Moroni Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Moroni, the capital of the Union of the Comoros, is located on the island of Grande Comore (Ngazidja). The Comoros offers a relatively straightforward entry process for international travelers, with visa-on-arrival available for most nationalities at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport. The country has implemented a simplified visa system to encourage tourism, though travelers should be prepared with proper documentation and fees in cash. Upon arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, travelers will proceed through immigration where they can obtain their visa (if not pre-arranged), followed by customs inspection. The process is generally efficient, though it's advisable to have exact change in euros or US dollars for visa fees. The immigration authorities are accustomed to international travelers, and most speak French, Arabic, and some English. Before traveling to Moroni, ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of entry, arrange for yellow fever vaccination if coming from an endemic country, and have proof of accommodation and return/onward tickets readily available. While the entry requirements are relatively relaxed, having all documentation organized will ensure a smooth arrival experience.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The Comoros operates a visa-on-arrival system for most nationalities, making it one of the more accessible destinations in the Indian Ocean region. Most travelers can obtain their visa upon landing at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport in Moroni.

Visa on Arrival

Typically 45 days for tourist visas

Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport in Moroni

Includes

United States United Kingdom European Union countries Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea South Africa Most other countries not listed as prohibited

Visa on arrival is available for tourism and business purposes. Payment must be made in euros or US dollars (cash preferred). Cost is approximately €30-50 depending on duration of stay. Ensure you have exact change as change may not always be available.

Visa-Free Entry

30-45 days depending on bilateral agreements

Citizens of certain countries can enter without a visa

Includes

Kenya Madagascar Mauritius Seychelles Tanzania

Primarily applies to citizens of neighboring countries and regional partners. Travelers should still carry proof of accommodation and return tickets.

Visa Required in Advance

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days

Some nationalities must obtain a visa before travel

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Comorian embassy or consulate. Applications typically require a completed form, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and processing can take 5-15 business days.

This applies to a limited number of countries. Israeli passport holders face entry restrictions. It's advisable to contact the Comorian embassy well in advance if you're unsure of your status.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport in Moroni is relatively straightforward. Upon landing, travelers proceed through immigration, obtain their visa (if applicable), collect baggage, and pass through customs before exiting to the arrivals area.

Arrival and Disembarkation

After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Have your passport and any pre-arranged documentation ready.

Visa on Arrival (if applicable)

Proceed to the visa counter before immigration. Complete a simple form with your personal details, accommodation information, and purpose of visit. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or US dollars preferred). You'll receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Immigration Control

Present your passport with visa to the immigration officer. They will ask basic questions about your visit, stamp your passport with entry permission, and may record your details. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes per traveler.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the baggage carousel. The airport has limited carousels, so identifying your flight's baggage area is straightforward.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Proceed through the customs checkpoint where officers may inspect your luggage. Most tourists pass through quickly without inspection.

Exit to Arrivals

Exit to the arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet your hotel representative.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from the Comoros. Can be a printed or electronic ticket confirmation.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Required for visa application.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days of arrival.

Sufficient Funds

While rarely checked, you should be able to demonstrate you have adequate funds for your stay. Credit cards, cash, or bank statements may be requested.

Visa Fee (Cash)

Approximately €30-50 in cash (euros or US dollars). Some travelers report ATMs at the airport, but it's best to arrive prepared with cash.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with cash in euros or US dollars for visa fees, as credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs may be unreliable.

Have all documents (passport, tickets, accommodation proof) easily accessible in a travel folder rather than buried in luggage.

Print physical copies of important documents as backup, as internet connectivity at the airport can be limited.

Be patient during the process, especially during peak arrival times when multiple flights land simultaneously.

Learn basic French greetings, as French is widely spoken and a friendly 'Bonjour' goes a long way with immigration officials.

Keep small denominations of euros or dollars separate for visa fees to avoid issues with change.

Take note of your visa expiry date upon entry and plan your departure accordingly to avoid overstay penalties.

