Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, draws hikers to the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, walkers and photographers to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, and swimmers to the sheltered lagoon of the west coast around Saint-Gilles. Because it is part of France and of the EU, an EU SIM works there as at home under Roam Like at Home, although the island is not in the Schengen area. Visitors from outside the EU, including the UK, roam at their own operator's rates.
Key facts for Réunion
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Orange (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112; medical emergencies (SAMU) 15; police 17; fire 18
- Embassies: none, as part of France; the UK covers it from Paris
Sharks and swimming
There have been shark attacks in Réunion, and since 2013 a prefectoral order has banned swimming and wave-powered water sports such as surfing within 300 metres of the shore around the whole island. The exceptions are protected zones, such as the lagoon behind the coral reef, natural rock pools and netted areas, plus a few experimental supervised zones. Swim only where it is allowed and follow the advice of lifeguards and local authorities.
The volcano and the mountains
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world's most active volcanoes; its last eruption began in January 2026, and the observatory's alert level stood at vigilance in October 2026. Access to the Enclos, the caldera around the summit, can be closed at short notice, so check the observatory and prefecture before setting out. Altitude sickness is possible on the highest trails. Mountain rescue answers on +262 262 930 930 and sea rescue on +262 262 43 43 43, in addition to 112.
In the cirques, and especially in Mafate, which has no roads, do not count on a signal: download offline maps and tell someone your route.
Cyclones, mosquitoes and leptospirosis
The cyclone season normally runs from December to April. In 2025 Réunion had a large chikungunya epidemic, with more than 54,000 confirmed cases before it was declared over at the end of June 2025, and dengue also circulates, so protect yourself against mosquito bites. After heavy rain, leptospirosis is a risk in fresh water, so avoid swimming in rivers and pools if you have cuts.
Entry, healthcare and money
Réunion is part of the EU but not of the Schengen area: EU citizens need a valid identity card or passport, other visitors need a passport and, if their nationality requires one, a visa, and a Schengen visa alone does not allow entry. Healthcare is of a good standard and the EHIC and the UK's GHIC are valid for necessary state treatment. The currency is the euro.
Getting around
Most flights land at Roland Garros airport, near Saint-Denis; Pierrefonds airport, near Saint-Pierre, has direct flights to Mauritius only. Buses, shuttles and taxis cover the island, including shared "taxis à la place" that leave from bus stations once full, but a hire car is the practical way to reach trailheads.
Getting connected
EU SIM: your plan works as it does at home on the local networks.
SIM from outside the EU: install a travel eSIM before you fly; it connects when you land in Saint-Denis. An Africa plan covers Réunion together with Mauritius, which suits a two-island trip. Keep your usual SIM for texts and bank codes, with data roaming switched off.
Local SIMs: Orange, SRR (which uses the SFR brand), Telco OI and ZEOP Mobile are the island's operators.
Consular protection: who to call in Réunion
- Call 112, 15 for a medical emergency, 17 for the police or 18 for the fire service.
- There are no embassies in Réunion, as it is part of France. The UK covers it from its embassy in Paris; check before you travel which embassy or consulate covers Réunion for your country.
- French is the official language, and Réunion Creole is widely spoken.
Questions travellers ask about Réunion
Does my EU plan work in Réunion?
Yes. Réunion is part of the EU, so your plan works as at home under Roam Like at Home.
Can I swim in the sea?
Only in the protected and supervised zones, such as the lagoon of the west coast. Swimming and surfing within 300 metres of the shore are banned elsewhere because of the shark risk.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Réunion?
Orange or another local network, depending on the plan, with 4G and 5G where available.
Will I have signal in Mafate?
Do not count on it. Mafate has no roads, so download maps and share your route before you set off.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly if you come from outside the EU, swim only in protected zones, check the volcano's access status before hiking, download maps for the cirques, protect yourself against mosquitoes, and save 112 and 15.
Related reads:
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans