Complete Guide to Comoros: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Welcome to the ultimate Complete Guide to Comoros — the “Perfume Isles” of the Indian Ocean. Famous for vanilla, ylang-ylang, and clove production, pristine turquoise lagoons, and one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Mount Karthala), Comoros offers adventure and untouched beauty with the easiest entry policy in Africa: free 45-day visa-on-arrival for everyone. This guide covers everything you need.
Mount Karthala & Indian Ocean paradise – Comoros 2025
Introduction
The Union of the Comoros is an archipelago of four main islands between Madagascar and the East African coast. It is the world’s largest producer of ylang-ylang and second-largest vanilla exporter. With a population of ~900,000 and GDP growing at 4–5% (2025 forecast), Comoros is positioning itself as an eco-tourism and perfume-ingredient hub.
Independence & Key Facts
Independence from France: July 6, 1975
Capital: Moroni (Grande Comore)
President: Azali Assoumani (re-elected May 2024)
Currency: Comorian Franc (KMF) – €1 ≈ 492 KMF (fixed)
Visa – Easiest Entry in Africa
All nationalities receive a free 45-day tourist visa on arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) or any seaport. Just present:
- Passport valid 6 months
- Return/onward ticket
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
Extension possible in Moroni for another 45 days (small fee).
Top Places to Visit in Comoros
- Mount Karthala – Africa’s most active volcano (hiking & crater lake)
- Mohéli Marine Park – Whale sharks Aug–Nov, turtles, diving
- Itsandra & Chomoni Beach – White-sand lagoons
- Iconi & Mitsamiouli – Traditional Swahili villages
- Lac Salé (Salt Lake) on Grande Comore
- Anjouan perfume distilleries (ylang-ylang tours)
- Moheli’s Livingstone Falls & rainforest
Investment Opportunities
Register via ANPI-Comoros (online in days). Incentives include 10-year tax holidays in tourism SEZ.
- Vanilla & cloves – 2nd & 3rd global exporter
- Ylang-ylang essential oil – supplies Chanel, Dior
- Eco-lodges & diving resorts
- Renewable energy (geothermal from Karthala)
President & Politics
President Azali Assoumani won May 2024 election with 63%. Comoros is a federal Islamic republic. Freedom House: “Partly Free”.
SIM Card & Connectivity
Buy Comores Telecom or Telma SIM at airport (500–1,000 KMF). 10GB bundle ≈ 10,000 KMF.
Safety & Tips
- Generally safe; petty theft rare
- Best time: May–November (dry season)
- Fly via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Addis
- French & Shikomori widely spoken; some English in hotels
Conclusion
Comoros remains one of the world’s last unspoiled island destinations — with the easiest visa policy in Africa. Whether you’re coming for volcano hikes, whale sharks, or vanilla plantation investment, this Complete Guide to Comoros has you covered. Need to reach the islands quickly? KiliFlying Air offers charter connections from Tanzania, Kenya, or Madagascar. Contact us at +255 744 303 141.