Entry Requirements:
For French nationals or the European Union, a valid identity card or valid passport will be required. For other Foreign nationals: a valid passport, visa (where applicable) and a return ticket or a continuation of travel.

Geography:
Reunion Island is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean and situated within the Mascarene Archipelago, 800 km from Madagascar and 200 km from Mauritius. The island was created into two major volcanic events: the emergence of the Piton des Neiges (3071 m) and the formation of the Piton de la Fournaise about 380,000 years ago, which is still active. It also houses three large ‘cirques’ (natural amphitheatres) namely: Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, which has been formed by erosion. The total surface area is 2512 km². The capital is St Denis and French & Creole are commonly spoken.

Population:
Ethnic groups present include people of European, African, Malagasy , Indians and Chinese origin as well as many of mixed race . The population is now estimated to 785,200 inhabitants. 

Climate:
Reunion Island has a mild tropical climate along with some trade winds. The year is divided into two seasons: dry and cold season lasts from May to October, with winter from June to August. The wet and hot season is from November to April, receives two thirds of annual rainfall.

Economy:
The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but services now dominate. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, which amounts to one-third of the labour force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions.

Health:
For passengers arriving from Endemic countries, vaccination against yellow fever and cholera vaccines is highly recommended. There is no malaria in Reunion. However, it is recommended to use an anti-repellent lotion and sun-screen lotion against sun damage.

International Fights:
Daily flights from Paris and other cities (E.g. Toulouse, Marseille, and Lyon).

Daily flights from Belgium, Italia and Switzerland.

Time difference:
GMT +4hrs.

Highlights – Reunion Island

Useful Information:

• Daily flights from Paris & other French cities (Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon).
• Daily flights from Belgium, Italia & Switzerland.
• GMT +4 hours.
• Approx. 30 minutes flight from/to Mauritius.
• A French Department using the Euro.
• Formalities of entries in use in CEE.
• No vaccine needed.

Places of interest:

• National park ‘des Hauts’ – protection and preservation of a unique landscape.
• Marine Park - protection and preservation of coral reefs.
• Pavillons Bleus Européens: Beach areas of St Gilles & St Leu, rewarding environmental protection.
• Average temperature of 28°C during the year.
• Reunion Island can best be described as a combination of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cultures.
• Easy local access to all important sites.

An Island for Everyone:

• Trekking: 1 000 km Trail within the island.
• Spices: a multi-cultural cuisine, rich in flavours.
• Union: an example of coexistence: Creole, Indian, Chinese, Malagasy, Europe ... living in total respect and harmony.
• Nature: a permanent transition between the mountains, lagoons, tropical forests, volcano, waterfalls ...
• Island: far from clichés of a tropical island, offering a range of sporting activities beyond the simple relaxation.
• Ocean: a unique culture on a small piece of land in the middle of the Indian Ocean, at the crossroads of three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa.
• Colours, lush vegetation of the East Coast to the landscapes of the volcano throughout the turquoise waters of the lagoon.