Seychelles Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

No foreigners require a visa to enter Seychelles. A one-month visitor's permit is issued on arrival and may be extended on application for up to 12 months. All visitors do, however, require a passport valid for the duration of their visit, return or onward ticket, sufficient funds to cover their stay (a minimum of US$150 per day), and proof of accommodation. Extensions are possible if applied for at least a week before expiry of visitor's permit. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States citizens require a passport valid at least for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

UK Nationals

British citizens need a passport valid for the duration of their stay, and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

Canadians

Canadians require a passport valid at least for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

Australians

Australians need a passport valid at least for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

South Africans

South Africans must have a passport valid at least for the duration of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. South African citizens must also provide proof of onward journey, or a return ticket as well as proof of funds for the duration of their stay in the Seychelles (generally worked out at $150 per day or $75 per day if visiting relatives). A valid accommodation booking must also be provided.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens require a passport valid at least for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a passport valid for at least the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month. All passengers must hold return/onward tickets and sufficient funds (minimum of USD 150 per day, or USD 75 per day when visiting relatives) and proof of accommodation during stay.

Healthcare

Health regulations in the Seychelles require that travelers from areas infected by yellow fever have a vaccination certificate. Immunization against hepatitis A and typhoid are highly recommended. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to avert the risk of travelers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and insect repellent, local supplies being erratic and costly. During the rainy season in particular, visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites due to the risk of dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus spread by bites. There is a risk of leptospirosis, and walking barefoot should be avoided on roads and paths. Tap water meets WHO standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Fruit and vegetables should be washed and peeled, and meat well cooked, before being eaten. Medical facilities on the islands are limited, but there is a government hospital in Victoria and some private clinics. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover is necessary.

Safety

Safety is not generally an issue in the Seychelles; violent crime is unlikely and most visits are trouble-free. There have been some incidents of theft and assault, but these are targeted mainly at residents. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly after dark in Victoria and in isolated areas. Avoid taking valuables to the beach, where they could be pilfered by petty thieves. Women should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.