Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Sea, climate and natural hazards
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.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionPiton 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.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionCyclone season runs from November or December to April: follow Météo-France and the authorities' instructions, and be ready to change your plans.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: RéunionDive operators do not always follow standards: check credentials, equipment, oxygen on board and your insurance.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and security
Crime
Crime is low; pickpocketing and bag snatching can still occur and rare serious violence sometimes happens. Demonstrations can disrupt traffic.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Réunion
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
Sources for this guide
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Réunion travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: December 10, 2025 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Réunion · Source updated: May 26, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.