🇰🇲 Comoros visa requirements

Most passports get 45 days on arrival, visa-free. Some need advance approval, but it's rarely enforced on entry.

Who gets in visa-free, and who doesn't?

For digital nomads, Comoros is mostly a walk-in situation. Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia get 45 days on arrival, no questions asked. That’s a pretty solid chunk of time to explore. Other nationalities often fall into the "visa on arrival" category too, meaning you still just show up, pay the on-arrival fee at the counter, and get stamped in for that same 45-day period. Bring cash for it, in USD or Euros.

The list of countries that actually require a pre-arranged visa before arrival is short and frankly, not a huge concern for the typical remote worker. If you're from one of those few nations, you'll need to apply through a Comorian embassy or consulate. But for the vast majority of people reading this, it’s just a matter of showing up at the airport in Moroni. The key is that even if your country is listed as needing a visa, they often just issue you the visa on arrival anyway. It’s more of a formality than a strict rule for most.

How long can you actually stay?

That 45-day visa-free or visa-on-arrival stamp is usually your starting point. You can extend it. That means going to the immigration office in Moroni and applying, typically for another 45 days. The process is bureaucratic, involving paperwork and an extension fee that the immigration office sets and quotes you when you apply. Go with time in hand; this is not a same-hour errand.

Don't just overstay. While enforcement can be lax, especially outside the capital, if you do get caught, the penalties add up. A fine accrues for each day you are over and it is settled at the airport before they stamp you out, so an overstay is something you pay for on your way to the gate. More importantly, it can lead to issues with future entries or even deportation, and that outlasts the fine. Also, be aware of double-entry rules. If you leave Comoros and plan to come back, you might need a specific double-entry visa, or you could find yourself needing a new visa on arrival, potentially using up another chunk of your allowed time. Always get an exit stamp when you leave, even if it's just for a day trip to a neighbouring island.

What’s new with Comoros visas?

Comoros has been making some moves to streamline entry. In the past couple of years, there's been talk and some implementation of an eVisa system. This aims to allow certain nationalities to apply for their visa online before arrival, potentially saving time at the airport. However, the rollout has been gradual, and its effectiveness and widespread availability for all passport types can still be inconsistent. Check the official immigration website or contact an embassy before you travel to see if the eVisa is an option for you.

Fees have also seen some adjustments. The visa-on-arrival fee and the extension fee are both set by the immigration department and have moved over the years, so take the current amounts from them or from your embassy rather than from a trip report. There haven't been any major suspensions or drastic changes to the core visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for major Western countries recently. The biggest shift is the potential for online applications through the eVisa portal, making the process theoretically smoother.