About Seychelles
This section aims to provide you with instant knowledge of the destination, orientating you in such a way as to allow you to make the most of your vacation. Everything you need to know is here, from immigration and health requirements to banking regulations and credit cards, medical services and information about electricity, communications and drinking water.
Of particular note is the ENTRY FORMALITIES section that lists all the requirements for entering Seychelles. Among other things, it advises that, whatever the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, NO VISAS are required for entry.
Budget your holiday
The following is a list of prices of certain essential commodities intended to give visitors an idea of the cost of living in Seychelles and, so, their approximate expenditure. For updated exchange rates, please visit the Central Bank of Seychelles website.
| Item | Retail (Euro) | Hotel (Euro) |
| Bottle of water | 0.30 – 0.77 | 1.28 – 3.50 |
| Bottle of Seybrew (local beer) | 1.20 | 2 – 6 |
| Bottle of wine | 5.58 – 8.17 | 10.74 – 250 |
| Bottle of champagne | 22.35 – 27.94 | 21.49 – 380 |
| Bottle of soft drink (e.g. Coca Cola) | 0.42 – 0.60 | 1.03 – 5 |
| Pizza (for 2) | 3.43 – 6.02 | 5.15 – 6.01 |
| 20 cigarettes | 1.29 – 3.01 | 2.58 – 5.59 |
| Whisky | 23.64 – 29.23 (per bottle) | 1.97 – 15 (per tot) |
| Litre of petrol | 0.86 | |
| Luncheon | 1.29 – 3.01 (takeaway) | 5 – 45.50 |
| Taxi Int’l. Airport to Victoria | 7.82 | |
| Taxi Praslin airport to Côte d’Or | 11.52 | |
| Car hire per day | 45– 70 | |
| Ferry to Praslin(Return) | 80 – 110 | |
| Air Seychelles flight to Praslin (return) | 129 | |
| Bus fare | 0.25 – 0.43 | |
| Bike Hire per day | 4.30 |
Communications
The international dialling code for Seychelles is 248.
Seychelles enjoys modern, efficient communication services. At present, there are two GSM networks in operation, Cable & Wireless and Airtel. Payphones are available in most districts on the Inner Islands while the international roaming agreements in force between Seychelles and an increasing number of countries are always looking to provide more comprehensive services.
The offices of internet service providers, internet cafés, postal and courier services are located in or around central Victoria. Among the increasing number of Internet cafés, several may be found in the Beau Vallon area on Mahé, as well as on Praslin and La Digue. Postal services are also available on Praslin and La Digue.
Post Office
Independence Avenue
PO Box 60
Victoria, Mahé
Telephone: +248 22 52 22
Fax: +248 22 44 17
Email: seypost@seychelles.net
Opening hours Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1600hrs
Saturdays from 0800hrs-1200hrs
Credit Cards
MasterCard / Access and Visa cards are widely accepted while Diners Club and American Express cards are honoured to a somewhat lesser extent. Such cards may be used for car hire, hotel and restaurant services, for all of which the visitor will be charged in foreign currency.Shops and boutiques accepting credit cards will typically display the relevant card logo on their doors or windows.
ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin. These machines provide cash in local currency; Seychelles Rupees (SCR).
Customs Formalities
The duty free allowance for all liquors (including wine, beer, stout, ale and port) perfumes and tobacco is:
- 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco
- 2 litres of Spirits or 2 litres of wine
- 200ml of Parfume or Eau de Toilette
All personal possessions intended to be re-exported on departure are exempt from tax. In addition to the duty free allowances listed above, each visitor may import tax-free a video camera, other camera, musical instrument, portable electronic or electric equipment, sports requisites and other leisure equipment.
Offensive weapons such as stun guns, mace, bows and arrows, knuckle dusters, daggers, swords, tear gas, whips, firearms and ammunition are prohibited imports unless the appropriate import permit or official authorization has been obtained in advance from the relevant authorities.
