Safety and security

Practical advice

• Read our Know Before You Go travel guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. 

Natural disasters and climate

Climate

Réunion is a tropical island just above the Tropic of Capricorn in the Indian Ocean. It has good all year round temperatures. Réunion can experience heavy rainfall between January and March.

Cyclone

The cyclone season in Réunion normally runs from November to May. Cyclones can cause extensive damage to property. The authorities have a well-structured system of phased warnings and you should follow any advice issued by the local authorities. If you’re travelling to or living in Réunion, make sure you know what to do in the event of a cyclone.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Entry requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Reunion are the same as for travel to France. There is no need to obtain a visa (short stay or long stay) and the Irish passport must be valid up to the return date. No extra validity is required.

Health

Travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor a minimum of eight weeks in advance of departure to see if you need any vaccinations for travel to Réunion.