Comoros Visa Guide for Fijian Citizens: Requirements and Tips

Do Fijian Citizens need a visa for Comoros?

Fijian citizens do need a visa to enter Comoros, but the process is straightforward, as they are eligible for a Visa on Arrival. This visa is issued upon entry at Comorian airports or seaports and is typically valid for up to 30 to 45 days. The fee is usually around €30, payable at the border. To obtain the visa on arrival, Fijian travellers must hold a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and at least one blank page for the entry stamp. In addition, travellers may be asked to present a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Overview of Visa Types in Comoros 

Travelers from Fiji to Comoros may apply for various visa types. Here are the most common options:

Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival)

The Tourist Visa is intended for travellers visiting Comoros for tourism or leisure purposes. It can typically be obtained as a Visa on Arrival at entry points or through prior application at a Comoros embassy. This visa usually allows stays of 30 to 45 days and may be extendable depending on your travel plans.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is designed for visitors coming to Comoros for business activities such as meetings, conferences, or trade negotiations. Applicants often need to provide documentation proving the purpose of their visit and may require pre-approval from Comorian authorities. The visa duration varies depending on the business engagement.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is issued to travelers who are passing through Comoros en route to another destination. It is generally valid for a short period, usually between 24 and 72 hours, and is often granted on arrival to allow brief stays during connecting travel.

Student Visa

The Student Visa is meant for individuals intending to study in Comoros. To obtain this visa, applicants must have admission confirmation from a recognized Comorian educational institution. It requires prior application and approval before arrival and is valid for the duration of the study program.

Work Visa

The Work Visa allows foreign nationals to work legally in Comoros. It requires a job offer and sponsorship by a Comorian employer. This visa must be applied for and approved before entering the country and is typically valid for the length of the employment contract.

Residence Visa

The Residence Visa is for those planning to reside long-term in Comoros. Applicants must submit a detailed application, including background checks and proof of financial means to support themselves. Approval must be obtained before relocating, and this visa allows for extended or permanent stays.

Visa Requirements for Comoros for Applicants from Fiji

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility may depend on age, education, and employment status. Specific requirements vary by visa type. For example even though no advance visa is needed, travelers must still present certain documents to obtain the Visa on Arrival. These include a valid Fijian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a return or onward ticket, confirmation of hotel accommodation, and payment of the visa fee, which must be made in cash, typically in Euros or US Dollars. It’s recommended to carry small denominations, as change may not always be readily available at the airport. The visa fee generally ranges from €30 to €70, depending on the duration of the stay and visa type issued.

Required Documents

• Valid Fijian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
• At least one blank page in the passport for the visa stamp
• Proof of return or onward travel ticket
• Confirmation of hotel booking or a letter of invitation if staying with a local host
• Evidence of sufficient financial means to support the stay (cash, credit/debit card, or bank statements)
• Visa fee payment in cash (usually €30 to €70), payable in Euros or US Dollars at arrival
• (Recommended) Printed travel itinerary including flights and accommodation details

Certified Translation Requirements

Important documents such as birth certificates and police clearance certificates may need a certified translation. Translayte offers these services.

Note: There is no Comorian embassy or consulate in Fiji. Therefore, any formal visa applications or inquiries—if needed for longer stays such as work, study, or residency—must be handled either on arrival or through an honorary consulate or embassy in a nearby country (such as in Australia or Mauritius, if applicable). For longer-term visas, prior arrangements are recommended before travelling.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process from Fiji to Comoros

Most travellers from Fiji obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) in Comoros. However, if you plan to stay long-term for purposes such as study, work, or residency, a pre-approval process is required.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Process

• Arrival at Comoros Port of Entry: Upon arrival at Moroni Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport or seaport, proceed to the visa on arrival counter.
• Present Required Documents: Submit your valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter, and proof of sufficient funds.
• Pay Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee in cash, usually ranging from €30 to €70, accepted in Euros or US Dollars. Local currency payment is generally not accepted, so be sure to carry appropriate foreign currency.
• Visa Issuance: The visa is typically granted immediately on arrival, allowing a stay of 30 to 45 days depending on the visa type.
• Proceed with Immigration Clearance: After visa issuance, complete immigration formalities and enter Comoros legally.

Pre-Approval Process (For Long-Term Stays)

• Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa for your purpose: student, work, residence, or other long-term stays.
• Prepare Required Documentation: Gather documents such as acceptance letters from educational institutions, job contracts, proof of financial means, medical certificates, and any other relevant paperwork.
• Submit Application to Comorian Diplomatic Mission: Since there is no Comorian embassy in Fiji, applications must be submitted to an honorary consulate or an embassy in a nearby country (e.g., Mauritius, Madagascar, or Australia). Alternatively, you may coordinate with Comorian immigration authorities directly.
• Application Processing Time: Processing can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer depending on the visa category and completeness of your application.
• Receive Visa Approval: Upon approval, you may receive a visa sticker or approval letter, which you will present upon arrival in Comoros.
• Travel to Comoros: Enter Comoros using the approved visa and complete immigration formalities on arrival.

Certified Document Translation for Comoros Visa Application

For Fiji citizens, translating documents into English is crucial for compliance with Comoros immigration rules.  Comoros primarily accepts documents in French or Arabic, which means Fijian or English documents need certified translation to French for immigration purposes. Translayte provides certified French translations, compliant with Comoros immigration requirements

Tips for a Successful Visa Application from Fiji to Comoros

Applying for a visa, whether on arrival or in advance, can go smoothly if you’re well-prepared. Here are essential tips to ensure a successful experience:

1. Prepare All Required Documents in Advance
Have your passport (valid for at least 6 months), return or onward ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of financial means ready before travel. Ensure all documents are originals and clearly legible.

2. Carry Multiple Photocopies
Bring at least 2–3 photocopies of key documents such as your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and invitation letters. These may be requested by immigration officials, especially if systems are down or unavailable at the port of entry.

3. Use Certified Translation Services (if needed)
If any of your supporting documents (such as an invitation letter) are in Fijian , consider providing an English or French translation, especially if applying for longer-term visas.

4. Bring Cash for Visa Fees
Visa fees on arrival typically range from €30 to €70, and must be paid in cash. Bring Euros or US Dollars in small denominations. Credit cards and ATMs are often unavailable or unreliable at Comorian airports and seaports, so prepare accordingly.

5. Double-Check Forms and Travel Information
Before submitting any forms or applications, review them carefully to avoid errors or omissions. Mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.

6. Check for Last-Minute Updates
One week before your departure, visit the Comoros Ministry of Foreign Affairs or check international travel platforms like IATA Travel Centre to confirm current visa, health, and entry requirements (e.g. yellow fever certificate, COVID-19 rules, etc.).