If you plan to drive in Réunion, your licence must meet the requirements used in France, and rental companies will usually check your documents before handing over the keys.
Many visitors rent a car because the island’s highlights are spread across very different landscapes. In a single day, you can move from coastal lagoons to forest roads and high mountain viewpoints. Our guide explains what documents you need before getting behind the wheel.
Réunion is legally part of France. This means the same national driving laws apply on the island as in mainland France. There are drink-driving limits of 0.5 g/L blood alcohol for most drivers, and 0.2 g/L for “probationary” drivers. The law also requires certain safety items in the car, such as a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle, and you may be asked to show them during a roadside check.
Your right to drive in Réunion depends mainly on where your licence was issued (EU/EEA vs non-EU) and whether it can be understood by French authorities (French language or an approved translation/permit).
For short tourist visits, France recognises foreign licences under conditions, and Réunion follows that same legal framework. Rental companies then add additional conditions such as age, licence-holding time, and payment.
First, you need a full, current licence that matches the vehicle type you plan to drive. French guidance for EU/EEA licences says you must have a valid licence, meet the minimum age for the category, respect any medical notes, and not be under a suspension/restriction that removes your right to drive in Réunion.
Many car rental companies in Reunion care about experience, not only legality. You will often see rules about how long you have had your licence. Some rentals require you to be a certain age and to have held your licence for at least 3 years. If your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
When you collect a rental car, the rental desk does more than check if you can drive. They also need to confirm your identity and ensure the contract is linked to a real person who can pay the deposit.
Usually, you need to show your booking confirmation, the main driver's bank card so they can hold the deposit, and a valid passport or national ID. Because of this, the name on your driver’s licence should match your travel ID. The spelling and order should be the same, since the rental contract will be printed using the names shown on those documents.
If you have a valid EU or EEA driver’s licence, you can drive in France as long as you meet the required conditions. Some British licences issued before 2021 are also handled within this system.
For visitors who have a non-EU or non-EEA licence, you can still drive in France during a short stay of less than six months. However, there is an important requirement for language. Your licence must either be written in French or be accompanied by a supporting document, such as an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
Drivers must hold a full and valid driver’s licence for at least 3 years. The licence must not have major endorsements or serious violations. At the time of vehicle pick-up, drivers must also present a valid ID card or passport.
An International Driver’s Licence (IDL) is mandatory. The IDL must always be presented together with the driver’s original domestic licence. The international licence alone is not valid without the original licence.
When driving, you should keep both your International Driver’s Licence and your original domestic licence with you. Rental companies require both documents to confirm that you are legally allowed to drive.
Driving in Réunion is one of the best ways to explore the island. However, a smooth trip starts with having the right documents before you pick up the keys. Make sure your licence is valid, readable under French rules, and supported by an IDP or translation if needed.
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Foreign drivers can legally drive during a short tourist visit if their licence is valid and meets France’s conditions for recognition. For non-EU/EEA licences, your licence must be in French or supported by an IDP or an official translation.
Often yes, especially if your licence is not in French or not in Roman or Latin characters. Many rentals will ask for it at pick-up.
For people with non-EU or non-EEA driver’s licences, France allows you to drive during a short stay, which usually means less than six months, as long as you meet the required conditions. Your licence must be valid, and it must either be in French or accompanied by a translation or an International Driving Permit.
