Safety in Comoros

Overall: Comorians are peaceable and serious incidents are rare. The main rule is simply not to produce a thick roll of notes in a crowded place.

Malaria: This is the real health threat across the archipelago. Take prophylaxis seriously and sleep under a net every single night without exception.

The ocean: Currents can be strong and deceptive even close to shore. Swim only where locals swim and do not head out into open water.

The volcano: Karthala is active and its status needs checking before you set off. Always take a licensed guide who knows both the safe routes and the weather.

After dark: Streets are poorly lit, so take a taxi once the sun goes down. That is as much about broken pavements as about anything else.

Health: Drink bottled water and wash fruit carefully. Medical care is basic, so carry a kit including antibiotics, and read your own government's travel advisory before you go.

The Comoros is an archipelago between Mozambique and Madagascar, among the least visited countries in the world. Street crime is low and tourists are almost absent.

Moroni. Petty theft at the market. Nights are broadly calm, though lighting is scarce.

Taxis. Shared taxis are the local norm, at low fares fixed by route. Agree in advance.

"Guides." At the Karthala crater and on the beaches, guides are offered. Agree in figures.

Between the islands. Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli are linked by planes and boats. Boat services can be overloaded and unsafe, and flights are cancelled. Fly if you can and leave slack.

Currency exchange. The Comorian franc is pegged to the euro. Change at banks, of which there are few.

Cash. Cards barely work. Bring euros in cash.

Political instability. The country has been through many coups. Conditions can change and the airport has closed. Follow the news.

Photography. Military installations, police, the presidential palace, the airport and the port are off limits.

Drones. Permission is required.

Alcohol. The country is Muslim: alcohol is sold in certain hotels and restaurants for foreigners, but public consumption is unacceptable.

Dress. Modest dress is required, especially on Anjouan, which is more conservative. Women should cover shoulders and knees, with swimwear only on hotel beaches.

Ramadan. Strictly observed.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Mayotte. The neighbouring island is a French overseas department, a separate jurisdiction requiring its own visa. The Comoros claims it and the subject is politically charged.

Malaria. Risk on all the islands, higher in the November-to-April rains. Prophylaxis is essential.

Dengue and chikungunya. Outbreaks have occurred.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies. A yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries.

Water. Bottled only.

Mount Karthala. One of the world's largest active volcanoes, with eruptions occurring. Climb with a guide and after checking the volcano's status.

The sea. Currents are strong and there are no lifeguards. The reefs are beautiful, but there is no hyperbaric chamber on the islands.

Cyclones. The season runs November to April.

Healthcare is extremely weak. Among the worst systems in the region. Anything serious means evacuation to Mayotte or Réunion. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency numbers: 17 police.

The Comoros ranks low on the Corruption Perceptions Index, but street crime against tourists is low.

Police. Few in number; the languages are Comorian, French and Arabic. English is little spoken.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; the process is slow.

Political periods. During tension, stay in your accommodation.

Attitude to visitors. Warm; tourists are very few and interest is sincere.

What actually matters. The Comoros's main risks are malaria, the absence of healthcare, the volcano and inter-island logistics. Crime is far from first on the list.

Emergency number is 17.