Comoros

Recommended Vaccinations For Comoros

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Rabies Vaccine

Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities that may bring them in direct contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Comoros

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Comoros

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Comoros through contaminated food or water.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Comoros.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in this country.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Comoros, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in the Comoros in bats.

Malaria

All areas of this country are at risk for malaria.

Safety & Security in Comoros

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert in your personal surroundings and safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Exercise caution in crowded market areas, beaches, and parks.

Comoros is a liberal Muslim country. Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs, including at the beach. It is considered disrespectful to expose much of the body, so shoulders, knees, and midriff areas should be covered.

Violent crime generally does not occur.

Essential services, such as running water and electricity, are not reliable even at the best of hotels. Outside urban areas, essential services may not exist. Follow strict food and water precautions.

Exercise caution when driving as road conditions may be poor, roads may be unlit at night and rural roads may be unpaved.

If sailing in the area, be aware that piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Transportation by boat is available among the three islands but can be dangerous due to overloading, poor mechanical condition, and lack of life vests.

Taking photos of military or governmental installations is prohibited.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex behaviour is prohibited.

Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Comoros is at risk for earthquakes. It is also at risk for volcanos, cyclones and monsoons (November-April).

Extreme Violence

Although there have been no terrorist attacks in the recent past, the threat of terrorism cannot be ruled out.

Political Unrest

This country has experienced political instability since 1976. There are occasional strikes or protests in Comoros, and some have become violent. Always avoid public gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful gatherings can become confrontational and violent.

Areas To Avoid

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.