Reality Brief: Saint-Paul
What to know about Saint-Paul, 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-Paul
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
Dive operators do not always follow standards: check credentials, equipment, oxygen on board and your insurance.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGuide: Safety and emergencies
Field experience
- Tip
Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): pharmacies (23), clinics (3), hospitals (3). Locate those near your home in the first days and check opening hours and on-call services locally.
- Tip
Where to shop for food
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): markets (3), supermarkets (12). Compare a few basic prices between market and supermarket before settling into habits.
- Tip
Banks, cash machines and exchange
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): banks (16), cash machines (2). Withdraw and change money at these official places, preferably during the day, never in the street.
- Tip
A shop for your SIM card
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): phone and internet (7). Go with your passport: SIM registration is often mandatory.
- Tip
A coworking space as a fallback
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): coworking (1). Useful for remote work when the connection or power fails at home.
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