Skip to content
Territory of France

Eastern Africa

RéunionTravel guide

Explore Réunion visa rules

Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius. It has tropical weather, volcanic mountains and white sandy beaches. Its capital is Saint-Denis.

Why go

  1. Explore volcanic mountains and dramatic scenery.

  2. Enjoy white sandy beaches.

  3. Discover protected landscapes covering more than 40% of the island.

  4. Try food influenced by French, Indian, Chinese and African cooking.

Best time to go: September to mid-December brings less rain and mild temperatures on the coast and in the hills. January to March is the rainy season, sometimes with cyclones.

Getting there

By air

  • The main airport is Roland Garros International Airport, near Saint-Denis. Its airport code is RUN.
  • Most long-distance flights arrive from mainland France. Air France, Air Austral and Corsair serve routes between France and Réunion.
  • Air Austral also serves destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean. It has a seasonal service from Bangkok.

By sea

  • The Mauritius Pride and Mauritius Trochetia offer boat routes linking Réunion with Mauritius and Madagascar.
  • The ferry office is at 4 Avenue du 14-Juillet 1789, Le Port. Its phone number is +262 262 42 19 45.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Car Jaune means Yellow Bus and runs 13 routes between towns. Its buses are yellow. Local buses also operate. Most bus routes run between 06:00 and 18:00. Car Jaune route B links Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre along the coast. It runs about every 1½ hours.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Cars are available to rent. A main road circles the island, and the route des plaines crosses the interior between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Benoît. Allow plenty of time and avoid busy travel periods. Traffic jams are common on the west coast and in Saint-Denis. Mountain roads can have many bends and steep slopes. Volcanic activity sometimes closes the road on the east side. Rain can reduce the coastal road between La Possession and Saint-Denis to two lanes. Expect traffic jams when this happens.

  • Scenic flights

    Helicopter and small-plane companies offer sightseeing flights. Flights leave very early in the morning to avoid cloud and fog in the mountains. Some helicopter trips go to La Nouvelle in Mafate.

What to see and do

  • Protected mountain landscapes

    Réunion's peaks, natural mountain bowls and steep rock walls have World Heritage status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The protected area covers more than 40% of the island.

  • South coast near Saint-Philippe

    This part of the south coast is highlighted for its scenery.

  • Route des Tamarins

    The expressway between Saint-Paul and Étang-Salé offers wide views of the coast.

  • White sandy beaches

    The beaches are one of the island's main attractions alongside its mountains.

  • Walk in the mountains

    Exploring mountain scenery is a major activity on Réunion. Stay on marked paths when fog makes it hard to see.

  • Take a scenic flight

    Helicopters and small planes offer views of the island from above. Departures are early to avoid mountain cloud and fog.

Food and drink

  • Cari and rougail

    Meat or fish cooked in sauce and served with rice.

  • Sandwiches and samosas

    Cheap lunchtime options sold in snack bars. Achards sandwiches are spicy.

  • Bonbons piments

    Small savoury fritters seasoned with spices.

  • Piments farcis

    Stuffed hot peppers.

  • Bouchons

    Small pieces of meat or fish wrapped in rice paste, steamed and served with soy sauce.

  • Gâteaux patates and gâteaux manioc

    Sweet pastries made with sweet potato or manioc. Local pastries are often thick and sweet.

Money

Euro (EUR, €)

  • Most shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Many require a minimum card payment, usually €15.
  • Cash machines are locally called gabier. Many do not charge a fee for using them.
  • Most businesses must display their prices. Hotels and restaurants must show their rates where they can be seen from outside.

Typical costs

  • Inter Location de voitures lists a Renault Clio from €25 a day, in a price updated in February 2025.
  • The source gives an average restaurant meal price of US$10–15.
  • Snack bars offer cheap sandwiches and samosas.
  • Sunscreen is somewhat expensive on the island.

Language

  • French is the official language and is understood throughout the island.
  • Creole is widely spoken.
  • Few people understand English.
Eau non potable
Water is not safe to drink.
Gabier
A cash machine.
Car Jaune
Yellow Bus, the bus service between towns.

