Komoren
Telefonvorwahl
+269
Hauptstadt
Moroni
Bevölkerung
870.000
Einheimischer Name
Komori
Region
Africa
Eastern Africa
Zeitzone
East Africa Time
UTC+03:00
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The Union of the Comoros, an archipelagic island nation in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, comprises three islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Mohéli (Mwali)—plus numerous smaller islands, offering travelers a unique blend of African, Arab, and French cultural influences set among volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, coral reefs, and remarkable biodiversity. Known as the Perfume Islands for their historic production of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, the Comoros attracts visitors seeking unspoiled natural beauty, rare wildlife including the living fossil coelacanth found in deep waters off the islands, endemic species like Livingstone's fruit bats, volcanic crater lakes, traditional Swahili-Arab architecture, and authentic cultural experiences far from mass tourism. The country's immigration system is notably welcoming, offering visa-on-arrival for nationals of all countries at the affordable cost of €30 for tourist visits up to 45 days, making the Comoros one of the most accessible destinations in terms of entry requirements. This straightforward visa policy reflects the nation's desire to develop tourism as an economic pillar while maintaining the islands' character as an off-the-beaten-path destination. Understanding the Comoros' visa procedures, entry requirements, and extension possibilities is essential for travelers planning visits to explore Mount Karthala active volcano, dive pristine coral reefs, experience traditional village life, discover unique endemic flora and fauna, or simply relax on deserted beaches in this Indian Ocean island paradise.
Comoros Visa & Immigration System Overview
The Comoros operates one of the world's most straightforward visa systems, offering visa-on-arrival to nationals of every country without advance applications, embassy visits, or complex documentation requirements for tourist stays. Upon arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (Hahaya) on Grande Comore or Ouani Airport on Anjouan, travelers proceed to visa-on-arrival counters where immigration officials issue tourist visas for €30 (cash payment in euros required, though some report accepting U.S. dollars), valid for 45 days of stay with single entry. The process typically takes only minutes, requiring presentation of valid passports with at least six months remaining validity, proof of return or onward travel (airline tickets), accommodation details such as hotel reservations or invitation letters from hosts, and sufficient funds to cover the intended stay. Unlike many destinations, the Comoros does not currently operate an electronic visa or e-visa system, so all tourist visas are issued physically upon arrival. For stays exceeding the 45-day visa-on-arrival period, travelers must obtain long-stay visas requiring advance applications through Comorian embassies or consulates, with fees of €255 and more comprehensive documentation including purpose of extended stay, financial evidence, accommodation arrangements, and potentially police clearances. Transit passengers departing within 24 hours can obtain free transit visas if they need to leave the airport, though most international connections do not require leaving the terminal. The visa system distinguishes between short tourist visits (handled entirely on arrival), extended stays requiring advance long-stay visa applications, work and residence permits for those employed in the Comoros, and business visits which can often use tourist visas for brief commercial activities or apply for business visas when substantial local engagement is planned. Comoros' visa policy simplicity stands in sharp contrast to most African nations, eliminating common barriers like mandatory advance applications, visa fees payable only at specific locations, or nationality-based restrictions, instead welcoming all travelers with equal treatment at arrival. This accessibility combined with the islands' relative isolation and limited tourist infrastructure creates unique opportunities for authentic experiences in one of the world's least-visited yet naturally stunning destinations.
