🇰🇲 Comoros visa for United States citizens

Most nationalities get a visa on arrival for Comoros. Some need pre-approval. Don't expect Comoros to be a digital nomad hotspot; it's more of a quick stopover or transit point.

Who Can Just Walk In?

For most travellers, getting into Comoros is straightforward. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia can all get a visa on arrival. So can passport holders from many African nations, and even some from Asia like China and India. You'll get a stamp in your passport for a short stay, usually 30 days.

There are a few countries whose citizens must apply for a visa beforehand. These are less common travellers to Comoros. If you're from one of these nations, you'll need to contact the Comorian embassy or consulate in your region well in advance of your trip. Expect processing times to vary. Always check with the nearest Comorian diplomatic mission for the most current list and procedures.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

The standard visa on arrival gets you 30 days in Comoros. This is often extendable. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Moroni, or the main town on each island, to apply for an extension. Expect to pay a fee for each extension, and they might only grant them in 15 or 30-day increments.

Here's where it gets tricky. Some travellers report issues with exit stamps. Ensure you get a clear exit stamp when you leave. Double-entry rules can also be a problem; if you leave and try to re-enter within the same visa period, you might be considered a new entry and charged again, or denied re-entry. Overstaying is where you'll really feel the pinch. While official fines aren't widely published, expect to pay a penalty, potentially €20 to €50 per day, and you could be detained or deported. Stick to your visa dates religiously.

Working Remotely on Tourist Visa

Comoros doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa. So, can you work remotely on a tourist stamp? Technically, no. Most tourist visas prohibit any form of employment or business activity. However, enforcement on Comoros for remote workers is pretty lax. You're unlikely to be questioned about your laptop use in a hotel or cafe.

The reality is that authorities are more concerned with people trying to work locally or engage in illegal activities. As long as you're not trying to solicit business or employment from Comorian residents, you'll probably be fine. Just be aware that if you were questioned, you wouldn't have a legal leg to stand on. It's a grey area, and you're operating at your own risk.

What's New in Comoros Immigration?

Comoros has been talking about an eVisa for a while. While it hasn't fully rolled out for all nationalities, there have been moves towards digitizing the process. Some reports suggest certain nationalities can now apply online, though verification of this is difficult. Fees for visas and extensions have seen minor adjustments over the last year.

Expect the most consistent updates to come from the immigration desk at the airport upon arrival. They'll have the most current fee structure. Don't rely solely on outdated online information. If you're planning a trip, checking with your airline or a local contact in Moroni a few weeks before departure is your best bet for real-time information on fees and procedures.