Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Reunion
About
| Reunion is an island of bright turquoise waters, but swimming and watersports activities are not really the number-one reason why visitors might choose to go to Réunion. Far greater motivators are its stupendous trekking routes across mountain terrain. Cirques – large volcanic valleys surrounded by mountains, creating a natural amphitheatre of about 10km in diameter – sink into the ground, replete with magnificent waterfalls and other natural features. Saint-Denis, the capital, is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has several places of interest, including the Natural History Museum and the Léon Dierx Art Gallery with its collection of French Impressionist paintings. There are various temples, a mosque and a cathedral, a sign of the cultural and religious variety of the island population. Experience a taste of France - in the Indian Ocean. |
|
| Native Name: | Ile de la Reunion |
| Capital: | Saint-Denis (RUN) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR). US Dollars may be accepted by certain tourist sites. |
| Language: | French. Creole and English may be spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 262 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Best Time to Go: | May - June |
| Best For: | Pristine Beaches, Natural Attractions |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs have two round pins. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Water in public areas labelled ‘Eau non potable' is not safe for drinking. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors from South Africa are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies should be observed. Various religions and cultures are represented in Reunion. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Travellers cheques are usually not accepted. |
| Duty Free: | • 250g of tobacco • 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of spirits up to 22% volume • 4L of wine • 16L of beer • Goods up to the value of €1,000 if arriving from mainland France or another EU country • Goods up to the value of €430 or €300 (depending on your mode of transport) if arriving from a non-EU country (or €150 for children under 15) |
| Prohibited Imports: | Fresh fruit, vegetables or seeds. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Firearms and ammunition, and live, frozen or stuffed birds, or any bird-derived products. |
Issuing Authorities
Reunion is an overseas départements of France (DROM)
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 21; May 1, 8, 29; Jun 9; Jul 14; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 20, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 6; May 1, 8, 14, 25; Jul 14; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 20, 25
Visa Requirements
South African Passport holders do not require visas for stays up to 90 days.
Entry Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Onward or return air ticket
Should you require a visa, see the France Country Guide.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