Gängige Visumtypen
Visa on Arrival (Tourist)
Tourism, leisure travel, visiting family and friends, exploring islands' natural attractions including Mount Karthala volcano, beaches, coral reefs, and marine life, cultural experiences, and temporary visits not involving employment or business establishment. Available to nationals of all countries upon arrival at international airports (Prince Said Ibrahim on Grande Comore, Ouani on Anjouan). No advance application required. Issued at immigration counters immediately after passport control. Payment of €30 in cash (euros preferred, U.S. dollars sometimes accepted) required at visa desk. Must present valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining, proof of return or onward travel (airline tickets), accommodation details (hotel reservation or invitation letter from Comorian host), and declaration of sufficient funds for stay. Processing typically takes 5-15 minutes. Immigration officials may ask purpose of visit and intended destinations within Comoros. Travelers should carry printed confirmations of accommodations and return flights to facilitate smooth processing. Single entry only. Extensions possible through immigration offices in Moroni for additional fees
Transit Visa
Short transit through Comoros when traveling to another destination and needing to leave the airport during layover or stopover. Required only if exiting airport terminal; travelers remaining in international transit areas do not need visas. Free of charge for stays up to 24 hours. Must present passport, tickets to final destination showing departure within 24 hours, and visa for next country if required. Issued at arrival immigration. Allows leaving airport to visit Moroni briefly during longer layovers or staying overnight in hotels near airport before continuing journey. Not suitable for any tourism activities beyond immediate transit area. If transit extends beyond 24 hours or traveler wishes to explore the islands properly, regular tourist visa recommended
Long-Stay Visa
Extended visits exceeding 45 days for purposes including long-term tourism, extended family visits, volunteer work with local organizations, research projects, educational programs, business setup reconnaissance, or other activities requiring presence beyond tourist visa validity. Cannot be obtained on arrival; must be applied for in advance through Comorian embassies (Paris is primary location for most nationalities) or consulates before travel. Requirements include completed long-stay visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and blank pages, multiple passport photographs, detailed explanation of purpose for extended stay, proof of accommodation for entire duration (lease agreements, hotel bookings, or host letters), comprehensive financial evidence (bank statements showing sufficient funds for extended period), police clearance certificates from countries of residence, health certificates from authorized physicians, and visa fee of €255. Processing times vary by embassy but typically require 2-4 weeks. Embassies may request additional documentation based on stated purpose of visit. Holders should check with immigration upon arrival regarding any residence permit requirements for very long stays
Business Visa
Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, attending trade shows, exploring investment opportunities, market research, establishing business relationships, and commercial activities not constituting employment. Short-term business visitors (under 45 days) can often use standard tourist visa-on-arrival if activities limited to meetings and networking. For more substantial business engagement, advance business visa application recommended through Comorian embassies. Requires business invitation letter from Comorian company or organization, company registration documents, letter from home country employer describing business purpose, proof of business activities and financial means, and business visa fees. Multiple entry options may be available for frequent business travelers. Suitable for those negotiating contracts, assessing investment projects in agriculture, fishing, tourism development, or other sectors, attending business conferences, or establishing import-export relationships. Business visas do not permit employment; separate work permits required for actual employment
Work Permit
Employment in Comoros for foreign nationals with job offers from Comorian employers, international organizations operating in Comoros, NGOs, development projects, or foreign companies with local operations. Requires employer sponsorship with employer initiating application through Ministry of Labor or relevant government department. Documentation includes employment contract specifying position, salary, and duration; employer's business registration and tax compliance; proof of employee qualifications and professional experience; justification that position cannot be filled by Comorian national; medical certificates from approved physicians; police clearance certificates from countries of previous residence; passport copies and photographs; and work permit fees. Common for positions in fishing industry, tourism sector management, development projects (funded by international organizations), teaching positions in international schools or higher education, technical specialists in infrastructure projects, and healthcare professionals. Work permits typically valid for one year renewable annually subject to continued employment. Holders must register with immigration and may need residence permits depending on stay duration. Changing employers requires new work permit application
Residence Permit
Long-term residence authorization for foreign nationals intending to live in Comoros for extended periods including retirees, spouses of Comorian nationals, long-term workers, investors, or those establishing permanent homes on the islands. Application typically follows initial entry on long-stay visa or work permit. Requirements vary by category but generally include application forms, valid passport and entry visa, proof of accommodation (property ownership or long-term lease), evidence of financial means to support residence (pension income, investment income, employment, or business ownership), police clearances, medical examinations, photographs, and residence permit fees. Spouses of Comorian nationals have facilitated pathways requiring marriage certificate, spouse's Comorian citizenship proof, and evidence of genuine relationship. Investors or business owners may obtain residence permits based on substantial investment in Comorian economy or business establishment creating employment. Retirees with stable foreign income may apply demonstrating pension or investment income sufficient for self-support. Residence permits generally issued for one to three years renewable periodically. Long-term residents may eventually apply for permanent residence or citizenship through naturalization after extended continuous residence
Student Visa
Studies at Comorian educational institutions including University of Comoros, vocational schools, language programs, or research programs at local institutions. Relatively uncommon due to limited higher education infrastructure, but available for foreign students accepted into Comorian programs or conducting academic research in fields like marine biology, volcanology, endemic species studies, or anthropology. Application requires acceptance letter from Comorian educational institution, proof of payment of tuition or scholarship documentation, evidence of financial means to cover living expenses and education costs, accommodation arrangements, police clearances, medical certificates, academic transcripts and qualifications, and student visa fees. Applications processed through Comorian embassies before travel. Students must maintain enrollment status and make satisfactory academic progress for visa validity. Part-time employment generally not permitted on student visas. Upon completing studies, students must depart unless transitioning to other visa categories such as work permits if securing local employment
Essential Information for Comoros Visitors
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