Comoros

Scope and responsible authorities

This guide is for owners and crew planning to visit Comoros by private yacht. The Comoros 2016 Merchant Shipping Code requires vessels covered by its ocean-going vessel provisions to report to the harbourmaster before entering or leaving port. The master must also confirm arrival and request entry permission at least 6 hours before ETA. Permission depends on compliance with navigation safety, health, customs and port rules. The provisions do not expressly state here whether private yachts fall within the defined ocean-going vessel category. Before sailing, confirm applicable procedures, processing locations and documents directly with the destination harbourmaster/maritime agent.

Ports of entry

Article 235 of the Comoros Merchant Shipping Code requires vessels to request port-entry permission from the intended port's harbourmaster. Customs legislation for vessels arriving from foreign ports requires declarations and inspections at authority-designated ports. Public legislation does not provide a verified complete list of ports offering all customs, immigration and health formalities for foreign private yachts. Before sailing, obtain written confirmation of receiving capability and designated anchorage from the intended port/agent.

For ocean-going vessels (navire au long cours), the Merchant Shipping Code requires submission to the harbourmaster at least 72 hours ahead of vessel name, owner, flag, dimensions/draught/tonnage, ETA, previous port and other details. Article 235 separately requires reconfirmation and a request for entry permission no later than 6 hours before ETA. The legislation does not clarify whether the 72-hour rule applies to foreign private pleasure yachts. Confirm applicable deadlines and reporting channels directly with the intended port, and prepare vessel name, flag, dimensions, draught, previous port and ETA.

Foreign nationals entering Comoros need valid travel documents and Comorian visas. Law No. 88-025, published on the Ministry of Justice website, provides for transit visas of up to five days issued at airports or ports and tourist visas of up to 45 days. However, the text is old and provides neither current private-yacht crew procedures nor confirmation that every port can issue visas. UK government travel advice also says visas are required and available at entry points, but this is not a yacht-specific procedure. Before sailing, yacht visitors should confirm port acceptance, visa arrangements and crew formalities with Comorian immigration/interior authorities or a diplomatic mission and the intended port. Airport visa-on-arrival information does not establish availability at any port.

Customs for vessels and onboard stores

The Comoros Customs Code provides relevant customs treatment for foreign vessels' food and stores reasonably required for the voyage and retained aboard. If landed in the customs territory, they must be declared and processed as prescribed. The Code also has a general goods temporary-import regime, normally requiring prior approval; its maximum period does not mean yachts are automatically admitted. Current public legislation does not establish a foreign-yacht-specific temporary-import, guarantee or re-export procedure. Before arrival, obtain written customs confirmation of the separate formalities for the vessel itself and onboard stores.

Quarantine and biosecurity

Comorian food and plant-protection legislation imposes import conditions concerning infected animals/animal products, meat health certificates and plant quarantine. Environmental law also restricts introducing non-native live species to the islands. Public legislation does not provide a complete simplified regime for foreign private-yacht crew baggage, ship's food stores or pets. Before departure, ask port health/quarantine authorities how to handle onboard food, plants, pets and waste. Do not land them before authorisation.

Prohibited and restricted items

The Customs Code requires permits for certain goods/transit items, including particular firearms and protected-species-related goods. These cargo rules do not establish an exemption for onboard personal-use weapons or equipment. Yacht-specific rules for spear guns, pyrotechnics, drones, personal controlled medicines and large amounts of cash remain unverified. Before carrying such items, obtain written advice from customs, interior/defence or environmental authorities according to item type, quantity and purpose.

Port formalities

Article 235 of the Merchant Shipping Code requires the master to confirm arrival and request entry permission from the harbourmaster. Article 236 sets out entry/departure declaration contents, including a general declaration, crew and passenger lists, voyage information, ship's stores, personal effects and a Maritime Declaration of Health. It does not detail each office, duty hours or document format for small private yachts. Confirm forms, anchorage, inspection sequence, whether an agent is required and out-of-hours arrangements with the intended port.

Law No. 88-025 requires foreign residence-card holders to obtain an exit visa and pay the relevant taxes/fees before departure. It gives no amounts, stating that visa and residence-permit fees are established by the annual finance law. This applies to residence-card holders and does not establish an identical exit fee for short-term tourist visa holders or all yacht crew. No public official uniform yacht departure fee for short-term yacht visitors was found. Before departure, confirm status-specific exit permissions and taxes/fees, plus port/agency charges, with immigration, customs and port authorities.