Customs & Duty-Free

Customs regulations in Moroni are designed to prevent smuggling while allowing tourists to bring reasonable personal items. The Comoros follows standard international customs practices with specific allowances for duty-free goods.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine

Travelers must be 18 years or older. The Comoros is a predominantly Muslim country; be respectful when bringing alcohol.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

For personal use only. Must be 18 years or older.

Currency

Amounts over 1,000,000 KMF (approximately €2,000 or $2,200 USD) must be declared

Both local currency (Comorian Franc) and foreign currency must be declared if exceeding the threshold. Keep declaration forms for exit.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to a reasonable value for personal use

Commercial quantities of any goods may be subject to duty. Items clearly for resale will be taxed.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - Unless with special permit from authorities
Counterfeit goods - Including fake currency and pirated media
Pornographic materials - Prohibited due to cultural and religious norms
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants under CITES
Certain medications - Particularly those containing controlled substances without proper prescription

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring original prescriptions and keep medicines in original packaging. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay
Professional camera/video equipment - May require declaration and temporary import permit if for commercial purposes
Drones - Require special permission from aviation authorities; recreational use is restricted
Satellite phones - May require registration with telecommunications authorities
Live animals and plants - Require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and import permits

Health Requirements

Health requirements for entering Moroni are primarily focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The most important requirement is yellow fever vaccination for travelers from endemic areas.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with yellow fever risk. Vaccination certificate must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water safety concerns
Typhoid - Recommended, especially if staying with friends/family or visiting smaller cities
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids
Malaria prophylaxis - The Comoros is a malaria-endemic area; consult your doctor about antimalarial medication
Routine vaccinations - Ensure MMR, DPT, and polio vaccinations are up to date
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Moroni are limited, and serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Reunion, Mauritius, or Kenya. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive. Keep insurance documentation accessible and inform your insurer of your travel to the Comoros.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly, particularly regarding COVID-19 and other emerging diseases. Check with your airline and the Comorian embassy or consulate for current testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements before travel. Some countries may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative tests. Visit the WHO website and your country's travel health advisory service for the latest information specific to your departure location.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate before traveling

The Comoros has limited diplomatic representation. Many countries cover the Comoros from embassies in Tanzania, Kenya, or Madagascar. Check your government's travel advisory website for emergency contact information.

Immigration Authority

Direction Générale de la Police Nationale (National Police Directorate)

For visa extensions or immigration inquiries in Moroni, visit the immigration office or contact through your hotel. Most business is conducted in person or through local representatives.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)

Medical emergencies can also be directed to police who can coordinate response. Major hotels can assist with emergency contacts. Emergency services may be limited compared to Western standards.

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport

Main international gateway to Moroni

Limited services available. Confirm flight times as schedules can change. Airport code: HAH

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s), including contact information and authorization for the child to travel. This letter should be in French if possible, or English with a French translation. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults but typically do not pay visa fees if under 2 years old (verify current policy).

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit obtained in advance from the Comorian veterinary authorities. Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior). A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required. Pets must be microchipped for identification. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires before travel. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport that must also be met.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are typically valid for 45 days. For stays longer than your initial visa allows, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office (Direction Générale de la Police Nationale) in Moroni before your visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of authorities and require justification, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details. Fees apply for extensions. For stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes, you'll need to apply for a residence permit, which requires additional documentation including proof of employment or business registration, health clearance, and police clearance certificates.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can typically enter on a visa on arrival but should carry additional documentation including an invitation letter from the Comorian company or organization, proof of business registration of the inviting company, and details of the business purpose. For extended business stays or work assignments, a business visa or work permit may be required. Consult with the immigration authorities or your business contacts in the Comoros regarding specific requirements for your situation.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists, photographers, and film crews should obtain special permission before arrival. Contact the Ministry of Information in advance. Bringing professional media equipment may require special customs clearance and temporary import permits. Unauthorized journalistic activities can result in detention or deportation. Always work through official channels and obtain proper accreditation.