Travel Report for Comoros

Country Profile for
Comoros

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 17, 2006 16:24 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:46 EST

Comoros

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A minor editorial change has been done in section 13 of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

While most Canadian visitors to the

Comoros

do not experience problems, political instability, including frequent strikes and civil unrest, has plagued the islands. Police and demonstrators have clashed in the past, and further incidents are possible. Foreigners have not been targeted, but visitors should exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings. Canadians intending to visit the Comoros should contact the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (see Section 7 below), for the latest security information.

Petty crime is infrequent. Exercise caution in crowded outdoor markets, parks and beaches. Ensure personal belongings and documents are secure. Conservative dress is recommended, particularly for women. Shorts and revealing clothing should not be worn.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Most urban roads are paved, but many rural ones are not. Exercise extreme caution when driving at night. Emergency and roadside assistance is non-existent. In the event of an accident, travellers should proceed to the nearest police station. Taxis and car rentals are available.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

There are two seasons. It is hot and humid from November to April with possible cyclones and northeastern monsoons, and cooler and drier from May to October.

The

Comoros

are located in an active seismic and volcanic zone. The Karthala Volcano, situated on Grand Comoro Island, erupted on November 25, 2005. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

It is illegal to be inebriated in public. Convicted offenders are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no Canadian government office in the

Comoros

. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Tanzania - DAR ES SALAAM, High Commission of Canada
Address: 38 Mirambo Street, Corner Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel.: 255 (22) 211-2831/2/3/4/5/
Fax: 255 (22) 211-6896/7
E-mail: dslam@international.gc.ca

The Embassy of Canada in Paris, France, has consular responsibility for the island of Mayotte. The address is as follows:

France - PARIS, Embassy of Canada
Address: 35, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Tel.: 33 (1) 44-43-29-00
Fax: 33 (1) 44-43-29-86
E-mail: paris-consulaire@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/paris

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Comorian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 7, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Mission of the Union of Comoros, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the

Comoros

. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected return to

Canada

. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. The visa may be extended in Moroni. Canadians staying longer than three weeks will have to pay an additinal fee at the airport upon departure. An onward or return ticket is also required.

Tourist Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)
Business Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)
Student Visa: Required (available on or after arrival)

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Comorian franc (KMF). Credit cards are not widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Union of Comoros (capital: Moroni) comprises three islands (Grand Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli) located in the Mozambique Channel between

Mozambique

and

Madagascar

. The island of Mayotte, while claimed by the Government of the

Comoros

, remains a dependency of

France

. Tourist facilities are limited. Telecommunications are unreliable. Water shortages and power cuts occur. The official languages are French and Comoran, with different local dialects for each island (Shingazidja, Shimoili, and Shindzuani).

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are basic on Grande Comore and very poor on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli. Medical supplies and prescription medication are also limited.

You should only drink sealed bottled water unless specifically advised that tap water is safe.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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