Welcome to Réunion

For nature, adventure and culture, Reunion is an extraordinary island escape. Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, the island is an explosion of emerald forests, misty waterfalls, white- and black-sand beaches, active volcanoes and more. Hike, paraglide, ride on horseback, whale watch, raft, dive – it’s all here for you.

Meet friendly local residents in their colorful Creole-style villages and join in their religious and cultural festivals. Explore enchanted tropical forests, watch the sunrise from Piton Maïdo, visit a vanilla plantation, gallop over the savannah with a real-life cowboy or venture into a laval tunnel. Time stands still in Réunion.

Unique Facts

• Réunion is one of two French overseas territories in the western Indian Ocean (the other is Mayotte). It is 420 miles east of Madagascar and 110 miles southwest of Mauritius.
• The tallest mountain on Réunion is the Piton des Neiges, at 10,069 feet. To the east, Le Volcan has an active crater, Piton de la Fournaise.
• Réunion’s economy is based almost entirely on sugar, though vanilla beans, some fruits and vegetables, tobacco, and geraniums are also produced.
• Portuguese explorer Diogo Fernandes Pereira was the first European to discover the Mascarene Islands (of which Réunion is a part), in 1507.
• The panther chameleon (so named for its markings) is the largest land animal on the island.

Language

Réunion’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Réunion is from May to October (dry season). The wet season runs November to March, and cyclone season is January and February.

Airports

Roland Garros Reunion Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Réunion: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

There is an extensive bus network on the island, connecting major cities with many of the smaller towns.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo
Lot 207 A, Point Liberty
Andranoro, Antehiroka
105 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Telephone: +( 261) (20) 23-480-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (261) (20) 23-480-00
Fax: +(261) (20) 22-584-06
AntanACS@state.gov or AntanVISA@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://en.reunion.fr/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112
Fire: 18
Police: 197
Ambulance: 15

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Réunion. Take standard safety precautions and safeguard personal belongings.