Travel Vaccines and Advice for Réunion
Réunion is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean. Réunion is considered a region of France and is part of the Eurozone.
The populations is quite high for an overseas region, with over 865,000 people living in over 2,500 square kilometres. The population has a large diversity of ethnic origins, though there is a distinct culture. The official language of Réunion is French, but many people also speak Réunion Creole.
The largest cities on Réunion include the prefecture, Saint-Denis, along with Saint Paul, and Saint Pierre.
Do I Need Vaccines for Réunion?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Réunion. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Réunion: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Réunion |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Réunion |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is one main hospital on Réunion Saint-Denis with basic medical care for mild injuries and services. Any serious emergencies will be airlifted out.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Réunion?
Requirements for entry are the same as France, with visas not required for trips less than 90 days. Proof of onward travel, suffient funds and lodging may be required. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may also be required.
Réunion Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Réunion? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Réunion and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Réunion?
The climate on Réunion is tropical, with hot and humid summers and cooler winters.
Winter runs from June-September with highs and lows ranging from 18 to 25. Summer runs from December to March with temperatures up to 30.
The Eastern Coast is much more rainy than the Western Coast, which is relatively dry.
How Safe is Réunion?
For travellers, Réunion is relatively safe. Some petty crime such as robbery does occur. Lock up your precious belongings at all times.
While you are swimming, beware of riptides and dangerous currents. Also, try to swim in lagoons or protected areas—there have been a series of shark attacks in the past few years.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
The Volcano on Réunion
Although an active volcano may not seem like an ideal tourist destination, the volcano on Réunion, Piton de la Fournaise, is the island’s most popular natural attraction.
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with its last eruption occurring in 2017. Located in Bellecome Pass, tourists can walk up a stairway that leads to the caldera floor.
If you are planning to visit Piton de la Fournaise on ground, you should be in good physical conditions and wear hiking boots.
Another way to see Piton de la Fournaise is by helicopter.
What Should I Take To Réunion?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Réunion:
- Lightweight clothing like a sweater or jacket
- Swimsuit
- Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself against the sun while you’re at the beach.
- Hiking or walking shoes
Canadian Embassy in Réunion
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Réunion, but it is served by the embassy in Paris.
Canadian Embassy in Paris
130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
75008 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02
Email: paris-consulaire@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Réunion or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Réunion?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Réunion?
What Is the Climate Like in Réunion?
How Safe is Réunion?
The Volcano on Réunion
What Should I Take To Réunion?
Canadian Embassy in Réunion
