Moroni Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Moroni.
Healthcare System
Healthcare in Moroni is severely limited with minimal facilities and resources. The main hospital, El-Maarouf Hospital, provides basic services but lacks advanced medical equipment, specialist care, and reliable supplies of medications. Most serious medical conditions require evacuation to Reunion, Mauritius, or mainland Africa.
Hospitals
El-Maarouf Hospital in Moroni is the main facility but should only be used for emergencies when evacuation is not possible. Private clinics offer slightly better conditions but still lack sophisticated equipment. For any serious medical issue, medical evacuation to Reunion Island or beyond is strongly recommended.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Moroni have limited stock and medications are often unavailable or expired. Bring all prescription medications with you in original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications should be brought from home. Air-conditioned storage is rare, affecting medication quality.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000 USD) is absolutely essential and should be considered mandatory rather than optional.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first aid kit and all medications you might need, including antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation to Reunion Island or beyond
- Carry contact information for your insurance company's 24-hour emergency assistance
- Consider registering with your embassy before travel
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records in French if possible
- Water-borne diseases are common; only drink bottled or purified water
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consult a travel medicine clinic before departure
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and near the port. Opportunistic theft from hotel rooms and beaches also happens occasionally.
Roads in Moroni are poorly maintained with potholes, lack of lighting, and minimal signage. Driving standards are poor with frequent disregard for traffic rules. Pedestrians, livestock, and vehicles share roads unpredictably.
Contaminated water and food can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses including typhoid, cholera, and parasitic infections. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Malaria is endemic throughout Comoros, and dengue fever also occurs. Mosquitoes are present year-round with increased activity during rainy season.
Strong currents, sharp coral, sea urchins, and occasional dangerous marine life pose risks. Beaches lack lifeguards and warning systems.
Comoros has a history of coups and political tensions. While violence is rarely directed at foreigners, demonstrations can occur and occasionally turn confrontational.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Self-appointed guides approach tourists offering help, tours, or directions, then demand excessive payment or become aggressive if refused. Some may lead tourists to shops where they receive commission.
Street money changers offer favorable rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or switch denominations during the transaction.
Taxi drivers quote inflated prices to tourists or take unnecessarily long routes. Some claim the meter is broken or that fixed prices don't apply to foreigners.
Individuals claiming to be police or officials may approach tourists asking to see documents, wallets, or claiming you've violated a regulation and demanding on-the-spot fines.
Hotels or guesthouses show photos of better rooms than actually provided, or claim booked rooms are unavailable and offer inferior alternatives at the same price.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, prescriptions) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic French phrases as English is rarely spoken
- Keep emergency cash in USD or Euros hidden separately from your main wallet
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers saved
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
Transportation Safety
- Avoid traveling after dark whenever possible
- Use only registered taxis and agree on fares beforehand
- Avoid overcrowded public transport where pickpocketing is easier
- Wear helmets if using motorcycles or scooters (though not recommended)
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets as traffic is chaotic
- Consider hiring a driver through your hotel for day trips
- Allow extra time for journeys as roads are poor and delays common
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, especially women
- Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Respect prayer times and avoid loud behavior near mosques
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
Food and Water Safety
- Only drink bottled water and check seals are intact
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Choose thoroughly cooked hot foods
- Peel fruits yourself and avoid pre-cut fruit
- Avoid raw or undercooked seafood despite being a coastal location
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially before eating
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and excess cash
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Check that windows and balcony doors can be secured
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verification
- Keep ground floor curtains closed for privacy
- Note emergency exits upon arrival
- Consider accommodations with 24-hour security or reception
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch under clothing
- Divide cash and cards between different locations
- Be discreet when accessing money
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Keep small bills separate for daily expenses to avoid showing large amounts
- Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocking
- ATMs are limited and often unreliable; bring sufficient cash in USD or Euros
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Moroni safely but should be prepared for a conservative Muslim society where women's roles are more traditional. Foreign women may receive unwanted attention, staring, or occasional verbal harassment, though physical safety risks are generally low. Respectful dress and behavior will significantly improve your experience and reduce unwanted attention.
- Dress very modestly: cover shoulders, chest, and knees at minimum; loose-fitting clothing is preferable
- Consider wearing a light scarf that can cover your head when visiting mosques or very traditional areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use taxis even for short distances in the evening
- Be prepared for staring, which is often curiosity rather than threat, but can be uncomfortable
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) as married women receive more respect
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and have the destination address written down
- Join group tours or activities rather than exploring completely alone
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other female travelers
- Be assertive but polite when declining unwanted attention or offers of help
- Connect with other travelers or expats through your accommodation
- Avoid beaches alone and choose more populated areas
- Keep your phone charged and carry emergency contacts
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider hiring a female guide if available
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Comoros, but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The legal framework is ambiguous and influenced by Islamic law, which views homosexuality negatively. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination laws.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid all public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly with locals
- Book accommodations carefully; request separate beds if traveling as a couple to avoid questions
- Be aware that your safety could be compromised if your orientation becomes known
- Consider whether travel to Comoros is appropriate given the risks
- Research your embassy's ability to provide support if issues arise
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel networks for updated advice
- Maintain awareness that local laws and social attitudes differ greatly from Western countries
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about relationships or travel companions
- Avoid any LGBTQ+ symbols, clothing, or accessories that might identify you
- Be prepared to remain closeted throughout your visit for your own safety
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely critical for visiting Moroni and should be considered mandatory rather than optional. The extremely limited healthcare facilities mean that any serious medical issue will require expensive medical evacuation to Reunion Island, Mauritius, or beyond. Without insurance, a medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Additionally, the country's infrastructure limitations, potential for political instability, and tropical weather patterns make comprehensive coverage essential for trip interruption, lost belongings, and emergency assistance.
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