The Union of the Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. With a total area of 1,861 square kilometres, it is home to around 666,000 inhabitants. Around 50,000 of these live in Moroni, the capital of the Comoros.
Highlights of the Comoros
Among the highlights of the Comoros is the capital, Moroni. In this tranquil city with its narrow alleys and spacious squares, many attractions can be discovered, such as the city’s numerous mosques. Thanks to its location in the Indian Ocean, the Comoros offers many opportunities for beach and diving holidays. One of the particularly popular beaches is the bathing beach near Itsandra. For divers, the coast near Mitsamiouli is a popular destination.
Location and climate of the Comoros
The island nation of the Comoros lies in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique. The Comoros consists of four main islands: Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mayotte and Mohéli. All the islands of the Comoros are of volcanic origin.
The national language of the Comoros is Comorian. Arabic and French are also official languages of the country. Around 95% of the population of the Comoros are Muslim. The Ismailis and Christians form a religious minority in the country. The climate on the Comoros is tropical, with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The heaviest rainfall is usually in January. In addition to the heavy rainfall during the rainy season, strong winds blow, which can develop into tropical cyclones between January and April. The average annual temperature on the Comoros is around 25°C. March is the warmest month, with temperatures reaching up to 31°C. In August, temperatures drop to as low as 19°C. Despite the heavy rainfall and occasional violent storms during the rainy season, the Comoros is worth visiting all year round.
Arrival and entry
The Comoros’ international airport is located around 25 kilometres from the capital, Moroni. This airport can be reached, among other ways, by direct flights from Frankfurt Airport. From there, onward travel is possible by taxi or bus. In addition to by air, the islands of the Comoros can also be reached by ship.
German nationals require a passport valid for at least six months and a visa to enter the Comoros. The visa can be applied for in advance at the Comorian embassy in Paris. However, tourists can also obtain a 45-day visa on arrival. It is not possible to extend this visa. To obtain the visa, a return ticket is required and the fee must be paid in euros on site. In addition, travellers must have sufficient funds. A daily allowance of €60 per tourist is calculated. If a longer stay is planned, visas valid for up to one or ten years are also available. However, the fees for these, at €250 and €500 respectively, are significantly higher than for standard tourist visas.
