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 970 square miles. 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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Réunion?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Reunion
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?
U.S. Embassy in Réunion
Do I Need Vaccines for Réunion?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Réunion. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Réunion: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Réunion |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Réunion |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the CDC.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, can be prevented by using mosquito repellents and eliminating standing water. Vaccination is recommended fro those traveling to regions effected by the disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
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 tart booking online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Reunion
Prevent Bug Bites in Reunion
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Reunion
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness in Reunion
At high altitudes, altitude sickness can strike, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. If symptoms develop, immediate descent to lower altitudes is essential, along with rest and medical evaluation if symptoms persist.
Infections To Be Aware of in Reunion
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) spreads through tick bites. Protect yourself by wearing long clothing, applying insect repellent, and conducting thorough tick checks. Consult healthcare providers for options before traveling to affected areas.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Réunion?
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Réunion, as long as the stay is under 90 days.
You do need a valid passport to travel to Réunion. The passport needs to remain valid for three months from your travel date and must have one blank page for a stamp.
Réunion Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Réunion? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Réunion and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Réunion?
Reunion Island is a tropical place that is warm and humid throughout the year. The weather can be different depending on where you go on the island. The capital city, Saint-Denis, is in the northern part of the island and has temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees. Saint-Gilles les Bains and Saint-Paul are coastal towns with temperatures from 75 to 85.
Cilaos is a town in the mountains with cooler temperatures from 50 to 70. Saint-Leu is another coastal town with temperatures from 75 to 85. Reunion Island has moderate rainfall throughout the year, but the wettest months are from January to March.
Reunion Island is a great place to visit any time of the year, but visitors should expect some heavy rain and strong winds during the wetter months.
How Safe Is Réunion?
For travelers, 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
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
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?
If you’re going to visit Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, you should pack some important things. The weather is hot and humid, so bring lightweight and breathable clothes like cotton shirts and shorts. You should also bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
The sun is strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up. There can be a lot of mosquitoes and bugs, so pack insect repellent. Bring any medications you need and a small first aid kit.
The electrical outlets are different from what you’re used to, so bring a travel adapter. You’ll definitely want to bring swimwear because there are beautiful beaches. You should also bring a camera and binoculars to see the natural beauty and wildlife.
Finally, it would be helpful to know some basic French phrases or bring a French phrasebook.
U.S. Embassy in Réunion
All Americans visiting Réunion should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Réunion, but it is served by the embassy in Mauritius.
U.S. Embassy Port Louis
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Avenue
Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius
Phone: (230) 202-4400
Fax: (230) 208-9534
If you have any questions about traveling 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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Reunion
“The nurse was excellent. She made me feel informed, set clear expectations on what to expect, and was overall great to chat with. Thanks for helping me get to Reunion!”
“The clinic environment is very friendly, my 2 years old daughter behave well in the clinic, she used to cry when she walks in to public health services. The nurse is very friendly and quick. My daughter only cried less than 5 seconds for the whole process. Very impressive. We’re ready for Reunion!”
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