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TRAVEL REPORT
Comoros

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Sections 6 and 7 have been updated (information on malaria updated and moved from section 7 to section 6).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Comoros

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

The security situation has improved following the political crisis of 2008. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, strikes and demonstrations,as they can turn violent without notice. They should also monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Although infrequent, petty crime such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching and theft from unlocked cars occurs. Exercise caution in crowded outdoor markets, parks and beaches. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents and documents are secure at all times. It is not recommended to walk alone at night.

Demonstrations

Political instability, including frequent strikes and civil unrest, has plagued the islands. Police and demonstrators have clashed in the past, and further incidents are possible. Foreigners have not been targeted, but visitors should exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings. Canadians intending to visit the Comoros should contact the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (see Section 5 below), for the latest security information.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

General Safety Information

Tourist facilities are limited. Telecommunications are unreliable. Water shortages and power cuts occur.

For emergency assistance, dial (269) 7734-663.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Comorian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Mission of the Union of Comoros, based in New York, New York (USA), for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Comoros. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. The visa may be extended in Moroni. An onward or return ticket is also required.

Tourist Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)
Business Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)
Student Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no Canadian government office in the Comoros. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Tanzania - DAR ES SALAAM, High Commission of Canada
Address: 38 Mirambo Street, Corner Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1022, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
Tel.: 255 (22) 216-3300
Fax: 255 (22) 211-6897
E-Mail: dslam@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.tanzania.gc.ca

The Embassy of Canada in Paris, France, has consular responsibility for the island of Mayotte. The address is as follows:

France - PARIS, Embassy of Canada
Address: 35, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Tel.: 33 (1) 44 43 29 00 / Consular services: 33 (1) 44 43 29 02
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 33 (1) 44 43 29 86
E-Mail: paris-consulaire@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.France.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are basic on Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli. Medical supplies and prescription medication are limited and the frequent interruption of electricity and water supplies can affect hospitals.

Cholera

Cholera is common in the Comoros. Only drink boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice cubes.  Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

It is illegal to be inebriated in public. Convicted offenders are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.

There are strict penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Conservative dress is recommended, particularly for women. Shorts and revealing clothing should not be worn.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Although most urban roads are paved, many rural roads are not. Exercise extreme caution when driving at night. Emergency and roadside assistance is non-existent. In the event of an accident, travellers should proceed to the nearest police station. Taxis and car rentals are available.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Sea Travel

It is possible to travel between the islands by boat. You should avoid boats that are in poor condition or overcrowded, as there have been incidents of boats capsizing in the past.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Comorian franc (KMF). Credit cards are not widely accepted. Banking facilities are minimal, with only one established bank on Grande Comore.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

There are two seasons: the hot and humid season (November to April) with possible cyclones and northeastern monsoons; and the dry season (May to October).

The Comoros are located in an active seismic and volcanic zone. The Karthala Volcano, situated on Grande Comore Island, erupted on January 12, 2007. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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