Security information about Réunion, the French island next to Madagascar
Réunion Island, located further east of Madagascar, a Southeast African island nation, is an overseas department of France. A large part of the island is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island," attracting many tourists.
Although it is a tourist destination, it is far from Japan, and information is limited, making safety concerns an important issue. Here, we have compiled security information about Réunion for your reference.
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Security information about Réunion, the French island next to Madagascar
Avoid Going Out After Dark
Réunion, as a French overseas department, has a relatively good economic situation and is safer compared to neighboring Madagascar. In fact, people who get injured or fall ill in Madagascar are sometimes transported to Réunion for medical treatment, as the island has well-equipped healthcare facilities.
However, this does not mean that there are no security concerns. In some towns, shops close around 8 PM, and once the streets get dark, delinquents and homeless individuals may gather or wander around.
For this reason, it is best to avoid going out at night, even in the downtown area of Saint-Denis, the capital of Réunion. The security situation deteriorates after dark, with incidents such as bag snatching occurring.
Women Should Be Cautious About Sexual Crimes
Women need to be especially careful in Réunion. There have been reports of rape incidents in and around nightclubs. Women should avoid walking alone at night, as safety conditions worsen after dark.
In the past, there was an incident where a couple hiking in a UNESCO World Heritage mountain was attacked. The woman was raped, and the man was murdered. Some areas are unsafe even during the daytime, so proper safety precautions are necessary.
Réunion is known not only for its mountains but also for its beautiful beaches, which are popular tourist attractions. However, it is best to avoid flashy or overly revealing clothing. While the island’s stunning landscapes can be exciting, getting too carried away may lead to unnecessary trouble.
Pickpocketing and Theft Occur
As with most places abroad, even in relatively safe Réunion, incidents of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft are not uncommon. While there’s no need to be overly paranoid, taking basic security precautions is essential.
Since Réunion attracts many international tourists, Japanese visitors do not particularly stand out. However, it’s best to avoid overly flashy clothing. Refrain from wearing expensive jewelry or luxury brand watches, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or multiple credit cards. These simple measures can help prevent theft.
In Japan, it’s common to leave bags unattended in restaurants and cafés, but doing so in Réunion—or any foreign country—greatly increases the risk of theft. Always keep your belongings with you.
Be Aware of Hidden Security Issues
At first glance, Réunion may not seem to have major security concerns, but some believe that incidents are downplayed to protect the tourism industry. Minor crimes might not even reach mainland France, so it’s important to assess the safety of different areas with your own judgment when visiting.
Additionally, domestic violence and conflicts between acquaintances appear to be common in Réunion. While tourists may not be directly affected, it’s still important to be cautious when socializing with locals, such as being invited to their homes or approached by groups at bars or restaurants.
Stay Aware and Avoid Unnecessary Trouble
Although the security situation isn’t alarming, remember that Réunion is different from Japan. Being mindful of these differences can help you avoid unnecessary trouble.
◎ Summary
This article has provided safety information about Réunion, a French overseas department. Since it is part of France, the overall security situation does not seem problematic.
However, since it is not a well-known destination for Japanese travelers, reliable information is limited. One thing is certain: avoiding nighttime outings in Réunion is highly recommended. The island is rich in dynamic natural attractions, offering plenty of activities such as beach outings and hiking during the day. It’s best to enjoy those and head to bed early rather than risk venturing out at night.
