Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Réunion depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for RéunionEmergency Numbers
- General
- 15 (SAMU/medical)
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Currency
- Name
- Euro
- Code
- EUR
- Symbol
- €
Réunion is a French overseas department — the Euro is the official currency, French banking applies. ATMs throughout. Cards widely accepted. Prices are broadly similar to metropolitan France.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type E
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
RET (UTC+4) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–October is the dry season — best for hiking the Piton de la Fournaise (a very accessible active volcano — you can walk to the edge of the caldera), the three Cirques (Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie), and the east coast rainforest. November–April is cyclone season with heavy rainfall. The Piton de la Fournaise erupts regularly — flows can be visible from the road.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Not expected | French tipping norms — leaving a few euros is appreciated but not required |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Hiking gear essential for the volcano and cirques
Social Etiquette
- Réunion is legally a part of France — French law applies in full, EU citizens can work and live here
- The Creole population (Réunionnais) have a distinct, rich culture — a blend of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences
- Rougail saucisse (sausage stew) and curry are the soul foods — the Indian influence on Réunionnais cuisine is extraordinary
- The Cirque de Mafate is one of the world's great hidden valleys — accessible only by foot or helicopter, with several small hamlets (gîtes) that host hikers
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- French law applies — all EU LGBTQ+ rights and protections apply
- Piton de la Fournaise eruption access is regulated by the prefecture — check the current level of alert before hiking to the caldera
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Réunionnais Creole) | Bonjour / Bonzour | bon-ZHOOR — the Creole pronunciation softens the French |
| Thank you (Réunionnais Creole) | Mersi | MER-see |
| How are you? (Creole) | Komésa? | koh-MEH-sah — 'how is it?' |
| No problem (Creole) | Pa kapab | pah kah-PAB — 'no problem / it's fine' |
| Volcano (local pronunciation) | Le Volcan | luh vol-KAHN — Réunionnais almost never use the full name — it's just 'Le Volcan' |
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