Arabic (official), French (Official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)

Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance.

Comoran Defense Force: Comoran Security Force (includes Gendarmerie and Army), Comoran Federal Police

A passport and onward/return ticket are required. Visas are available from the Comoran Mission to the United Nations in New York; American citizens visiting Comoros can obtain a free, 24-hour transit visa upon entry. The following day, visitors are required to go to the immigration office in Moroni to change their visa status. A fee is charged, depending on length of stay. Travelers should obtain the latest details from the Mission of the Union of Comoros, 420 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022; telephone number (212) 972-8010, fax (212) 983-4712.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  4, Airports w/paved runways:  4

Moroni – Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH/FMCH)
Moroni, Comoros, BP 1003, Moroni, COMOROS
Tel: +269 73 1593
Fax: +269 73 1468

US Dept. of State Travel Alert issued for COMOROS 12 August 2008 and expired October 12, 2008.
Please visit the US Dept. of State website for complete details:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4203.html

Comoros has experienced frequent strikes and civil unrest, resulting in violent clashes between police and demonstrators. Although foreign residents and visitors have not been targeted, the potential for further outbreaks of civil disorder remains high. U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Conditions are subject to rapid change on each of the three islands of the Comoros due to weak political institutions and a lack of economic development. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, if visiting or living in Comoros. While religions other than Islam are permitted in Comoros, evangelization is illegal. Violators of this law can be fined or imprisoned.

Infant MR total:  70.66 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 62.73 years  (male 60.37/female 65.15)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Malaria, Rabies, Malaria, Typhoid
Boosters: MMR, DPT, Polio

Malaria is prevalent in Comoros.
Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness) and Rift Valley fever are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. A number of rickettsial infections also occur in this region. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in fresh water in the region. Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers include tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B.

Medical facilities in Comoros are poorly equipped.

The East African Indian Ocean islands have seen a rise in the cases of Chikungunya, a viral dengue-like ailment, and dengue itself. There have been occurrences of measles in Comoros, with outbreaks of greater severity on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli.

Country Calling Code:  +269
Internet Country Code:  .km