Reunion

Professional Visa Services for French Overseas Territory Access

Whether you're planning to explore Reunion's volcanic landscapes, conduct business in this strategic Indian Ocean hub, or pursue educational opportunities, understanding the territory's visa requirements is essential for seamless travel.

Comprehensive Immigration Guidance

As a French overseas department, Reunion Island follows European Union immigration protocols while maintaining specific territorial considerations. Our expert team provides:

• Detailed visa category analysis for tourism and business purposes
• Specialized guidance for extended stays and work permits
• Strategic consultation for complex immigration scenarios

Key Traveler Categories

Most visitors require proper documentation, particularly non-EU nationals seeking entry for business meetings in Saint-Denis, research at volcanic sites, or extended cultural exploration. The island's unique status as both French territory and tropical destination creates specific regulatory frameworks.

Navigate Reunion's immigration requirements with confidence through our comprehensive visa pathway solutions.

Reunion follows French visa regulations as an overseas department of France. Your visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel purpose.

Visa-Free Travel to Reunion

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter visa-free with a valid national ID card or passport for unlimited stays.

90-day visa-free access is granted to citizens of:

• Americas: USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei
• Other regions: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

Passport Requirements

All travelers need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date from Reunion. EU citizens may use national ID cards instead.

Transit Passengers

Airport transit visas may be required for certain nationalities even without leaving the international zone. Check with your airline and French consulate before travel.

Visa Required Nationalities

Most African, Asian, and some South American citizens need a French short-stay visa before arrival. This includes popular tourist markets like India, China, Russia, and most Middle Eastern countries.

Special Considerations

• Diplomatic passport holders may have different requirements
• Children need individual passports or proper documentation
• Business travelers follow the same rules as tourists for short stays

Official Verification

Always verify current requirements through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or nearest French consulate, as visa policies can change frequently.

Understanding the appropriate visa category for your visit to Reunion ensures a smooth entry process. As a French overseas department, Reunion follows the Schengen visa framework with specific territorial limitations.

Short-Stay Tourist Visas

The Schengen visa (Type C) permits stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes. Available as:

• Single-entry visa - One entry only, valid for specific dates
• Multiple-entry visa - Multiple visits within validity period

Processing typically requires 15-20 working days with standard documentation including accommodation proof and return tickets.

Business and Professional Visas

Business visas under the Schengen framework cover:

• Conference attendance and trade missions
• Commercial negotiations and client meetings
• Technical installations and training programs

Requires invitation letters from Reunion-based companies and proof of business relationship.

Long-Stay Visas

National visas (Type D) for extended stays exceeding 90 days include:

• Work visas - Requiring employment contracts from Reunion employers
• Student visas - For enrollment in recognized educational institutions
• Family reunion visas - For joining French residents or citizens

Transit and Special Categories

Airport transit visas may be required for certain nationalities during layovers. Diplomatic and official visas follow separate protocols with expedited processing.

Visa extensions are generally not permitted for short-stay categories, requiring departure and reapplication. Choose your visa type carefully based on your primary travel purpose and intended duration.

Processing Times & Application Methods

As a French overseas department, Réunion follows French Schengen visa requirements. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, with expedited service available in 3-5 business days for urgent cases. Applications are submitted through official French consulates, VFS Global centers, or authorized visa service providers in your country of residence.

• Tourist/Business visa: 15 days standard processing
• Long-stay visas: 30-60 days processing time
• Peak season impact: November-April may extend timelines by 5-7 days

Visa Costs & Payment

Schengen visa fees are €80 for adults and €40 for children (6-12 years). Service fees at visa centers add €25-35 depending on location. Expedited processing incurs additional €35-50 charges. Payment methods include cash, credit cards, or bank transfers at most application centers.

Key Requirements & Validity

Essential documents include valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage), flight bookings, and accommodation proof. Visas grant 90 days maximum stay within 180-day periods. Extensions are processed through Réunion Prefecture with 30-day advance application required.

Success rates exceed 95% for complete applications with proper documentation and genuine travel purposes.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose: tourist, business, family visit, or long-stay visa. Each category has specific requirements and processing timeframes that directly impact your application strategy.

Step 2: Document Collection and Preparation

Gather essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting biometric standards
• Travel insurance covering €30,000 minimum
• Financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds

Translation requirement: All non-French documents must be officially translated and legalized through apostille certification.

Step 3: Online Application Submission

Complete your application through the official French consular portal. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly to avoid processing delays or rejection.

Step 4: Appointment Scheduling and Biometric Submission

Book your mandatory appointment at the designated visa application center. During this visit, you'll submit original documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and complete the interview process.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the required visa fees using accepted payment methods. Fees vary by visa type and are non-refundable regardless of application outcome. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 6: Application Tracking

Monitor your application status through the online tracking system using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15-30 working days, depending on application complexity and seasonal demand.

Step 7: Decision and Collection

Collect your passport with visa decision from the application center. If approved, verify all visa details immediately. In case of rejection, review the decision letter carefully and consider appeal options within the specified timeframe.