{"slug":"reunion","title":"Réunion travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T13:30:27+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T13:30:27Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/reunion","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Réunion’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>Réunion is an Overseas Department of France (‘Département d’Outre-Mer’).  The French authorities set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uk.ambafrance.org/-Consulate-in-London-\">French Consulate General in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Réunion.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Réunion is an Overseas Department of France and so is part of the EU.</p>\n\n<p>You can visit Réunion without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/royaume-uni\">visa application process and timelines</a> on the French visa website.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"uk-residents-of-runion\">UK residents of Réunion</h3>\n\n<p>Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting Réunion. If you’ve applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application. You will have received this as an email.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/184/reunion#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Réunion guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.douane.gouv.fr/particuliers/vous-etes-en-outre-mer/la-reunion\">goods you can take into or out of Réunion</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-runion\">Taking food into Réunion</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en\">meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries</a>. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-runion\">Taking money into Réunion</h3>\n\n<p>Check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/obligation-declare-cash-securities-and-valuables\">what cash and valuables you need to declare</a> to bring them into Réunion.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-runion\">Terrorism in Réunion</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Réunion, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"swimming-safety\">Swimming safety</h3>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday\">water safety on holiday</a> from the Royal Life Saving Society.</p>\n\n<p>There have been shark attacks in Réunion. Follow advice from local authorities or your tour operator about which beaches are safe.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"scuba-diving\">Scuba diving</h3>\n\n<p>Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>ask to see a dive operator’s credentials</li>\n  <li>check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications</li>\n  <li>make sure safety equipment looks to be in good condition</li>\n  <li>make sure oxygen is available on the boat</li>\n  <li>ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Réunion, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/france/\">rules of the road in RAC’s France guide</a> as French driving rules apply. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>Check with the local authorities or your car hire company if you need an <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well as your UK driving licence.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"tropical-cyclones\">Tropical cyclones</h3>\n\n<p>The cyclone season in Réunion normally runs from December to April. Monitor local news and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion\">French Weather Service</a> (in French) and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/tc/swi/index.html\">World Meteorological Organization</a>. Follow advice issued by the local authorities.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volcanic-eruptions\">Volcanic eruptions</h3>\n\n<p>There are active volcanoes on Réunion, including <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.reunion.fr/decouvrez/piton-de-la-fournaise-le-feu-sacre/\">Piton de la Fournaise</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Check what cash and valuables you need to declare to bring them into Réunion."]}
