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Facilities for tourism in the Seychelles are generally well developed. The best way to ensure a carefree and relaxing trip is to prevent problems before they happen. The more you learn about passports, visas, customs, local laws, and other travel basics, the less likely you are to have difficulties during your vacation.
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport. A visa is required and may be issued on arrival for a stay of up to one month. There is no charge. The visa may be extended for a period of up to one year. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outer islands, where doctors are often unavailable. There is one government-owned hospital and several private clinics.
The Seychelles Ministry of Health operates an ambulance service on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue that can be summoned by dialing 999. Assistance on the more remote islands is limited.
There is no SARS, malaria or other tropical diseases in Seychelles therefore no vaccination is required. During the rainy season, the Seychelles authorities advise taking precaution against mosquito bites, to reduce the risk of dengue fever, and against leptospirosis (avoid walking barefoot on paths and roads). Water should be boiled before drinking. Bottled water is widely available.
Make sure you have insurance, which will cover your emergency medical needs, while you are overseas.
Petty crime occurs, although violent crime against tourists is considered to be rare. Keep valuables in hotel safes. Close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied to minimize the risk of crime. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! You should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.
Shells, unprocessed coco-de-mer and live tortoises may not be exported.
The official currency is the Seychelles Rupee and one US dollar is worth approximately 5.4 SCR. Visitors are required to use only foreign currency in making payments for accommodation or for other holiday-related expenses such as hiring of cars or boat, the services of tour operators or travel agents, patronage of casinos and domestic transfers within Seychelles. Credit cards are widely accepted and you can also withdraw money from cash distributors. Incidental purchases or payments such as in restaurants outside hotels, shopping (excluding duty free shops) and taxi fares are payable in local currency.
It is illegal to enter or leave the country with more than 2,000 Seychelles rupees in Seychelles currency without authorisation.
Topless sunbathing is tolerated on many but not all beaches. Nudism is not welcome. It is dangerous to swim alone at isolated beaches, especially after dark, due to strong currents.
Beaches are also a favourite target for petty thieves.
In Seychelles, one drives on the left side of the street. Roads are generally well maintained but are narrow and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Speed limits range from 25 to 50 miles an hour. Drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts. There are no laws regarding child safety seats.
Public transportation by bus is good but tends to be crowded during rush hours and usually requires several transfers to reach a desired destination. Taxis are also available.
You may also want to check the Weather page for information about what to pack and when to go.
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