Réunion Visa Guide

Visa Information

Visa Requirements-
Passengers must have a valid visa issued by France that is valid for reunion

Exemptions for 3^rd country visa
Nationals of India can enter with multi-entry Schengen C visa issued by France for any amount of time or with a D visa issued by Schengen Member state for maximum 90days.

Return/onward Ticket information
Visitors without a return/onward ticket could be refused entry.

Accommodation
Visitors must have proof for accommodation. This does not apply to family members of nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Yellow fever vaccination requirements
Passengers must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if in the last 6 days they have been in Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Rep., Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cota d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guineabissau, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South sudan, Sudan Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda or Venezuela.

Rabies Vaccination

1. A rabies vaccination is required. It must be administered at least 21 days before arrivals.
2. A rabies titre test must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination- This does not apply pets arriving from France.

Entry and transit Restriction
Cats younger than 15 weeks are not allowed to enter- This does not allow if they arrival from metropolitan Franch or French Overseas departments and territories (except for French Guiana), they must be at least 08 weeks to enter; and all breeds of pitbull (e.g, Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier), Mastiff and Tosa.

Pet passport
A pet passport is required if your pets arrives from an EU member state- This does not apply to pets arriving from France.

Health Certificate
An international health certificate is required if the pet arrives from a non- EU country.

Identification Chip
An identification chip or tattoo is required

General
No additional information is available

Health certificate
An international health certificate issued at most 5 days before departures is required.

Additional information
Pets entering are not allowed to be re-exported.

Special Treatments
Pets must be vaccinated against Newcastle disease.

General
No additional information is available.

Customs-Import- OK 

Import General

1. Free Import to passengers arriving from non-EU Member states (Including Canary Islands, channels islands):
   Tobacco products, for passengers aged 17 years and over: - 200 cigarettes; or- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or – 50 cigar; or 250 grams of smoking tobacco; or- a proportional mix of these products;
2. Alcoholic beverages for passengers aged 17 years and over:- 01 Liter of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% Volume; or – 2 Liters of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverage less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liquor wines; or- a proportional mix of these products; and in addition -4 Liters still wine; and 16 Liters of beer;
3. Medicines, sufficient for personal Requirement;
4. Other goods (for air travellers) up to a total value of EUR 430- (Per adult) or EUR 150- ( per passenger aged under 15years). Such amounts cannot be cumulated by several people.
5. Gold/jewellery: must be declared except personal jewellery not exceeding total weight of 500 grams if it is in regular situation. Prohibited: a. all plants and plant products and parts thereof. due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) it is prohibited to import products of pig origin. The transport authorities should be informed if passengers do bring it with them. Leftover meals should be disposed in suitable and closed bins.

Currency
If arriving directly from or traveling to a country outside the EU: import of amounts exceeding EUR 10,000- or more or the equivalent in another currency (incl. banker’s draft and cheques of any kind) must be declared.

Passport Information

Passport Requirement: Passport required.

Document Validity: Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.

Born from a volcanic fury millions of years ago, Réunion is the emerald island destination surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Despite being a tiny island, stretching 2,500 sq. km, it surprises travellers with its dramatic landscape. A Réunion Island visa will open doors to a wide range of contrasts, from rumbling active volcano (Piton de la Fournaise) to white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons to lush cirques (often referred to as natural amphitheatres).

Tucked between two famous destinations - Mauritius and Madagascar, book your flights to Réunion and delve into stunning sights, where most of the territory is under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an Indian traveller, Réunion may feel like a familiar place. The island traces its heritage to India, where you’ll find temples, spices, and festivals like Diwali joyously celebrated here.

Despite being a French territory, Réunion Island is not part of the Schengen Area. This means that you need a specific visa for the country; a regular Schengen visa does not allow entry into Réunion. There are two ways to get a Réunion Island visa for an Indian: follow the normal Réunion Island visa requirements/application process or apply for a visa waiver.

Réunion can be considered a visa-free country for Indian nationals if planned correctly. Let us dive deep into how to get a visa for Réunion Island from India.

