馃寘 Seychelles

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Costs

Prices here are about 54% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

A normal visa is not required of tourists visiting Seychelles. Before flying, travellers are requested to submit an online application for a Travel Authorisation, which is free or low-cost (about EUR 10 as reported). Sources differ on the exact fee and the stay length, reported as 30 days to 3 months. Use only the official government site to apply, and confirm the rules there. Travellers should also carry proof of funds, a hotel booking that is confirmed, a return ticket and a passport with 6 months of validity.

Culture and nature - take note

The culture of Seychelles is Creole, and the feel is relaxed and welcoming. Many beaches are public, yet nude or topless sunbathing on them is not allowed. Plants, sand, shells and coral are protected, so take none of them, and stay on the marked paths inside nature reserves. Giant tortoises must never be touched or ridden. The monsoon seasons change sea conditions, so heed warning flags and, where possible, swim at beaches with lifeguards. Because prices are high, compare packages, and book domestic flights and island-hopping ferries early. Some islands have limited halal food, so let your hotel know in advance.

Emergency

Police 999. Ambulance 151. (Confirm with your hotel on arrival.)

Good to know

Rupees, cards and exchange

The Seychellois rupee is the currency, says Canadian advice. Most hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist areas take cards, and cash machines at the airport and major tourist spots generally give out rupees. Payment in rupees, euros or US dollars is possible. Money should be changed at authorised points such as banks, hotels and the airport, since exchanging at rates other than the official rate is prohibited. Card and ATM fraud occurs.

Local laws and customs

Drugs, nudity and medicines

UK advice says nudism is not accepted and is likely to cause offence, and topless sunbathing is uncommon. Drug laws are strict, with penalties up to life imprisonment even for simple possession or airport transit; bail is described as highly unlikely and cases can take a year or more to reach court. Canadian advice says to check that prescription medication is legal and carry it in its original container. UK advice says same-sex activity is legal, though same-sex marriage is not recognised.

Taxis and scams

Taxis on Mahe and Praslin

Taxis run on Mahe and Praslin, though not every one has a meter, says Canadian advice; if there is none, agree a fare with the driver before setting off. UK advice describes taxis as generally of a good standard, with meters becoming more common, and gives the same tip to agree the fare before the journey when a taxi has no meter.

Card and ATM fraud

Canadian advice says fraud using credit cards, debit cards and ATMs takes place in Seychelles. To protect yourself, cover the keypad while entering your PIN, choose ATMs inside a bank or business, or in public areas, and check account statements for unauthorised transactions.

Who can help

local government

Seychelles Police Force

Helps with: National police. Its website gives 999 for all emergencies and fatal accidents, and 133 for the Crime Stopper line for anonymous tips. No separate tourist police unit is shown.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Seychelles who needs the police, residents and visitors alike.

Phone: 999

Email: info@police.gov.sc

Address: Police Headquarters, P.O Box 46, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tourism Department (Seychelles)

Helps with: Government tourism department. Its site lists an office at Botanical House, Mont Fleuri, a phone line and a public relations email, with office hours Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Seychelles or planning a trip there.

Phone: +248 467 13 00

Email: public.relations@seychelles.com

Address: Botanical House, Mont Fleuri, Mahe

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

ngo

Red Cross Society of Seychelles

Helps with: Seychelles' national Red Cross society. Its website lists disaster risk management, health and safety, blood donation, humanitarian diplomacy and training among its areas of work.

Who qualifies: People in Seychelles who need its health, safety or disaster-related services.

Phone: +248 4374543

Email: sg@redcrossseychelles.sc

Address: Zone 18, Providence, Mahe, Seychelles, P.O.Box 53

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM)

Helps with: The government's disaster management department. The official government hotlines page lists 160 for it, alongside 999 for police, fire and ambulance and 151 for ambulance.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Seychelles affected by a disaster or reporting one.

Phone: 160

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Foreign missions accredited to Seychelles (Foreign Affairs ministry)

Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. This ministry page lists which countries have missions in Seychelles; many are based abroad, and it gives no phone numbers.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or consulate.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Mahe MaheThe largest island holds granite mountains, most of the hotels, beaches such as Beau Vallon and the international airport.Photo: Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa), CC BY-SA 2.5 Praslin PraslinAnse Lazio's beach and the palm forest of Vallee de Mai, which is UNESCO-listed, lie on this second island.Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0 La Digue La DigueGranite boulders at Anse Source d'Argent make this small, relaxed island famous; it is explored by bicycle.Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0 Victoria VictoriaThe ferry port, botanical gardens, a Hindu temple and a colourful market are all in this tiny capital on Mahe.Photo: Daniel Capilla, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sainte Anne Marine Park Sainte Anne Marine ParkSnorkelling, beaches for day trips and glass-bottom boat trips make these protected islands popular; they lie just off Mahe.Photo: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0

City selection based on: Seychelles tourism board island guides; UNESCO listing; tour-operator itineraries

Festivals and events

festival

Festival Kreol

around Oct 2027 路 Victoria (Mahe)

Creole culture, music and food fill a week.