Packing list for the Comoros, travel insurance for the Comoros and taking your belongings

What to take to the Comoros: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. A visa is available upon arrival for many travelers, but always check the current rules and ensure you have cash (euros or US dollars) with you for payment for the visa. The local currency is the Comorian franc (KMF). Credit cards are accepted to a limited extent and ATMs are scarce. Bring sufficient cash, preferably euros, for exchange.
• Clothing: light, breathable clothing for the tropical climate, but do take the Islamic culture into account. Covering clothing is mandatory outside of tourist beaches. Women, in particular, benefit from clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
• Shoes: sturdy sandals or flip-flops for daily use. Good hiking boots are useful for volcano hikes, for example on the active volcano Karthala.
• Packing and protecting: waterproof bags for electronics and documents. Tropical rain showers can be heavy. Insects and animals: a good mosquito repellent (preferably DEET), long, light clothing, and possibly a mosquito net.
• Sleeping: your own mosquito net is handy if you are staying outside the larger hotels.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: to bring a comprehensive travel first-aid kit is wise. Not all medicines are easily available locally. Think of ORS, plasters, painkillers, disinfectant, and remedies for diarrhea.
• Outdoors and handy items: sunglasses, a cap or hat, and a reusable water bottle.
• Technology and equipment: the Comoros mainly use type C and E sockets. European plugs usually fit without problems; in other cases, a universal adapter is important. A flashlight/headlamp and power bank are useful in case of power outages.
• Safety and theft: a money belt or a safe place to store your passport and cash can be useful.
• Personal care and hygiene: reef-safe sunscreen with a high protection factor. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes can also come in handy. 
• Women: if you use tampons, menstrual cups, or specific menstrual products, bring sufficient supplies. On the smaller islands, the selection is limited and products are not always available.

To consider

• Snorkel set for the coral reefs.
• Waterproof phone case or underwater camera.
• Gifts or photos from home; the local population is known for being friendly and curious about visitors.

Are there mosquitoes in the Comoros?

• Mosquitoes are one of the main reasons to bring good insect protection to the Comoros. The Comoros are located in a tropical area where mosquitoes are present all year round.
• Additionally, malaria occurs in the Comoros, as well as dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• A combination of mosquito repellent, a mosquito net, protective clothing, and possibly a mosquito net is therefore highly recommended.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects or malaria.

Are there sandflies in the Comoros?

• Sandflies can be found along beaches, in coastal areas, and around mangroves. They are especially active around sunrise and sunset.
• Their bites are often more annoying than you would expect based on their size and they can transfer leishmaniasis.
• Your mosquito repellent kit can help protect against sandflies.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in the Comoros?

• Yes, but the selection is limited.
• Mosquito repellents are available in the capital, Moroni, and a few larger towns, but not always in the concentration or form you are used to.
• Therefore, bring enough of your own supply.

Can you buy a joint or weed, or bring it to the Comoros?

• Cannabis is illegal in the Comoros, and possessing, using, selling, or importing it can lead to significant legal problems and severe penalties.