🇰🇲 Comoros visa requirements

Most nationalities get visa-free entry to Comoros for 30 days. If you’re from a country not on the list, you’ll likely get a visa on arrival. It’s not complicated, but you do need to know the specifics before you book your flight.

Who can skip the visa queue?

For many travellers, Comoros is refreshingly straightforward. Passport holders from the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. That’s the bulk of Western travellers sorted.

Then there’s a second group. If you’re from a country not listed above, don't panic. Most of these nationalities can get a visa on arrival, also for 30 days. This covers a lot of Africa and some Asian countries. You’ll pay a small fee, usually around $30 USD, for this. Just be prepared to pay in cash.

There are a few countries that require you to get a visa before you arrive. This list is short, but it’s worth double-checking if you’re from, say, a few specific African nations or parts of the Middle East. If you fall into this category, you’ll need to contact the Comorian embassy or consulate in your region well in advance. Expect processing times to vary.

How long can you actually stay?

The standard tourist allowance is 30 days, and for most people, that’s enough. The real gotcha here isn’t getting the initial entry; it’s what happens if you decide to stay longer. Overstaying your welcome is frowned upon, and penalties can add up. While exact figures are hard to pin down and enforcement can be inconsistent, expect fines that can range from $10 to $20 USD per day of overstay. More serious overstays could lead to detention or deportation.

Crucially, make sure you get an exit stamp when you leave. Some travellers have reported issues on subsequent entries if they didn't have proper documentation of their departure from previous visits. If you plan on leaving and coming back quickly, understand the rules around double-entry. Comoros doesn't typically have a strict "no re-entry within X days" policy for tourists, but it’s always wise to confirm with immigration officials upon arrival, especially if you’re on a visa-on-arrival basis.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp?

Here’s the common digital nomad question: can you work remotely on a tourist visa or visa-free entry? Officially, the answer is usually no. Tourist visas are for leisure, not for employment, even if that employment is with a company in another country. However, enforcement in Comoros is generally light. You’re unlikely to be actively searched for your laptop and work setup at immigration.

The grey area is that as long as you’re not taking local jobs or conducting business within Comoros that’s visible to authorities, most remote workers get by without issue. Just be discreet. Don’t set up a permanent office in a cafe and expect no one to notice. If you plan a very long stay or intend to engage in any business activities locally, you should investigate specific business visa options. For short-term stays, most remote workers operate on the tourist allowance without incident.

What’s new in Comoros immigration?

Comoros has been making some moves to streamline its entry process. The big development over the last year or so has been the introduction of an eVisa system. This is a game-changer for those who previously had to secure visas in person or through embassies. The eVisa is generally for tourist purposes and aims to speed up the application process for nationalities that require a pre-arranged visa.

The fees associated with visas and border crossings have seen some adjustments. While the $30 visa-on-arrival fee seems to remain standard for many, keep an eye out for small increases or changes in accepted currencies. They are also working on improving border control technology, which may mean more organised processing but also a stricter adherence to rules. It's always a good idea to check the official Comorian immigration website or contact an airline before your trip for the most up-to-date information on fees and procedures.