Practical information

Plan your trip

Formalities, seasons, transport, health, budget: everything you need to know before leaving for the archipelago.

Getting there Airports, airlines and air routes to Grande Comore and Mayotte. Visas & formalities Passport, visa on arrival for the Union of the Comoros, specific rules for Mayotte. When to go? A tropical climate, a dry season from May to October, whales from July to October. Getting around Flights and boats between the islands, shared taxis, car hire, the Mayotte barge. Health & safety Vaccinations, malaria, water, sun, insurance and safety advice. Money & budget Comorian franc and euro, cash machines, bank cards and price levels. Where to stay Hotels, ecolodges, guesthouses and homestays on all four islands. Languages & etiquette Shikomori, French and Arabic, dress, photos, Ramadan: the keys to a respectful trip.

The archipelago at a glance

The archipelago brings together two administrative realities: the Union of the Comoros (Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan), an independent state whose currency is the Comorian franc, and Mayotte, a French department where you pay in euros. Going from one to the other means crossing a border: always keep your passport with you.

Distances are short but connections are sometimes unpredictable. The secret of a successful trip: book inter-island flights early, keep a few spare days and let yourself be carried along by the unhurried rhythm of the islands.

To go further, discover the geography, history and culture of the archipelago.