Reunion: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 measures through Aug. 31

Event

French authorities are extending COVID-19 measures on Reunion through Aug. 31. Under the current restrictions, individuals can leave their residences and only move within a 10-km (6-mile) radius of their homes Monday-Saturday and a 5-km (3-mile) radius on Sundays. Exemptions are in place for professional or essential reasons. A 19:00-05:00 curfew is also in effect. Individuals must possess signed permits (found here) when leaving home for essential purposes during curfew hours.

Only essential businesses such as fuel stations or pharmacies can remain open after 18:00. Most other businesses, including bars, cafes, and gyms, will close. Restaurants may operate under strict health protocols outside of curfew hours. Facemasks remain compulsory for persons over 11 years old in public areas.

International Travel Restrictions
International travel is ongoing. All unvaccinated arrivals must have a compelling reason for their trip, such as important family, personal, or professional business, or a medical emergency. Other measures include:

• All persons older than 12 years of age arriving in the territory must produce a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding. Both tests should not exceed 48 hours if traveling from a country listed as Red. For a list of current country color classifications, click here.

• Authorities recommend unvaccinated arrivals from Green and Orange countries to self-isolate for seven days. Those arriving from a Red country must quarantine for seven days and undergo testing at the end of the isolation period. Vaccinated travelers do not need to self-isolate.

• Unvaccinated travelers leaving the island to mainland France must also present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding.

• Cruise ships may not dock at ports. Health checks are in place at ports of entry.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all travel arrangements well before departure. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of France Coronavirus Information (French)
Government of France - Advice for foreign nationals in France
Current measures - Reunion (French)