Réunion

Réunion follows French and EU customs rules but has special local tax treatment for certain matters. French Customs says private yachts arriving from or departing for non-Schengen areas must complete border formalities and submit vessel and crew/passenger information. Public sources reviewed do not provide a dedicated guide confirming every clearance step for all private yachts in Réunion. Confirm the entry point and declaration process with local customs and port authorities.

A yacht arriving in Réunion from a foreign port or offshore should first report to the port authority at Pointe des Galets. Non-local vessels in port or at anchor may need permission from the responsible authority. This is a port procedure and does not establish that other locations are official yacht-clearance points.

Foreign yachts planning a call in Réunion must notify the Harbour Master's Office at least 48 hours in advance, providing vessel and people-aboard details, goods to be declared, previous/next ports and expected arrival/departure times. The master should confirm the submission channel and whether an appointment is also required. Do not substitute general French port procedures for local notification requirements.

For private yachts arriving from or departing to outside the Schengen Area, French Customs requires border checks and submission of vessel and people-aboard details. Individuals must still meet the French/Schengen document and visa requirements applicable to their nationality and itinerary. The guidance does not list every yacht port in Réunion or details of personal processing. Before arrival, confirm with border police, Customs and the port.

Vessel customs

Vessel-document preparation note: have registration/nationality documents, proof of ownership or owner's authorization, insurance, previous-port clearance and an inventory ready. Ask Réunion Customs whether temporary admission, retention aboard, repairs, crew changes, sale or conversion to commercial use require additional formalities. No duty-free period or guarantee requirement applicable to all foreign vessels has been confirmed. Berthing permission is not customs release.

EU territorial-status exception: The European Commission lists this French overseas territory as within the EU customs territory but outside the scope of the EU VAT Directive. Confirm applicable local import taxes/territorial duties and the actual requirements for temporary admission with Customs; do not automatically apply mainland France visa or tax rates.

Official source: European Commission: EU customs and VAT territorial scope

Current public port information does not provide a complete quarantine list for food, plants, pets or waste aboard private yachts. For regulated food, animals, plants, pets or waste, declare in advance under applicable French/EU and Réunion rules to Customs and agricultural quarantine authorities. Do not assume that general port reporting authorizes landing.

Firearms/ammunition, controlled medicines, wildlife products and some foods or plant products may require declaration or permits. A complete list for special items aboard yachts and rules for sealing them onboard were not verified from public pages. Check each item with Customs according to type and origin; do not land or unload goods without permission.

On arrival at Pointe des Galets, the master must report to the Harbour Master's Office. People aboard should remain on the vessel for inspection for at least one hour or until relevant inspections are complete. Foreign yachts at anchor or in port require authorization, and the vessel must complete port reporting before departure. Confirm berthing, duty hours and VHF instructions with the Harbour Master's Office.

No uniform private-yacht clearance tariff for Réunion was confirmed from public official sources in this review. Confirm port, berth, overtime and service fees with the Pointe des Galets Harbour Master's Office. Complete formalities as directed by port and customs authorities before departure and request an itemized bill.