MALARIA

Cerebral malaria is quite common in Comoros and it can be fatal. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Symptoms can be flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Also, a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.

Make sure you take anti-malaria medication before you leave on your journey and have enough supplies for the duration of your trip. Also bring lots of insect repellent for a worry-free holiday.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER

Chikungunya fever has been reported in Comoros. This disease is spread by mosquitos. Symptoms usually appear within a week. Fever and joint pain happen quickly. Muscle pain, headache, fatigue and rash can also happen.

There are treatments and the majority of people get better within a week or two after the virus has run its course.

YELLOW FEVER

Travellers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Comoros. Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria, ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.

FOOD AND WATER IN COMOROS

Do not drink the tap water and ice as it can be contaminated in the Comoros. Drink bottled water and beverages. Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to contamination.

If food has been left out of a refrigerator for longer than an hour especially eggs, chicken and dairy do not consume them.

CHOLERA

Cholera which is a severe form of diarrhoea, and it can be fatal. Get to your nearest hospital or clinic if you have symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, chills and fever.  It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera.

AVOID STRAY DOGS AND CATS

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the Comoros which is life threatening. Don’t go near pets or stray dogs or cats in Comoros. The animals may bite and scratch you. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEATSTROKE

Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that have come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.

Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones.

Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.

HIV/AIDS

HIV and Aids is still a prevalent problem in the country and throughout the African continent. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday.  If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.

IS COMOROS SAFE FOR WOMEN?

The majority of the island’s population is Islamic. So, women should dress modestly, especially during Ramadan. This is for when travelling and visiting the local areas. While in a resort, women can wear anything and are mostly very safe.  

Women in general public places should not expose their chest, shoulders, knees, lower back or stomach area. Most do not expect women to cover their heads.  

Avoid walking alone at night especially in isolated places. It is also not advisable to go to bars or clubs alone and do not accept drinks from strangers.

NOTE ON CORONAVIRUS

Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

WHAT CAN A VISITOR DO TO PROTECT HIM OR HERSELF FROM THE VIRUS?

Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser as often as possible, since it can eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.

Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and discard tissues into a closed bin immediately, then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Sneezing or coughing into your hands may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain a fair distance between yourself and other people, since coughs or sneezes from infected people may project droplets containing the virus.

If you experience some fever, cough and difficulty of breathing, immediately seek medical care.

Always practice general hygiene measures, but especially when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets. Wash your hands with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.

Strictly avoid any contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities and avoid consumption of any raw or undercooked animal products. You should even handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

ENJOY A SAFE HOLIDAY IN COMOROS WITH A REPUTABLE TOUR OPERATOR

MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Comoros We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Comoros who make safety a priority.