Réunion

Recommended Vaccinations For Réunion

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for Réunion, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in Réunion through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Réunion

There are no recommendations for Réunion at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Réunion

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Réunion.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever outbreaks have occurred in Réunion.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Réunion through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Réunion, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Réunion

Personal Safety

Reunion Island maintains a low crime rate compared to mainland France. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded tourist areas and markets, so you need to keep your belongings secure. Violent crime remains rare but sexual assaults and homicides do occasionally happen. The Chaudron neighborhood in Saint-Denis and certain areas of Le Port and Saint-Louis have higher crime rates and require increased vigilance, particularly after dark. Recent years have seen a slight uptick in incivility and crime-related incidents. Car break-ins are the main theft risk, so never leave valuables visible inside your vehicle. Walking alone at night, especially in downtown Saint-Denis, is not recommended as bag snatching increases after dark. Women may experience occasional harassment or catcalling in some areas, though this is not widespread. Terrorism risk remains low with no recent history of attacks, though authorities continue to monitor around 100 suspected radicalized individuals on the island. Shark attacks are a legitimate concern at certain beaches on the west, south and east coasts. Swimming and water sports are prohibited outside designated lagoons, supervised areas with anti-shark nets, and natural pools. Pay attention to prefectural decrees and beach signage regarding swimming restrictions. Natural hazards include the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, cyclones from November to May, and risks of landslides and flash floods during heavy rainfall. Always follow official warnings and avoid hiking alone without proper preparation. The cyclone season peaks between January and March and can cause significant disruption. Reunion functions as a French overseas department with excellent emergency services, well-equipped healthcare facilities, and European-standard public services throughout the island.

Extreme Violence

Reunion Island has no significant terrorism threat history. A 2017 incident involved a suspected radicalized individual shooting at police officers in Saint-Denis, but such events are extremely rare. Authorities estimate around 100 radicalized Islamists on the island and maintain monitoring protocols. The terrorism risk remains low and comparable to mainland France. Violent crime rates are relatively low. Homicides and sexual assaults do occur but remain uncommon. Most crime involves non-violent theft rather than attacks on persons. There is no organized criminal violence or gang activity that affects tourists. Domestic violence and alcohol-related incidents among acquaintances are more common than random violent attacks against visitors. Some isolated areas, including remote hiking trails, have experienced rare violent incidents. In past years, serious attacks including rape and murder occurred in remote mountain areas, though these incidents are exceptional. You should avoid hiking alone in isolated locations and stick to popular, well-trafficked trails. Recent social unrest has periodically erupted on the island, most notably in 1991, 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2023. Protests related to cost of living, fuel prices, and social inequality have led to roadblocks, property damage, looting, and clashes between protesters and police. The Chaudron neighborhood in Saint-Denis has been the epicenter of several violent protests. While these incidents are typically linked to local socioeconomic issues rather than targeting tourists, they can disrupt travel plans and create unsafe conditions. The unrest usually involves masked individuals throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police, burning vehicles, and blocking roads. Yellow vest protests paralyzed the island’s economy in late 2018. During periods of unrest, airports, schools, and roads may be blocked, and fuel or food supplies disrupted.

Political Unrest

Reunion Island experiences periodic political and social unrest driven by persistent economic disparities. Nearly 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line with unemployment around 28 percent and wages 30 percent lower than mainland France. These conditions spark recurring demonstrations and strikes. The island has a history of violent protests dating back to 1991 when riots in the Chaudron neighborhood of Saint-Denis left 11 people dead following the shutdown of an illegal radio station. Since then, protests over high costs of living, fuel prices, and social inequality have erupted in 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2023. Yellow vest protests in 2018 paralyzed the economy and led to deployment of French military forces. Demonstrations typically involve roadblocks that disrupt transportation and commerce. During unrest, roads are blocked by masked protesters, schools close, and access to fuel and food becomes limited. Violence can escalate with protesters throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police, burning vehicles, and looting businesses. The Chaudron neighborhood remains a flashpoint for social unrest. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and lead to major traffic and public transportation disruptions. Recent unrest in June 2023 saw riots break out across multiple locations including Saint-Andre, Saint-Louis, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Pierre, La Possession, Le Tampon, and Le Port in response to developments in mainland France. Occasional strikes by transport workers, truckers, and other unions can disrupt services and cause road blockages. While protests are generally linked to local socioeconomic grievances rather than targeting tourists, they create hazardous conditions and can trap visitors. During periods of unrest, avoid demonstration areas, monitor local news closely, and be prepared for travel disruptions. The unrest is not a daily occurrence but flares up periodically when tensions over economic conditions boil over.

Areas To Avoid

Several neighborhoods in Reunion Island require increased caution. In Saint-Denis, the capital, avoid Le Chaudron, La Source, certain sections of Champ-Fleuri, Bois-de-Nefles, and Saint-Francois. These working-class neighborhoods have higher crime rates and have been epicenters of violent protests and riots. The Chaudron area in particular has a long history as a flashpoint for social unrest dating back to 1991. In Le Port, avoid the Riviere des Galets, ZAC, ZUP, and SIDR districts. In Saint-Louis, certain areas also experience higher crime due to economic precarity. These neighborhoods are not tourist destinations and visitors have little reason to go there. Vigilance is essential in these areas, particularly after dark. Most tourist areas and resorts on the west coast around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, L’Hermitage, and La Saline-les-Bains are safe. The cirques of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie in the interior are peaceful with virtually zero security concerns. The Piton de la Fournaise volcano area and the Plaine des Cafres are also very safe for visitors. Several beaches pose serious danger due to shark attacks. Swimming is prohibited by prefectural decree at most beaches except in designated supervised lagoons, natural pools, and areas with anti-shark nets. Between 2011 and 2021, 11 people were killed by sharks, primarily bull and tiger sharks. Beaches to avoid swimming at include Saint-Paul Bay and numerous spots on the west, south, and east coasts unless protection measures are in place. Safe swimming areas include L’Hermitage Beach, Trou d’Eau Lagoon, Saline-les-Bains Beach, and areas with Boucan-Canot nets, as well as natural pools at Boucan-Canot, Baril in Saint-Philippe, and the Blue Pool in Sainte-Anne. Never swim outside marked safe zones. Hiking trails can become dangerous during heavy rain due to slippery terrain, landslides, and flash floods. Stick to marked trails and avoid hiking alone in remote areas. Some hiking areas are isolated and have seen rare violent incidents. Remote hiking to places like Mafate cirque should be done with proper planning, equipment, and ideally with others or a guide.