TRAVEL ADVICE FOR HOLIDAYS TO RÉUNION ISLAND

TIME:

GMT : +3 hours

CLIMATE:

Hot tropical climate. Temperatures are cooler in the hills; occasionally dropping to freezing point in the mountains at night. The cyclone season (December to April) is hot and wet.

LANGUAGES:

French is the official language. Local Creole patois is also spoken.

VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors are required to be carrying a passport valid for at least three months beyond visitors last day of stay. No visa is required for UK/EU passport holders for a stay up to 3 months.

HEALTH / IMMUNIZATION:

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. A cholera vaccination certificate may be required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

ENJOY YOUR RÉUNION ISLAND SOJOURN

Please Note: Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate; Africa Collection is in no way responsible for the information provided. We will endeavour to communicate any amendments to the information in a timely manner.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2026):

MEDICAL FACILITIES:

There are several hospitals and out-patient clinics. The French national health scheme is in force and there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK (as per France). Facilities are limited and full health insurance is advised. Water is safe to drink.

MONEY:

Since January 2002 the Euro has been the official currency for the French Overseas Departments (Departements d’Outre-Mer); including Réunion. US Dollars are also accepted in some places. All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. American Express; Diners Club and Visa are accepted. MasterCard has limited acceptance. Cards can also be used in ATMs. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques are accepted in most places; and may qualify for discounts on luxury items. To avoid additional exchange rate charges; travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros; US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

ROAD TRAVEL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

Roads are fair and there are over 2680km (1665 miles) of roads; 345km (214 miles) of which are main roads. Speed limits are the same as in France. The main road runs on a north-south axis. The island can be easily crossed by bus; taxi or hired car. Car hire is available throughout the island. Further details can be obtained from the Comité du Tourisme de la Réunion.

Bus: Two types of buses operate on the island: urban buses mainly serve the Saint-Denis area; yellow buses connect main towns. Services are excellent; with very comfortable vehicles. Buses stop by request.

Taxis: Taxi ranks can be found in city centres. Taxis can be hired by telephone (telephone numbers can be obtained from the information points at the airport). There are likely to be extra charges after 2000 Mon-Fri; on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Car hire: Available from the airport and from car hire firms in Saint-Denis. Petrol prices are similar to those in France. Avis; Budget and Hertz are among the many car hire companies that are represented at the airports. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended; though not legally required.

SAFETY / SECURITY:

Most visits to Réunion are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks; which could be against civilian targets; including places frequented by foreigners. The mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus continues to affect Réunion with the number cases reported as increasing as summer and the rainy season approach. Travellers should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly; visitors are advised to contact the following organisation for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Tel: 0845 850 2829; website: www.fco.gov.uk

TIPPING:

In general; restaurants and accommodation establishments do not include a service charge in their bill. Depending on the standard of service; normally 10 - 15% is applied as a basis for tips.

AFRICA COLLECTION CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office Hours: 09h00 – 17h30; Tel: +44 (0) 1403 256655; Fax: +44 (0) 1403 253325