Steps to apply for a Réunion Island visa waiver:

Indian passport holders can visit Réunion under the visa waiver route for short stays of up to 15 days, provided the trip is arranged through an authorised travel agency. It's a convenient alternative to applying for a traditional French visa.

Steps to apply for a standard Réunion Island visa:

Note: VFS Global handles the visa process for Réunion on behalf of the French Embassy. However, travellers can contact the French consulate for accurate visa information. The requirements for a Réunion Island visa differ from the standard Schengen visa application.

Completing the online visa application is the first step in your Réunion visa process. After you fill in the form on the French government portal for Réunion and download the form, you need to book a separate appointment for VFS. This is because VFS Global handles French visa submission in major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Here is what you need to do next:

1. Complete the Réunion visa application form on the French visa portal
2. Download and print the visa application
3. Create an account on the VFS Global website
4. Fill in your appointment details and book an appointment
5. Attend the appointment with your required documents:
   • Printed visa application form
   • Appointment confirmation letter
   • Passport
   • Photographs
   • Supporting documents
   • Visa fee payment receipt

Tracking a Réunion visa application depends on where you have submitted your application. If you have submitted the application through VFS Global, you need to track your Réunion visa application on the website.

Based on your travel purpose to Réunion, there are different types of visas that you can choose from. Some of the following are the visa categories:

A short-stay tourist visa is a popular visa for Réunion Island. This visa allows travellers a visa waiver for a stay of up to 15 days. Travellers need to apply for a short-stay tourist visa for Réunion through an authorised travel agent, either from India or Réunion.

Documents required for a short-stay tourist visa

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
• Completed the Réunion visa application form
• At least 2 recent passport-size photographs
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation in Réunion
• Travel insurance
• Bank statement (last 3 months)
• Réunion visa waiver voucher (if using the travel agent)

Short-stay tourist visa validity

The tourists are allowed to stay for up to 90 days, within a period of 6 months.

Short-stay tourist visa processing time

The processing time for a short-stay tourist visa can be between 5 and 15 business days.

For any business-related visit to Réunion, an individual is allowed a short-stay business visa. Some of the other professional activities that require a business visa are attending conferences, trade fairs, and seminars.

Documents required for a short-stay business visa

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
• Completed the Réunion Island visa application form
• At least 2 recent passport-size photographs
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation in Réunion
• Bank statement (last 3 months)
• Travel insurance
• Invitation letter from the company in Réunion

Short-stay business visa validity

The travellers are allowed to stay for up to 90 days, within a period of 6 months.

Short-stay business visa processing time

The processing time for a short-stay business visa can be between 5 and 15 business days.

To work in Réunion Island, an individual needs to obtain a work visa, which comes under the long-stay visa category. Before the employee begins the visa application, the employer in Réunion needs to obtain a work authorisation from the French authorities. Once they receive the official approval document, they will send you a copy.

Documents required for a long-stay work visa

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
• Completed work visa application form
• At least 2 recent passport-size photographs
• Company ID card copy
• Employment contract/appointment letter
• Copy of work authorisation sent by the employer in Réunion
• Professional qualifications/diplomas
• Proof of accommodations in Réunion
• Bank statement
• Travel insurance

Long-stay work visa validity

The duration for a Réunion work visa depends on the employment contract, which is renewable.

Long-stay work visa processing time

The processing time for a long-stay work visa can be between 15 and 30 business days.

Students planning to study in Réunion Island require a student visa. After filling in the visa information on the French visa portal, apply for a separate interview process through VFS Global to submit documents. If applicable, complete the Campus France through the portal.

Documents required for a long-stay student visa

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
• Completed student visa application form
• At least 2 recent passport-size photographs
• Offer letter/admission letter
• Complete the Campus France (if your course requires)
• Proof of hostel/accommodation in Réunion
• Proof of tuition fee payment or a scholarship letter
• Bank statement
• Travel insurance
• Academic transcripts

Long-stay student visa validity

The duration for a Réunion student visa depends on the academic programme, which is renewable.

