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8 ways to enter

Réunion visas

Réunion tourist visa

Many travellers can visit without a visa. Others need a visa valid for Réunion.

Ways to get a Réunion tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry for unlimited stays

    No visa needed

    Nationals of European Union countries, European Free Trade Association countries, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino can enter and reside without a visa.

    Stay
    Unlimited.

    Passports that qualify (3)

  2. Visa-free short visits

    No visa needed

    Nationals of the listed countries and territories can make short visits without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

  3. Additional visa-free entry for Réunion

    No visa needed

    Nationals of Mozambique and South Africa qualify. Nationals of China and India are listed with an organised-trip condition.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

    Passports that qualify (4)

  4. Visa-free entry with a long-stay visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by France or another Schengen Area country qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

  5. Visa-free entry with a qualifying French multiple-entry visa

    No visa needed

    Nationals of the listed countries qualify if they hold a French multiple-entry visa valid for between 6 months and 5 years.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
    Valid for
    The qualifying French visa must have a validity of between 6 months and 5 years.
    Entries
    The qualifying French visa must allow multiple entries.

  7. Short-stay visa from a French embassy or consulate

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a short visit to Réunion can apply.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.
    Fee
    €60 normally; €35 for children ages 6 to 12.
    1. Lodge an application at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Request permission valid for Réunion and pay the applicable fee.

  8. Visa on arrival from Mauritius or Seychelles

    Visa on arrival

    Nationals of China, India and Russia travelling from Mauritius or Seychelles to Réunion may qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 15 days.
    Fee
    Free.

    Passports that qualify (3)

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption or visa on arrival need a visa valid for Réunion.

Who doesn't

Listed nationalities and some holders of French or Schengen visas or residence permits qualify for visa-free entry.

How to apply

  1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
  2. Request a visa valid for Réunion and pay the applicable fee.

Good to know

  • Follow the stay limit for your entry option.
  • An ordinary Schengen short-stay visa does not cover Réunion unless you qualify for a specific exemption.
  • A visa marked "valable pour France sauf CTOM" covers Réunion.
  • A visa marked "départements français d'Amérique" covers specified French territories in the Americas, not Réunion.
  • Processing times and a full document checklist are not stated.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Réunion?

Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption or visa on arrival need a visa valid for Réunion. Listed nationalities and some holders of French or Schengen visas or residence permits qualify for visa-free entry.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Réunion?

There are 8 options: Visa-free entry for unlimited stays (no visa at all); Visa-free short visits (no visa at all); Additional visa-free entry for Réunion (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a long-stay visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a qualifying French multiple-entry visa (no visa at all); Visa-free cruise visit for listed nationalities (no visa at all); Short-stay visa from a French embassy or consulate (a visa from an embassy); Visa on arrival from Mauritius or Seychelles (a visa at the border).

Who can go to Réunion without a tourist visa?

Nationals of European Union countries, European Free Trade Association countries, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino can enter and reside without a visa. Nationals of the listed countries and territories can make short visits without a visa. Nationals of Mozambique and South Africa qualify. Nationals of China and India are listed with an organised-trip condition. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by France or another Schengen Area country qualify. Nationals of the listed countries qualify if they hold a French multiple-entry visa valid for between 6 months and 5 years. Nationals of Bahrain, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Thailand qualify when travelling by cruise ship.

How long can I stay on a Réunion tourist visa?

Usually up to 90 days in a 180-day period for visa-free short visits.

How much does a Réunion tourist visa cost?

For a short-stay visa: €60 normally, or €35 for children ages 6 to 12.

How do I apply for a Réunion tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 2. 2. Request a visa valid for Réunion and pay the applicable fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a Réunion tourist visa?

Follow the stay limit for your entry option. An ordinary Schengen short-stay visa does not cover Réunion unless you qualify for a specific exemption.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Réunion?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Réunion visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Réunion be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Réunion tourist visa rules?

On Réunion's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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