Do I need a visa for Réunion?

EU citizens don't need visas. Nationals of many other countries (US, Canada, Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check French overseas territory requirements.

Is English widely spoken?

French is official; Creole is common. Tourist areas have some English speakers, but learning basic French phrases is helpful.

What's the currency in Réunion?

Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted; carry cash for markets and rural areas.

Can I drink tap water?

Generally safe in urban areas. In remote areas or if uncertain, drink bottled water.

How do I get to the Mafate cirque?

Only accessible by foot or helicopter. Multiple hiking trails exist from surrounding cirques; guided tours recommended for first-timers.

Réunion is part of France; EU citizens need no visa. Other nationalities may require a Schengen visa. Check with French consulate.

What language is spoken?

French is official; Réunion Creole is widely spoken. English is limited in rural areas.

What currency is used?

Euro (€). Credit cards accepted in cities, but cash needed in remote villages.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, in urban areas. In mountains or rural spots, boil or use bottled water.

Can I hike the volcano?

Yes, Piton de la Fournaise is accessible via marked trails. Check activity status and weather before going.

Yes, bull and tiger sharks are present. Swimming is prohibited at many beaches; only lagoon areas are safe.

What is the best way to get around?

Renting a car is best for flexibility. Public buses are cheap but limited.

Do I need travel insurance?

Highly recommended, covering medical evacuation and hiking accidents.

Is Réunion expensive?

Mid-range compared to mainland France. Accommodation and dining cost less than Paris but more than nearby Mauritius.

Hiking boots, rain jacket, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimwear, and layers for temperature changes.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, French networks work well. EU roaming included for EU citizens. Others can buy local SIM.

Are there any dangerous animals?

No large predators. Beware of centipedes and mosquitoes. Sharks in ocean.

Réunion

RegionFrance, Europe

Réunion is a STATE in France, Europe.

Réunion is a volcanic island paradise in the Indian Ocean where French sophistication meets tropical adventure. This overseas French department offers dramatic landscapes dominated by three massive volcanic calderas—Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie—with Piton de la Fournaise being one of the world's most active volcanoes. Hikers flock to Réunion for its spectacular trails through UNESCO-listed cirques and lush forests, while beach lovers enjoy the white and black sand coasts. The island's unique Creole culture blends African, Indian, Chinese, and French influences, evident in its vibrant markets, spicy cuisine, and colorful festivals. Don't miss the capital Saint-Denis with its colonial architecture, the stunning coastal road between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Benoît, or helicopter tours over the otherwise inaccessible Mafate caldera. Réunion offers world-class canyoning, paragliding, and whale watching alongside sophisticated French dining experiences.

Best time to visit Réunion

May to November (dry season) offers cooler temperatures, less humidity, and ideal hiking conditions. September-October is perfect for whale watching. December to April (wet season) brings lush vegetation but heavy rainfall, cyclones, and high humidity. Avoid February-March peak cyclone risk. Festivals like the Festival of Freedom (December) and Chinese New Year add cultural appeal.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 22-28°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Whale watching ends

Know before you go

Getting there

RUN

Roland Garros Airport (Saint-Denis)

International

10 km away

ZSE

Pierrefonds Airport (Saint-Pierre)

Domestic

5 km away

Getting around

"Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond main towns. Roads are good but mountainous; automatic cars are limited. Public buses (Car Jaune) connect major towns but have limited schedules. Taxis are expensive and must be booked. Popular ride-hailing apps include local services like Allo Taxi. Domestic flights connect Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. Helicopter tours provide access to remote cirques. For hiking, guided tours are recommended for challenging trails."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels; limited in mountains

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from €5

Calling code

+262

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft risk in tourist spots; hiking requires caution. Overall very safe.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft risk in tourist spots; hiking requires caution. Overall very safe.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Réunion is generally safe with low violent crime. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas and vehicles; never leave valuables visible. Avoid isolated beaches at night. Road safety is the primary concern—mountain roads are narrow and winding; drive cautiously. When hiking, stay on marked trails, check weather forecasts (flash floods occur), and inform someone of your route. Shark attacks have occurred; swim only in designated supervised areas. Cyclone season (December-April) brings severe weather risks."

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Tourist Police

European Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are excellent by regional standards, with modern hospitals in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card. Recommended vaccinations include routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Dengue fever and chikungunya occur; use mosquito repellent. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas. Healthcare is French-standard but expensive without insurance. Pharmacies are well-stocked."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with 'bonjour' and handshakes. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Beachwear is inappropriate in towns. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (5-10%). Respect trail etiquette when hiking. Sunday is family day with many closures. Réunionnaise are proud of their Creole culture—show interest in local traditions. Remove shoes before entering homes. Meals are social events; don't rush."

FrenchRéunion Creole

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

€10-15 | a cheap local meal costs around €10-15

Hotels

€50-100 | budget hotels range €50-100/night

Local transport

€1 | local bus ride ~€1

Cost notes

Prices higher in remote areas and during peak season (July-August, December).

Timezone

Indian/Reunion +04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

870,000

Area

2,512 km²

Government

Overseas department and region of France with a Regional Council and Departmental Council

ISO code

974

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: ريونيون, FR-RE, రియూనియన్, Orílẹ́ède Riuniyan, ری یونین, Région de La Réunion, La Réunion, Reunio, Departement La Réunion, Ρεϊνιόν, ރިޔޫނިއަން, La Rényion, Реюньон, 리유니온, റീയൂണിയൻ, Liúníwāng, Riyunioni, रियूनियन, Liʻiunioni, Ar Reünion, Reunionas, Reinjona, Réunion nutome, Reunjonas, ਰੇਊਨੀਓਂ, 留尼汪, Larenion, Timlilit, ରିୟୁନିଅନ୍, Enez ar Reünion, Iye del Reyunion, Reiñõo, Rehunjohn, Riyunyun, Реюньйон, Реюниън, Lenyo, Reünion, ເຣອູນິຍົງ, Reyunion, Реинион, Reinïon, રીયુનિયન, เรอูนียง, ರೀಯೂನಿಯನ್, i-Réunion, ரீயூனியன், Reyiniyo, Ријунион, རེ་ཡུ་ནི་ཡོན, レユニオン島, রিইউনিয়ন, Rawuniyan, Illa de la Reunió, Leyunyoni, Reunião, Reyuniɔn, ሪዩኒየን, رِیوٗنِیَن, Rejunion, Reunión, FR-LRE, La Reunión, რეიუნიონი, රීයුනියන්, La Rényon, Руньён, रियुनियन, រ៉េអ៊ុយ៉ុង, Reyuɲɔŋ, Reunion, رئونیون, Amazinga ya Reyiniyo, ראוניון, Ռեյունյոն, Réunion, Rewiñoo, Riunione, Dariorigum, Gwened, VNE, Van, Vanas, Vann, Vannes, Venetens, ban, fan, vani, vuan'nu, wa ne, wns, Ван, Ванн, באניס, ואן, فان, ونس, ვანი, ヴァンヌ, 瓦讷, 반

Major HubHikingVolcanoBeachAdventureNatureCulturalFrenchTropicalWaterfallsWhale Watching