This also applies to spear guns, fireworks, pyrotechnic products and explosives of any kind.
The import of plants and parts of plants, animals and animal products, biological specimens, radioactive substances and apparatus, dangerous drugs, chemicals, medicines, pharmaceutical items and poisons is forbidden without the necessary import permit or official authorization having been obtained in advance from the relevant authorities.
The value of food items brought into Seychelles by a passenger must not be in excess of the SCR3,000 personal/household allowance unless the relevant import permits have been obtained in advance.
Pornography in the form of obscene articles, publications, video tapes and software is strictly forbidden.
Where goods are imported in excess of allowances, payment of import tax is to be made in cash (or personal cheque drawn on a local account). Credit card facilities are not available for the payment of import tax.
Do’s & Don’ts
This section covers those areas or activities which, in the interests of enjoying a fine holiday experience, are best avoided.
Although Seychelles has a relatively low level of crime it is advisable not to carry large sums of money, items of value or important documents such as passports on your person. Most hotels offer facilities for safeguarding these. Similarly, do not take these to the beach or leave them in your hired vehicle or on display in your hotel room.
Avoid changing all your foreign exchange into Seychelles Rupees (SCR) at one time but rather calculate your daily requirements and change only what you need for a specific period of time.
Do not change your foreign exchange illegally with unauthorised traders but rather through banks, hotel cashiers and at the Bureau de Change at the airport.
Do not stay at unlicensed tourism premises as these may not offer you the quality of vacation that you had envisaged and may lead to a range of disappointing experiences.
As with many tourism destinations be prudent when it comes to walking alone at night or in secluded places such as remote beaches. If you are intending to go out alone then it is wise to advise someone at your hotel of your proposed whereabouts.
Remember that the sun in Seychelles is very strong. Do not lie in it without applying sun block of an appropriate strength for your skin.
Please do not litter. If there are no litter bins immediately available, then please take your litter back to your hotel and dispose of it accordingly.
Please resist the urge to collect seashells along the beaches as many are used as habitation by hermit crabs. Collecting shells is prohibited in nature reserves, marine parks and reserves in Seychelles. The unique and unusual tropical flora is beautiful and for it to remain so, it is important that you admire it, but leave it for others to enjoy. Any flora taken as souvenirs must have a certificate and an official export permit which must be produced, when checking in at the international airport.
Be considerate towards the fauna and sensitive to its sometimes fragile nature. Please walk carefully on the reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles or tortoises or disturb them or their nesting grounds.
Electricity
Throughout Seychelles the voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Seychelles uses the British standard square three-pin, 13 amp sharp electric plug. Visitors from countries other than the United Kingdom are advised to bring their own adaptors.
Emergency Numbers
The following are local emergency telephone numbers:
• Fire, police or ambulance: 999
• Victoria Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit on Mahé: 38 80 00
• Praslin Hospital: 23 23 33
• La Digue Logan Hospital: 23 42 55
Health clinics can be found in most districts. Their respective contact numbers can be supplied by your hotel or found in the local telephone directory.
Contact details for Emergency service providers are listed in the Local Services section of this website.
Remember to add the international dialling code (248) when dialling a Seychelles number from abroad.
Entry Formalities
Irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:
1) A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
2) Return or onward ticket
3) Proof of accommodation; including contact details
4) Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Presentation of all of the above documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit that will be issued upon arrival by the Seychelles Department of Immigration.
The Visitor’s Permit is initially valid for the period of visit of up to one month. It can be extended for a period of up to three months from the date of issue and capable of further extensions for successive periods not exceeding three months at a time to a maximum period of twelve months, provided that the person still meets the criteria of a bona fide visitor.
The visitor’s permit is issued free of charge for the first three months after which there is a fee of SCR1,000 for extension covering each period of three months or any part thereof.
