Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Safety and Security
Comoros has experienced occasional strikes and civil unrest, resulting in violent clashes between police and demonstrators, and has a history of coups since becoming independent. We recommend that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution near demonstrations and avoid political rallies and street demonstrations as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
Conditions change rapidly on the islands of the Comoros due to weak political institutions and a lack of economic development. Reports of religious-based violence are rare.
Although foreign residents and visitors have not been targeted for violence, the potential for further outbreaks of civil disorder remains, and U.S. citizens should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant.
Running water and electric power are unreliable, even at the most upscale hotels on the islands, and nonexistent for the most part outside the few urban areas. Care should be taken to ensure that water is potable and that food is cleaned and properly cooked.