Seychelles

Seychelles

Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.

Read More: Seychelles

Fast Facts


Regions


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  • North Island

Travel Information


General

Language:Seychelles has three official languages: Creole, English and French.National Emergency Numbers:Ambulance 151Police 999 Fire Service 999Public…

Electricity

Plug Type: G Voltage (V): 240 V Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz * A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Seychellois Rupee Symbol: SCR ISO code: SCR Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rupee) Banknotes: 25, 50, 100,…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes, but bottled water is recommended for visitors Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat:…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by island, generally around 2360 mm Average temperature: 27°C Summer: Average highs: 29°C Average lows: 24°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Air Seychelles International Airports: Seychelles International Airport Domestic Airports: Praslin Island Airport Road: Driving…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has…

Safety

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.SEYCHELLES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Although…


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General

Language:Seychelles has three official languages: Creole, English and French.National Emergency Numbers:Ambulance 151Police 999 Fire Service 999Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.January 1 - New Year's DayApril 6 - Good FridayApril 9 - Easter MondayMay 1 - Labour DayJune 5 - Liberation Day (Anniversary of 1977 Coup)June 7 - Corpus ChristiJune 18 - National DayJune 29 - Independence DayAugust 15 - Assumption/La Digue FestivalNovember 1 - All Saints' DayDecember 8 - Immaculate ConceptionDecember 25 - Christmas DayVAT :Restaurants and hotel bills normally include a VAT of 7% to 10%Time Zone:Seychelles is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of Central European time in winter and two hours in summer.US EmbassyThe US Embassy representing the Seychelles is in Mauritius.Address: US Embassy MauritiusRogers House on John F. Kennedy Street in Port Louis, Mauritius, 4th floorTel: (230) 202-4400Fax: (248) 225-189Website: mauritius.usembassy.gov

Electricity

Plug Type: G 
Voltage (V): 240 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 
Local currency: Seychellois Rupee 
Symbol: SCR 
ISO code: SCR 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rupee) 
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents; 1, 5, 10 rupees 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:30 
Weekends: Saturdays: 08:00 – 11:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, but bottled water is recommended for visitors 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes, particularly reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Seychellois cuisine is a rich fusion of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences with a strong emphasis on seafood and exotic spices. Dishes like fish curry, octopus curry, and the unique fruit bat curry are popular, alongside rice and tropical fruits. 

Drinks: 
Famous local drinks include Seybrew (local beer), coconut water, and rum cocktails. 

Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated, usually around 5-10%. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by island, generally around 2360 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the cooler months from May to September when the weather is drier and ideal for beach activities and wildlife watching. 

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Seychelles 
International Airports: Seychelles International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Praslin Island Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily on Mahé and Praslin 
Gravel roads: Yes, on smaller islands 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Limited 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes, efficient on Mahé and Praslin 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, between main islands 
Water taxis: Yes, for tours and transfers 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Not typically needed 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes, for nature trails 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Medical facilities are limited, especially on isolated islands. The main hospital, including accident and emergency services, is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 -4388-000).

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - all travelers ≥ 1 year old coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Prescriptions

Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
Verify with Seychelles Customs that your medications are legal before you travel.

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.SEYCHELLES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Although no visa is required, ALL travelers are required to apply for a Travel Authorisation (TA) when travelling to Seychelles. The aim of the Travel Authorisation is to help Seychelles enhance its border security, give the Government greater visibility of who plans to travel to the country, and improve the traveller’s experience both pre-travel and on arrival.There is a fee associated with this service. The time taken to process the application depends on the package selected – a standard application is EUR 10.90.You may apply up to 10 days before your flight and we recommend applying as early as possible.A person can apply for their Travel Authorisation by visiting www.seychelles.govtas.com or by downloading the Seychelles E-Border app. To complete this immigration procedure, a traveller must have:Valid PassportDigital passport photoContact InformationTrip informationAirline booking confirmation: You must upload a copy of your airline booking confirmation, which clearly shows your arrival and departure dates.Accommodation booking confirmation: You must upload your booking confirmation(s) for each location of your stay in the Seychelles. This must include the name of the hotel or guesthouse, the boat charter name or name of employer. If you’re visiting friends and family, provide a letter of invitation.Credit or debit card information