Réunion

🇷🇪

Phone Code

+262

Capital

Saint-Denis

Population

860,000

Native Name

La Réunion

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

Réunion Time

UTC+04:00

Réunion, the French overseas department in the Indian Ocean known for Piton de la Fournaise active volcano, mountainous landscapes, Cirque de Mafate hiking, and tropical beaches, offers visa-free entry to U.S. and UK passport holders with important distinctions from mainland France. UK Foreign Office describes Réunion as "an Overseas Department of France" confirming is part of the EU, noting British citizens may visit Réunion without visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. U.S. State Department confirms overseas departments and territories of France not located in Europe are not included in the Schengen Agreement, directing travelers to visit Embassy of France website for most current visa and entry requirement information for those areas. Passport requirements: UK Foreign Office specifies passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Réunion, confirming entry will be denied if document is invalid or reported as lost or stolen. Return ticket: Visas for Réunion not required by certain nationals for touristic stays of up to 90 days provided they hold return ticket. Schengen visa distinction: U.S. State Department emphasizes Réunion not part of Schengen Area, noting cannot enter Réunion with short-stay Schengen visa issued by France or other Schengen countries unless it specifically says so. Yellow fever: UK Foreign Office references TravelHealthPro's Réunion guide for details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations. Customs: UK Foreign Office notes must declare prohibited items and anything subject to tax or duty, confirming meat, milk, and dairy products prohibited with exceptions including powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Réunion Visa & Immigration System

Réunion follows French immigration rules as overseas department but NOT included in Schengen Agreement. UK Foreign Office describes Réunion as "an Overseas Department of France" confirming is part of EU with French authorities establishing and enforcing all entry regulations. Visa-free 90 days: UK Foreign Office states British citizens may visit Réunion without visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. U.S. State Department confirms overseas departments and territories of France not located in Europe are not included in the Schengen Agreement, noting visas for Réunion not required by certain nationals for touristic stays of up to 90 days provided they hold return ticket. Schengen distinction: U.S. State Department emphasizes Réunion not part of Schengen Area, noting cannot enter Réunion with short-stay Schengen visa issued by France or other Schengen countries unless it specifically says so. Passport requirements: UK Foreign Office requires passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after date you plan to leave Réunion, confirming entry will be denied if document invalid or reported as lost or stolen. Return ticket: Return ticket required for visa-free entry. Yellow fever and vaccinations: UK Foreign Office references TravelHealthPro's Réunion guide for details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations. Visa required for longer stays: UK Foreign Office notes extended stays for work, study, or other purposes require checking French visa application process on official website. U.S. State Department recommends contacting French Embassy for Réunion-specific requirements. Residence documents: UK Foreign Office confirms UK residents of Réunion should carry residence document alongside passport when entering or exiting, noting those awaiting document should carry certificate of application received by email. Customs regulations: UK Foreign Office notes must declare prohibited items and anything subject to tax or duty, confirming meat, milk, and dairy products prohibited except powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons, noting currency and valuables above certain thresholds also require declaration. Contact French Consulate: UK Foreign Office advises for clarification on how requirements apply to specific situation, contact French Consulate General in UK.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (90 days)

90 days for tourism or business

Tourism and business visits to Réunion. UK Foreign Office states British citizens may visit Réunion without visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. U.S. State Department confirms visas for Réunion not required by certain nationals for touristic stays of up to 90 days provided they hold return ticket. Requirements include passport valid at least 3 months after planned departure date from Réunion, proof of return or onward ticket, recommended yellow fever vaccination and other medical requirements per TravelHealthPro, and proof of sufficient funds. Suitable for Indian Ocean island vacations, Piton de la Fournaise volcano visits, Cirque de Mafate hiking, tropical beach activities, and business meetings.

French Long-Stay Visa (For stays over 90 days, work, or study)

Varies based on visa type approved

Extended stays, work, or study in Réunion exceeding 90-day visa-free period. UK Foreign Office confirms extended stays for work, study, or other purposes require checking French visa application process on official website. U.S. State Department directs travelers to contact Embassy of France for Réunion-specific requirements. Requirements include completed visa application through French consulate, valid passport with required validity period, supporting documentation (employment contract, school enrollment, etc.), proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and applicable fees. Processing times vary; apply well in advance. Contact Embassy of France, Consulates General of France, or French Consulate General in UK for current procedures as Réunion operates under different rules than mainland France.

Important Information for Réunion Travelers

French Overseas Department, Part of EU: UK Foreign Office confirms Réunion is Overseas Department of France and part of EU.

NOT Schengen Area: U.S. State Department emphasizes overseas departments and territories of France not located in Europe are not included in Schengen Agreement.

Visa-Free 90 Days for U.S. and UK Citizens: UK Foreign Office and U.S. State Department confirm visa-free entry for tourism/business up to 90 days with return ticket.

States & Regions in Réunion

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Réunion

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

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