Do residents of Reunion Island need a visa for Vietnam?

Residents of Reunion holding French passports enjoy a 45-day visa-free exemption. A visa is only required for stays exceeding 45 days.

Is there a Vietnamese Embassy in Reunion?

No, there is no physical embassy in Reunion. However, citizens can apply for a 90-day E-visa 100% online without visiting an embassy.

What nationality should I select on the E-visa form if I am from Reunion?

You must select 'France' as your nationality, matching the country that issued your passport.

How to Get a Vietnam Visa from Reunion Island: The 2026 Guide

January 8, 2026 Off By Mi Pandora

Traveling from the dramatic volcanic landscapes of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean to the bustling streets of Vietnam is an adventure of a lifetime. However, because Reunion is geographically located near Africa but politically part of Europe, many travelers are confused about the visa requirements.

The most important fact to remember in 2026 is this: As an overseas department of France, residents of Reunion hold French passports. This grants you some of the best travel privileges available when visiting Vietnam.

1. The “French Connection”: 45-Day Visa Exemption

Because you travel on a French passport, you do not need to worry about complex visa applications for short holidays.

The Rule: French citizens traveling from Reunion Island are entitled to a 45-day visa-free entry to Vietnam.
Requirements: 1. Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. 2. You must have a return ticket or an onward ticket showing you will leave Vietnam within 45 days.
How it works: Simply book your flight, arrive at any international airport in Vietnam (such as Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai), and the immigration officer will stamp your passport for 45 days. No prior registration is needed.

2. When Do You Need a Visa? (The 90-Day E-Visa)

If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days—perhaps for a long remote-working stint in Da Nang or to travel extensively across Southeast Asia—you must apply for a visa.

Since there is no Vietnamese Embassy in Reunion (the nearest physical embassies are in Madagascar or Mozambique), the 100% digital E-Visa is your best option.

Validity: Up to 90 Days.
Entries: Available in both Single Entry and Multiple Entry (ideal if you want to visit Thailand or Cambodia and return to Vietnam).
Process: Entirely online, eliminating the need to mail your passport across the ocean.

3. Step-by-Step E-Visa Application from Reunion

Prepare Your Files: Take a clear digital photo of your passport’s bio-page. Take a portrait photo with a white background (strictly no glasses).
Apply Online: Visit our secure digital portal. Choose “France” as your nationality (do not look for Reunion, as your passport is French).
Payment: Pay the government fee ($25 USD for single entry / $50 USD for multiple entry) via credit card.
Print: After 3 to 5 business days, your approved E-visa will be emailed to you. You must print two physical copies to present at the airport in Saint-Denis before boarding.

4. Flight Routes from Reunion (RUN) to Vietnam

There are no direct flights from Roland Garros Airport (RUN) to Vietnam. In 2026, the most efficient routes include:

The Mauritius Transit (Fastest): Fly a short hop to Mauritius (MRU), then connect via Emirates (through Dubai) or Air Mauritius (connecting through Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok) to Vietnam.
The Bangkok Connection: Fly Air Austral directly to Bangkok (BKK), and then take a short 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Note: If you use this route, ensure your Vietnam E-visa is printed before you leave Reunion.
The Paris Route: Though geographically a detour, some travelers prefer flying Air France to Paris (CDG) and catching a direct Vietnam Airlines flight to Asia.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a visa if I hold a “Titre de Séjour” (Residence Permit) in Reunion but have a Madagascar passport? A: Yes. Visa requirements are based strictly on your passport nationality, not your residency. If you hold a passport from Madagascar, Mauritius, or Comoros, you do not qualify for the French exemption and must apply for a 90-day E-visa online.

Q: I am at the airport in Saint-Denis and realized I need a visa. What can I do? A: If you plan to stay longer than 45 days and forgot to apply, you can use our Super Urgent E-Visa Service. Because Vietnam is 3 hours ahead of Reunion, our team can process an emergency approval in 1 to 4 hours while you wait for your flight.

Q: Can I extend my 45-day exemption without leaving Vietnam? A: No. In 2026, in-country extensions for tourist exemptions are suspended. You must do a “Visa Run” (fly to a nearby country like Thailand and re-enter) to get a new 45-day stamp, or apply for a 90-day E-visa online before you do the border run.

CategoryVietnam Visa