Comoros customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Comoros customs are strict on cash and religious items. Declare any amount over 1,000,000 KMF (approx. 2,100 USD) or risk seizure. Non-residents get a modest duty-free allowance; overage is taxed at 25% flat. No red/green channel — everyone must fill a declaration form and present baggage to an officer.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 25% of value.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$2,100

Declare any cash or bearer instruments exceeding 1,000,000 KMF (approx. 2,100 USD) on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and fines.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for new personal goods and gifts up to 400,000 KMF (approx. 800 USD). Above that, a flat 25% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, MDMA)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Interior
Pornographic materials and any items deemed contrary to Islamic morality
Counterfeit currency, goods, and pirated media
Live animals (except with an import permit and quarantine certificate)
Used clothing and shoes (unless for personal use and declared)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require prior authorization)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
Drones and satellite phones (require a permit from the Ministry of Communication)
Religious materials (e.g., Bibles, Qurans) in large quantities may be inspected and require a permit
Commercial samples and goods for resale (must be declared and duties paid)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers must complete a Comoros customs declaration card (usually handed out on the plane). There is no red/green channel system; you present your card and baggage to a customs officer at the exit. If you have nothing to declare, simply hand over the card and proceed.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription or doctor's note. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any drug containing codeine or tramadol are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, and plants are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and sealed food items for personal consumption (up to 2 kg) are allowed but must be declared.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold is low

Any cash or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding 1,000,000 KMF (approx. 2,100 USD) must be declared. This is much lower than the global 10,000 USD standard. Undeclared cash can be confiscated.

No duty-free shops at Moroni airport

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport has no duty-free shops. All alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods must be bought before arrival or declared and pay duty upon entry.

Religious and cultural sensitivity

Comoros is a Muslim-majority country. Importing pork products, alcohol in excess of personal allowance, or any item that offends Islamic values can lead to confiscation and fines.

Used goods are strictly controlled

Importing used clothing, shoes, or electronics for resale is prohibited without a special license. Even personal used items may be questioned if they appear new or in large quantities.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all passengers arriving by air must go through immigration and customs, even if connecting. You will need to collect your baggage, pass customs, and re-check it for your onward flight.

Drones are restricted. You must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Communication at least 30 days before travel. Without it, the drone will be confiscated at customs.

You will pay a flat 25% duty on the value of the excess alcohol. For example, a second bottle of whisky valued at 30,000 KMF would incur 7,500 KMF duty.

There is no limit on foreign currency you can bring in, but any amount over 1,000,000 KMF (or equivalent) must be declared. You may also need to show proof of source if asked.

Herbal remedies in small quantities for personal use are generally allowed, but any containing controlled substances (e.g., kratom, khat) are prohibited. It's best to carry a doctor's note.

Yes, residents have a lower duty-free allowance: 200,000 KMF (approx. 400 USD) for goods, and the same alcohol/tobacco limits. Over that, duty is 25%.

No, there is no separate tourist tax or departure tax. All taxes are included in your airline ticket. However, there is a 1,000 KMF airport development fee for some domestic flights.

Official source

Comoros Customs and Excise Department (Direction Générale des Douanes)