Reality Brief: Saint-Denis
What to know about Saint-Denis, gathered from AfriPilot's sourced information: alerts, rules, addresses and useful places. Nothing is added without a source.
Region: ReunionGathered from 5 sources checked on October 2, 2026.
Current alerts
No official alerts recorded for this region.
Essentials before you arrive
- Passport: United Kingdom, Canada
Réunion is a French overseas department and part of the European Union: entry rules are set by France. British and Canadian nationals may stay without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism; for longer stays, work or study, check the official French visa website.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: entry requirementsGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Entry and residence
Emergencies 112; ambulance 15, fire 18, police 17, coastguard 196.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Health
Shark attacks, sometimes fatal, occur every year. Swimming and surfing are banned in dangerous areas: only swim in supervised areas and respect the flags. Stonefish stings are rare but can be fatal: seek care immediately.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Safety and emergencies
Piton de la Fournaise is active and its eruptions are unpredictable; access is strictly regulated. Never hike alone, hire a reputable guide and have insurance covering helicopter rescue.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Safety and emergencies
Cyclone season runs from November or December to April: follow Météo-France and the authorities' instructions, and be ready to change your plans.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Safety and emergencies
Dengue and chikungunya are present, with risk varying by season: protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
The currency is the euro.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Money and banking
Living in Saint-Denis
Crime is low; pickpocketing and bag snatching can still occur and rare serious violence sometimes happens. Demonstrations can disrupt traffic.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Safety and emergencies
Cyclone season runs from November or December to April: follow Météo-France and the authorities' instructions, and be ready to change your plans.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionGuide: Safety and emergencies
Field experience
- Tip
Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): pharmacies (43), clinics (6), hospitals (3). Locate those near your home in the first days and check opening hours and on-call services locally.
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Where to shop for food
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): markets (3), supermarkets (29). Compare a few basic prices between market and supermarket before settling into habits.
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Banks, cash machines and exchange
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): banks (38), cash machines (5), money transfer (2). Withdraw and change money at these official places, preferably during the day, never in the street.
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A shop for your SIM card
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): phone and internet (19). Go with your passport: SIM registration is often mandatory.
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A furnished flat for the first weeks
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): furnished apartments (15). A furnished flat gives you time to visit several neighbourhoods before signing a lease.
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A coworking space as a fallback
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): coworking (7). Useful for remote work when the connection or power fails at home.
- Tip
Consulates in the city
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): consulates (3). Note the address of your country's consulate or the nearest embassy.
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
112; ambulance 15, fire 18, police 17, coastguard 196.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Réunion· Oct 2, 2026