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5 ways to enter

Réunion visas

Réunion transit visa

Some passengers can pass through an airport without a visa if they stay in the international transit area. Some passengers still need an airport transit visa.

Ways to get a Réunion transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers staying only in the international transit area qualify, except categories required to hold an airport transit visa for European France.

  2. Airport transit visa

    Visa needed

    Passengers in the categories required to hold an airport transit visa for European France need this visa.

    1. Lodge an application at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Request the transit permission required for your journey.

  3. Visa-free transit for crew

    Transit without a visa

    Airline and ship crew members qualify.

  4. Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers qualify if they hold a visa for any French territory or a residence permit for Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours.

  5. Cruise transit while staying on board

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers who do not leave the ship qualify.

Who needs it

The same categories of passengers who need an airport transit visa for European France also need one here. Those categories are not listed.

Who doesn't

Other passengers staying only in the international transit area, airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
The airport transit exemption only covers the international transit area. If you enter Réunion, the normal entry rules apply.
Transit without a visa
Stay only in the airport's international transit area and do not belong to a category required to hold an airport transit visa for European France.

Good to know

  • Airport transit without a visa is limited to the international transit area.
  • The 24-hour limit for certain cruise passengers is not an airport transit limit.
  • No airport transit time limit is stated.
  • The nationalities and other categories that need an airport transit visa are not listed.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Réunion?

The same categories of passengers who need an airport transit visa for European France also need one here. Those categories are not listed. Other passengers staying only in the international transit area, airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

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

There are 5 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free transit for crew (transit without a visa); Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit (transit without a visa); Cruise transit while staying on board (transit without a visa).

Can I stay inside the airport in Réunion without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport transit exemption only covers the international transit area. If you enter Réunion, the normal entry rules apply.

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

Airport transit without a visa is limited to the international transit area. The 24-hour limit for certain cruise passengers is not an airport transit limit.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit 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 transit 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 transit visa rules?

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

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Réunion?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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