Staying safe

  • Réunion is fairly safe, but avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep expensive cameras and jewellery out of sight.
  • Do not resist if someone attacks you.
  • Fog can make it difficult to find your way in high mountain areas, especially around the volcano. Stay on well-marked paths.

Local customs

Do

  • Be aware that local people can express strong pride in their island.

Don't

  • Do not assume that strong island pride means hostility towards outsiders.

Staying healthy

  • Protect yourself against mosquito bites. Tiger mosquitoes spread chikungunya during an outbreak in 2005–2006.
  • Protect your skin from the sun, even when mountain air feels cold. Light clothing can help cover exposed skin.
  • Bring sunscreen with you, as it is somewhat expensive on the island.
  • Medical facilities are very good, with the main hospital in Saint-Denis and doctors in almost every village.

Where to stay

  • Ordinary hotels are available.
  • Privately run places to stay include Gîtes d'Étape.
  • Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges in the central part of the island.
  • Youth hostels are located in Hell Bourg, Bernica, Entre Deux, Saint-Denis and Cilaos.

Outdoor adventures in Réunion

Réunion has rugged volcanic mountains, crater basins and white sandy beaches. Hiking is a main outdoor activity, with day stages and multi-day routes, and there is also diving off the coast.

  • Piton de la Fournaise

    HikeVolcanic interior

    September to mid-December

    Explore on foot as part of a visit to the volcanic interior. Starting points and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • High areas can be very hot in sunshine and cold in fog.
    • Cover up and use sunscreen even when it feels chilly.

  • Cirque de Mafate

    HikeVolcanic interior

    September to mid-December

    Explore the crater basin on foot. Specific access routes and transport arrangements are not specified.

    • Mountain conditions can change from hot sunshine to cold fog.
    • Protect your skin from the sun even in cool weather.

  • Cirque de Cilaos

    HikeVolcanic interior

    September to mid-December

    Explore the crater basin on foot. Specific trail starting points and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • High areas can be hot in sunshine and cold in fog.
    • Wear sun protection even when the air feels cool.

  • Salazie

    HikeVolcanic interior

    September to mid-December

    Explore on foot during a visit to the mountainous interior. Specific routes and transport arrangements are not specified.

    • Mountain areas can be cold in fog and very hot in sunshine.
    • Cover up and use sunscreen.

  • Diving off Réunion's coast

    Scuba divingRéunion coast

    Dive off the coast. No departure town, dive centre or booking arrangements are specified.

Airports, metros and trains in Réunion

Airports with scheduled flights

  • RUNRoland Garros AirportSainte-MarieMain international airport
  • ZSESaint-Pierre Pierrefonds AirportSaint-PierreMain international airport

People and safety in Réunion

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian88%
  • Hindu5%
  • Muslim4%
  • No religion2%
  • Other1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 31 of 99 countries can visit Réunion easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required30
  • Freedom of movement1
  • Visa required68

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas16 of 19 countries
  • Europe3 of 4 countries
  • Oceania7 of 14 countries
  • Asia1 of 8 countries
  • Africa4 of 54 countries

Questions

Is Réunion part of France?

Réunion is a territory linked to France, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit France.

Does a France visa let me visit Réunion?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for France may not cover Réunion. Check the Réunion visa page for your passport.

When is the best time to visit Réunion?

September to mid-December usually has little rain and mild temperatures. January to March is rainy and can bring cyclones.

Which airport should I fly into?

Roland Garros International Airport, near Saint-Denis, is the main airport. Pierrefonds Airport, near Saint-Pierre, also has flights from Mauritius.

Can I travel around by bus?

Yes. Car Jaune runs 13 routes between towns, and local buses also operate; most routes run between 06:00 and 18:00.

What should I expect when driving?

Drive on the right and allow extra time for traffic. Roads in the mountains can be steep and winding.

Can I pay by card?

Most shops accept Visa and Mastercard, but many require a minimum payment, usually €15. Cash machines are also available.

Will people understand English?

Few people understand English. French is understood throughout the island, and Creole is widely spoken.

What local food should I try?

Cari and rougail are meat or fish dishes served with sauce and rice. Other options include samosas, spicy fritters and sweet potato pastries.

Can I stay in the mountains?

Yes. Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges in the central part of the island.

Reviewed by