For all visa exemptions and extensions and other enquiries regarding immigration issues please contact:
Department of Immigration
Independence House
PO Box 430, Victoria
Mahé, Seychelles
Tel: +248 29 36 36
Fax: +248 22 50 35
Email: info@immigration.gov.sc
Health Regulations
There is NO risk of contracting malaria, yellow fever, cholera or other common tropical diseases in Seychelles.
No vaccinations are required except in the case of yellow fever where a vaccination is required for travellers over 1 year of age who have come from, or passed through a partly or wholly infected area within the preceding 6 days. Infected areas include certain parts of northern and central South America and central Africa. (South Africa is not considered an infected area.)
Persons travelling to Seychelles via Nairobi, Kenya and who remain in transit in Kenya do not require a vaccination against yellow fever.
Hours of business
Seychelles office hours are Monday to Friday 0800hrs-1600hrs.Most government offices and some private businesses close on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays and also on public holidays.
Medical & Dental Facilities
Medical facilities and call-out doctors are available to visitors on request from accommodation establishments and island resorts.
Private clinics/doctors’ rates vary. A call-out can cost from SCR350 to SCR500 and a consultation in a clinic for all non-residents ranges from SCR75 to SCR150.
Government clinics are located in most areas and charge a fee of SCR100 for non-resident consultation.
For emergency situations please call 999.
There are several dental outlets on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Clinics are generally open from 0800hrs-1600hrs call-outs can also be made for visitors on request from most accommodation establishments. The average charge for oral examinations, extractions and dressings is SCR100 for government dental clinics and from SCR300 for private dental clinics.
Money & Banking
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in 5, 10, 25 cents, and 1 and 5 Rupee denominations. Notes come in 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupee denominations.
Exchange rates are featured on the Central Bank of Seychelles website and are available at all banks.
Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 0800hrs-1400hrs, and Saturday 0800hrs-1100hrs. All banks process traveller’s cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Passports are required for visitors’ transactions and nominal commissions may be charged. ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin. Please note that these provide cash in local currency.
Visitors must, by law, pay for all their excursions, board and lodging and all other services provided by hotels, guesthouses and self-catering establishments in major international currency notes, or by credit card. Other services payable in foreign exchange include: car hire, diving, boat charter, ferry or air transportation, excursions, entrance fees (to reserves, marine parks, etc.) and restaurants not forming part of a hotel. Costs for taxis may be settled using either foreign or local currency. Other incidental purchases are payable in local currency.
Exchanging foreign currency into Seychelles Rupees must only be done at banks, authorized money dealers or with the hotel cashier.
BE WARNED! It is a criminal offense to change money with any person or business other than those authorized to do so and who are mentioned above.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Seychelles. If you require Rupees, it is advisable to exchange only what you need on a daily basis.
To re-exchange Seychelles Rupees into foreign currency on your departure from Seychelles, you MUST produce the official receipt from your initial authorised dealer to the bank. Banks are allowed to convert up to SCR800 per passenger back into foreign currency with a valid boarding card issued by the airline as well as the original conversion receipt. Your money will not be re-converted into foreign currency without this receipt!
Personal safety
Seychelles enjoys a low level of crime. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to take some routine precautions to ensure your personal safety and that of your possessions.
Walking alone on isolated beaches, swimming alone or leaving yachts unlocked at their moorings is not advisable.
It is also not recommended to carry large sums of money or valuables on your person, to leave them unguarded in your room or in the boot of your car or to advertise the fact that you possess them.
Most accommodation establishments offer room or reception safes to secure valuables and visitors are advised to take advantage of this service.
Public Holidays
Following are the list of public holidays in Seychelles for 2007.
Official:
New Year – 1st & 2nd January
Labour Day – 1st May
Liberation Day – 5th June
National Day – 18th June
Independence Day – 29th June
Religious:
Good Friday – 6th April
Easter Sunday – 23rd March
Corpus Christi – 22nd May
Assumption Day – 15th August
All Saints’ Day – 1st November
Immaculate Conception – 8th December
Christmas Day – 25th December
Time Difference
Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British summer time and 2 hours ahead of European summer time.