Long-stay student visa processing time

The processing time for a long-stay student visa can be between 15 and 30 business days.

If you have a family member in Réunion Island, you can visit through the family visa process. This visa for Réunion allows family members to visit the island (spouse, children, parents). However, based on the Réunion visa policy, the sponsor must show proof of income and relationship while applying.

Documents required for a family visa

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
• Completed visa application form
• At least 2 recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate/marriage certificate)
• Proof of accommodation in Réunion
• Travel insurance
• Bank statement/sponsor's income/employment contract
• Police clearance certificate from India

Family visa validity

An individual is allowed to stay for up to a year initially.

Family visa processing time

The family visa processing time can take between 1 and 3 months.

Réunion is a stunning international destination to visit from India. Here, you can find volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and calming beaches. If you visit in the right season, you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for visiting popular attractions. Through IndiGo, book sightseeing activities for a fun vacation.

Some of the best places to see in Réunion Island are:

• Piton de la Fournaise: This is the most famous attraction in Réunion. It is an active 8,635-foot high volcano that has hiking trails and visitors’ snack bars along the way. It is a well-marked trek where you will cross lunar-like landscapes, lava fields, and other interesting rock formations. It is Réunion’s iconic natural attractions.
• Cirque de Mafate: Created by a volcanic collapse, the Cirque de Mafate is accessible on foot, since there is no road accessibility. If you want a more luxurious sightseeing experience, you can access Cirque de Mafate by helicopter. Throughout the trail, you’ll traverse rugged terrain, charming villages, and views of unspoiled natural beauty.
• Cirque de Cilaos: Slightly off the spa town of Cilaos, you can hike to Cirque de Cilaos. It is located amidst towering peaks. This attraction is famous for its thermal springs and scenic hiking trails. The view from here is breathtaking.
• Cirque de Salazie: Among the three cirques, Salazie offers a refreshing and lush surrounding. You can excerpt to find green vegetation, dramatic waterfalls and picturesque villages. Hell-Bourg is one of the closest villages to the Cirque de Salazie.
• Trou de Fer: One of the scenic spots in Réunion is the Trou de Fer. This spectacular waterfall cascades hundreds of meters deep, featuring numerous waterfalls and lush vegetation. It is best to take a sightseeing tour and get the best view by helicopter.
• Maïdo: This mountain peak is located above the Cirque de Mafate. It offers a stunning panoramic view, especially during sunrise and sunset. Getting here is the most accessible and rewarding sight of the landscape. From Maïdo's viewpoint, you can begin your hike; it is relatively suitable for casual hikers.
• Plage de l'Hermitage: Known for its calm water, it attracts snorkelling enthusiasts. Protected by a coral reef, Plage de l'Hermitage is a tranquil lagoon beach suitable for swimming and paddleboarding. It is crowded during the weekend, but it is beautiful to visit for a relaxing day, looking at the Indian Ocean.
• Cascade de Grand Galet: Set in the dense forest of Réunion, the Cascade de Grand Galet is a picturesque site famous for the stunning waterfall. Cascade de Grand Galet, also known as Grand Galet Falls, is among the most photographed attractions in Réunion. It is a suitable place for nature walks, picnics, or enjoying the lush greenery.
• Saint-Gilles: This resort town of Réunion is renowned for its trendy neighbourhood, sandy beaches, and energetic nightlife. A series of dining and cafes are around Plage des Roches Noires beach. You can also find many hotels in Réunion here that come in all budgets. Réunion Aquarium is one of the major attractions too, with several marine species like moray eels, sharks and seahorses.

Through IndiGo experiences, you get to explore the best of this island destination, its culture, art, food, attractions and stunning beaches.

Some of the must-dos are listed below:

1. Hike to the summit of Piton de la Fournaise
2. Explore the Creole culture
3. Go for a sightseeing tour and witness waterfalls
4. Snorkel in the pristine lagoons
5. Take a ride through the stunning Route des Laves
6. Head out to explore some of the mountain villages