Visa Information / Entry requirements – Reunion Island

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Réunion set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Réunion’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

From 1 August 2022, the French government announced that all travel restrictions between France and Réunion have been lifted.

• You are no longer required to present proof of vaccination
• You are no longer required to fill out any forms prior to your arrival; such as a justification for travel or a sworn statement
• You are no longer required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival

You may still face some restrictions for entry to Réunion depending on your vaccination status and your country of departure. You should check the French government’s website (in French) and the local Prefecture’s website (in French) for details on any remaining local restrictions.

If travelling via France, you should also check our Travel Advice for France.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

Réunion is an Overseas Department of France (département d’outre-mer) and part of the European Union.

If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Réunion for stays of up to three months. Other British passport holders, and those who plan to stay longer than three months, should check the current entry requirements on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, if necessary, confirm with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.

Passport validity

Travellers should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date you intend to leave Réunion.

Check your passport is valid before you book your trip. You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

UK residents in Réunion

If you live in Réunion, you should carry your residence document, as well as your valid passport when you travel. If you have applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application. You will have received this as an email. If you have not yet applied for a residence document, you should carry evidence that you are resident in Réunion. This could include a tenancy agreement or a utility bill in your name, dating from 2020. For more information, including on how to apply for a residence document, see the French government’s website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK emergency travel documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Réunion.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Tourism Health Information – Reunion Island

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

General health care facilities in Réunion, including emergency services, and the availability of doctors are good.  Some specialist treatment is also available.

You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

If you are planning to move to Réunion, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for advice on long-term entitlement to health care provision under the French national system. Please call DWP Overseas Medical Benefits help-line on 00 44 191 218 1999. More information can be obtained direct from the English language service of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (French social security service) on 00 33 8 20 90 42 12 or CLEISS (the Help desk in France for international mobility and social security) on 00 33 1 45 26 33 4.

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Réunion. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

Weather & When To Go To Reunion Island

Climate

Just like her sister-island Mauritius, Reunion flirts with the Tropic of Capricorn. A warm subtropical climate prevails on the island nearly all year round. The microclimate in Reunion Island provides poles apart sceneries and multitude of activities that can be done. The west, north and southern coasts of the island enjoy from an intensely sunny climate which coincides with the presence of beautiful stretches of beaches. The east and inner region of the island however display quite a contrasting environment with cloudy, rainy and windy conditions.

Summer

Summer in Reunion Island is from November to April. During this period, water temperature is at its best in the lagoon or waterfalls alike. These weather conditions also bring some rainfall concentrated over short periods.

Winter

Wintertime is characterised by cooler temperatures of 24 to 25°C on coastal regions while in the east and as we move inland and up, the thermometer can at times drop to 0°C.

When to visit Reunion Island

Besides the seasonal changes, Reunion Island climate changes can be distinguished regionally. If split vertically, the west coast and the east coast present very distinct attributes. This is majorly due to the wind and the inner high peaks. The island can be weatherly separated in two:

Leeward Coast: The west and northern coast offer sunny and tropical climate conditions with fewer rainfall than the:

Windward Coast: The south and southeast regions of Reunion Island receive a cooler and rainier weather as they are exposed to the South East Trade Winds of the Indian Ocean.