Where is Reunion Island?

Réunion Island is an overseas territory belonging to France and, as such, is part of the European Union. This means that European citizens, regardless of the EU country they belong to, can travel to the island without applying for a visa. As a European territory, EU travelers enjoy the same freedom of movement as within the continent, allowing them to enter with a valid ID document, such as a passport or national identity card, and remain on the island without a time limit. Additionally, the official currency is the euro, simplifying transactions for eurozone citizens.

For visitors from other countries, such as the United States, China, or any other country outside the EU, entry guidelines may be different. Generally, travelers from the United States do not need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days, thanks to the visa waiver agreement between the U.S. and the Schengen area. However, they must present a valid passport and comply with the conditions of the waiver, such as not engaging in paid activities during their visit.

It is important for travelers from outside the EU to check with consular authorities or official immigration websites for the specific conditions and requirements for their country of origin, as these may vary depending on nationality and length of stay. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers any medical needs, as non-European citizens are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card.

In short, while European citizens enjoy unrestricted access to Reunion, visitors from other countries should ensure they meet the visa and passport requirements based on their nationality and their planned length of stay on the island.

When to go to Reunion Island?

Réunion Island enjoys a tropical and humid climate year-round. Temperatures never drop below freezing, although snow can fall at the highest peaks, and generally hover around 20°C. However, depending on the time of year you choose to visit, temperatures can exceed 30°C, with the possibility of frequent rain. Furthermore, the climate can vary considerably across the island. Let’s take a look at the seasons!

November to April: This period corresponds to the rainy season. If you travel during these months, you risk being surprised by rain, although not while you’re enjoying a swim in the crystal-clear waters. The good news is that even if it rains, the showers are usually brief, so you can still enjoy the sunshine. During this warm season, temperatures rise and can exceed 30°C

May to November: This is known as the dry season, where temperatures range between 18 and 26°C, and rainfall is much less frequent compared to the rainy season.Another important factor to consider is the high season, which takes place in July and August.

During these months, the weather is ideal, but they coincide with summer vacations, which means more tourists and higher prices. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and save some money, it would be advisable to avoid these dates.

May and June could be the perfect months to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds, as they are part of the shoulder season.

How to get to Reunion Island?

The most common way to reach this heavenly destination is by plane. The island’s capital, Saint Denis, is served by Roland Garros Airport, which offers direct flights mainly from Paris. Since the island is part of France, it’s likely easier and cheaper to travel from that country. Furthermore, the capital has a wider range of flights. However, the journey won’t be short: keep in mind that the distance between Paris and Saint Denis is approximately 10,000 kilometers, equivalent to a flight of approximately 11 hours.

Another option is to make a stopover on one of the nearby islands; for example, some flights stop in Mauritius, which could allow you to explore this island depending on the length of your stopover.

In short, the fastest option is to travel via Paris, although you can also make stopovers if you prefer to extend your trip or reduce costs, although this will mean spending more time in the air. If you’re looking to minimize flight time but still want to discover a French paradise surrounded by beaches, this destination is ideal.