Sub Saharan Africa

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see Terrorism abroad.

The three islands which make up the Union of the Comoros, are generally crime-free, but you should take sensible precautions against pickpocketing and mugging.  You should not walk around town centres unaccompanied at night.  Safeguard valuables and cash.  Deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Comoros Country Profile

The Comoros Archipelago consists of four main islands: the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli which form the Union of Comoros, and the island of Mayotte (a French overseas territory).

Following disputed Presidential Elections in June 2007 on Anjouan, the Union of Comoros and the African Union sent a military intervention force in March 2008 to remove the self-proclaimed President Col Mohamed Bacar and restore the status quo.  Bacar escaped the island with a number of his close associates and after a period of detention on Mayotte and Reunion remains in exile in Benin. Elections were held in June 2008. Moussa Toybou was elected President.

As a result of its colonial history and the ongoing political debate regarding the separate status of Mayotte, there are regular reports of demonstrations and anti-French sentiment throughout Comoros.

National Legislative Assembly Elections are due to take place over two rounds on 29 November and 13 December respectively. Visitors should avoid any crowds or political gatherings which may occur during this period. It is always advisable for travellers to monitor local media to keep abreast of local developments/the situation during their stay.

Facilities on Anjouan are basic; visitors to the island usually stay at a hotel in Mutsamudu.  Moheli has few facilities for tourists.   On Grande Comore (also known as Ngadijza) there are a few hotels of an acceptable standard in or near the capital Moroni.

Always remain vigilant and keep a low profile when moving around

On Grande Comore, the main round-island road is of a reasonable standard, but some other roads are in a poor condition.

You may use either a UK or International driving licence for up to three months.  You should consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Tel: 00 269 744 100 or E-mail: mirexcab@yahoo.fr) if an extension is required.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

You can travel between the three islands by air.  The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

On 30 June 2009 a Yemeni airliner flying from Sanaa to Moroni crashed in the Indian Ocean near the Comoros islands. There were over 150 passengers on board.  No British nationals were involved.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Mariners should be aware that there is the possibility of attacks against ships and yachts in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast.  Piracy remains a problem.  

You can travel between the three islands by boat.  You should exercise care at all times when travelling by boat and avoid travel on vessels that are clearly overloaded, in poor condition or do not have life jackets available, as overloaded ferries have capsized in Comoran waters, sometimes with significant loss of life.

 

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.