Visitors may enjoy almost 12 hours of daylight throughout the year with sunrise occurring just after 0600hrs and the sun setting around 1830hrs.
Tipping
Most charges (restaurant, hotel, taxis, porters, etc) already include a 5% to 10% service charge or “tip” and so tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles.
However, as a reward for exceptional service, a nominal tip is sure to be warmly received.
Transportation
Consult a detailed bus schedule, which can be obtained from the bus depot, for exact departure and arrival times.
Independently operated taxis are available on Mahé and Praslin, and a handful on La Digue. You can hail one from the street, at designated taxi stands or by simply phoning a driver directly. It is advisable to request a metered ride, or if a particular taxi is not equipped with a meter, quotes should be negotiated and agreed prior to the trip. Many drivers will take clients on sightseeing tours for a set tariff.
Cars may be hired only on Mahé and Praslin with several companies represented at the International airport on Mahé and at the larger hotels. Hired vehicles, which can also be booked through your ground handling operator, range from Mini-Mokes to saloon cars, 4-wheel drives, chauffeured Mercedes Benz and small vans. A valid E.U. or International licence is required to rent vehicles and most companies will deliver your rental to a location of your choice. Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side.
There are also the services of knowledgeable guides who will help you to discover the numerous walking trails and interesting sites on the islands, by foot or in the comfort of a tour bus.
You can also discover the islands by bicycle, readily available for hire on La Digue and Praslin, where they are a popular mode of transport.
Island-hopping is made possible through a regular network of air and sea transport primarily operating out of the principal island, Mahé.
Air Seychelles operates a shuttle service between Mahé and Praslin, the second largest island. The flight lasts only 15 minutes with an average of 20 return flights every day. Air Seychelles also operates other inter-island flights, usually on the request of hotels to Bird, Denis, Desroches and Alphonse Islands.
Also part of the air network is Helicopter Seychelles, which is a helicopter charter company specialising in island transfers, excursions and chartered scenic flights throughout Seychelles. The Islands Development Company (IDC) specialises in charter flights mostly to the Outer Islands of Seychelles.
Two types of sea ferry operate in Seychelles: the traditional and the modern. The traditional, sail-assisted schooner-type ferry chiefly operates from the Inter-Island Quay of Victoria on Mahé to Baie Ste. Anne Jetty on Praslin (2½hrs duration), or to La Passe Jetty on La Digue (3hrs duration).
The modern mode is the Cat Cocos service, a fast and modern catamaran that operates transfers between the Inter-Island Quay of Victoria and the Baie Ste. Anne Jetty on Praslin (less than 1hour duration.
Travelling Pets
All cats and dogs entering Seychelles require an Import Permit issued by the Veterinary Services.
Such pets must have valid vaccination records including proof of RABIES inoculation as well as a Veterinary Health Certificate.
They will be obliged to undergo a quarantine period of two weeks to six months, depending on the country of origin.
Seychelles does not accept pets for a period less than six months and bringing bird species of any kind into Seychelles is not permitted.
Water
Tap water meets W.H.O. (World Health Organization) specifications and is safe to drink nation-wide.
Because tap water is chlorinated, visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice.
If you are in any way concerned about drinking water, several different brands of bottled water are widely available in shops, restaurants and hotel bars.
What to pack
Light clothing suitable for Seychelles’ warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun.
Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection – SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the tropical sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn. Wearing a t-shirt for the first swim or snorkel is a good idea.
A camera is an absolute must! Please bring a stock of film (particularly for non-standard cameras and video cameras) together with a supply of batteries.
Casual evening wear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels.
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.
Visitors suffering from a specific medical condition should be sure to bring an adequate stock of the appropriate medication along as well as their preferred brand of sun cream, mosquito repellent etc.
