Language
Overview
Official languages are Arabic and French. Comorian, a language related to Kiswahili, and some Bantu languages are also spoken.
Public Holidays
03/18/2022 anniversary of the death of President Said Mohamed Cheikh
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
05/01/2022 Labor Day
06.07.2022 Independence Day
07/09/2022 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
07/30/2022 Muharram (Islamic New Year)
08/08/2022 Ashura
10/09/2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
12/25/2022 Christmas
Source: Top-mba-universities.com
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into the Comoros (persons aged 18 and over): 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 g of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages; 1 bottle of perfume.
Import Restrictions
Plants and potting soil only with import permit from the Service de l’Agriculture of the Comoros and phytosanitary certificate. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros
(Also responsible for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.)
20 Rue de Marbeau
Paris
France
+33 (0) 954 67 01 19.
http://www.ambassade-comores.com
http://www.ambassade-comores.com
Mon-Thurs 9.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Embassy of the Union of Comoros
(Also responsible for Germany.)
Adolphe Lacomblé 69-71
Brussels-Schaerbeek
Belgium
+32 (0)27 79 58 38.
Communication
Phone
International direct dialing.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the main network operator is HURI, a subsidiary of the Société Nationale des Postes et Télécommunications (SNPT). The reception/transmission range covers almost the whole country.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes at least a week to arrive. Post offices are open Mon-Thurs 7.30am-2.30pm, Fri 7.30am-11.30am and Sat 7.30am-12pm.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
