Seychelles

Crime levels in the Seychelles are low. But petty crime occurs, and includes:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• theft
• street robbery near ATMs

Theft and robberies generally occur in tourist locations, for example, Victoria and Beau Vallon on Mahé and Cote D'Or beach on Praslin Island.

Violent crime, sometimes with knives, is less common but still happens, including on beaches and walking trails.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings
• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Demonstrations and protests

Rallies and demonstrations occur sometimes.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings
• monitor the media and avoid protest areas
• follow advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

The Seychelles experiences strong ocean currents around the islands at different times of the year. This includes the popular Beau Vallon beach when the sea is rough.

Travellers have died swimming at popular beaches in the Seychelles.

Generally, beaches on the west coast can be dangerous for swimming during the northwest monsoon (December to March), and those on the east coast can be affected during the southeast trade winds (May to September). Beaches at the southern tip of Mahé are not recommended for swimming at any time.

There's usually no safety information displayed at beaches.

To protect yourself at the beach:

• get local advice before swimming
• be alert to changes in sea conditions, including rips
• swim within your ability.

Tours and adventure activities

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities like diving and swimming with dolphins.

If you plan to do a tour or an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• use only registered operators that have been issued with a valid permit
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

The Seychelles can experience severe weather, especially during the northwest monsoon season (December to March). This includes:

• strong winds
• rough seas
• torrential rain.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media and the World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre
• check the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family.

If you plan to travel during the wet season or after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator. Ask if tourist services have been affected in the areas you want to visit.

Wet season

The Seychelles isn't normally affected by cyclones. However, the wet season from December to March can bring:

• severe weather
• strong winds
• rough seas
• torrential rain

Call Seychelles Meteorological Services (+248) 4384 358 for weather updates.

For updates, monitor the weather through the media or via:

• Seychelles Meteorological Authority 
• Meteo France–Reunion
• NOAA National Weather Centre

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs. 

You must have insurance to cover COVID-19 treatment. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away, including during stopovers on the way to and from your destination.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Seychelles. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medications are
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Seychelles Revenue Commission
• Medicines

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya occur in the Seychelles.

To protect yourself from insect-borne disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

Other diseases

The following diseases may be present in the Seychelles:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• COVID-19

HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing, especially linked to intravenous drug use.

More information:

• Seychelles Department of Health
• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in the Seychelles are limited, especially on the remote islands where doctors are often not available.

The island of Mahé has several clinics and a state-run hospital. The hospital in Victoria, Mahé can deal with accidents and emergencies.

There are two decompression chambers on Mahé: one in Victoria Hospital (Victoria) and one in the Seychelles Family Hospital (De Quincy).

There's no healthcare agreement between Australia and the Seychelles. Tourists must pay for treatment. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Check local laws before travelling. 

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Drug use, possession and trafficking are serious offences. Punishments can be severe.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Same-sex relationships are legal in the Seychelles.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Seychelles recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Seychellois are generally very conservative. They don't tolerate topless sunbathing on public beaches. Nudism is not acceptable. Some LGBTI travellers have reported discrimination.

All travellers, regardless of gender or sexuality, should avoid public displays of affection.

Visas

You don't need a visa to enter the Seychelles as a tourist. You'll receive a visitor's permit on arrival. The visitor’s permit may be granted for a period of up to three months. It can be extended for successive periods not exceeding three months at a time to a maximum period of 12 months.

More information:

• Seychelles Immigration & Civil Status Office (Phone: +248 42 93 600, email: info@immigration.gov.sc).

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

You must apply for a Digital Travel Authorisation before travelling to the Seychelles. You'll have to pay a fee. It may take up to 24 hours to receive approval.

Be prepared to show evidence of proof of funds, confirmed accommodation and valid onward travel tickets at Immigration Control on arrival.

For arrivals by sea, visit the Seychelles Immigration & Civil Status Office website. 

More information:

• Seychelles Tourism Department 
• Seychelles Ministry of Health

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the Seychelles if you're coming from a country that has yellow fever. If you are transiting through an airport of a yellow fever endemic region for less than 12 hours, you don't need yellow fever vaccination.

More information:

• Seychelles Ministry of Health 
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The currency of the Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR).

ATMs are available at the airport and major tourist destinations but can be difficult to find in remote areas. ATMs only dispense SCR. 

Most hotel and tourist services accept debit and credit cards, but you should check with your hotel or guesthouse if you will be able to pay using your card. Some guesthouses and hotels may accept euros or US dollars. 

You can change money at:

• banks
• the international airport
• licensed operators
• hotels and resorts.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work in the Seychelles.

Driving permit

You can drive in the Seychelles with either:

• a valid Australian driver's licence; or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

The minimum driving age is 18 years old for private cars and 16 for motorcycles.

If you plan on driving in the Seychelles:

• check your travel insurance policy covers you
• check local traffic laws and practices before driving

While you are on the road:

• drive carefully and legally
• don't drink and drive
• be aware of potential dangers on the roads
• avoid remote roads, particularly at night.

Road travel

You can only drive on Mahé and Praslin.

You are more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in the Seychelles than in Australia.

Common hazards include:

• mountainous, narrow and winding roads
• roads with sheer drops, sharp bends and limited safety barriers
• drink-driving with erratic behaviour.

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

More information:

• Seychelles Licensing Authority
• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. 

Taxis aren't metered. Research what taxi fares to expect on trips. Agree the fare with the driver before you leave.

Public transport

Buses on Mahé operate from early morning to early evening. Services are limited on some routes.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Boat travel may be dangerous.

A number of ferries and rivercraft operate in the Seychelles. These may be overloaded, poorly maintained and lack life-saving equipment. A lack of navigation skills and unexpected storms can also contribute to boating accidents.

To stay safe on the water:

• check safety standards are in place
• check there is enough safety equipment for everyone
• wear your life jacket
• avoid travelling after dark
• don't get on overcrowded boats

Piracy can occur in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Seychelles. Reduce the risk of piracy by adjusting your route if required and monitoring piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.

More information:

• Travelling by Boat
• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Seychelles' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call   +248 432 3242 (Hotline) or +248 428 9950

Medical emergencies

Call 151 or go directly to a hospital.

Seychelles Hospital: +248 438 8000

Police

Call 999, 133 (Police Hotline) or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Tourism

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have a High Commission or consulate in the Seychelles. For full consular and passport services while in the Seychelles, contact the Australian High Commission (based in Mauritius) via email (see contact details below).

Australian High Commission, Mauritius

2nd Floor, Rogers House

 5 President John Kennedy Street

 Port Louis, Mauritius

 Phone: +230 202 0160

 General Enquiries email:  ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

 Consular Enquiries email: consular.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

 Passport enquiries: passports.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Website: mauritius.embassy.gov.au

 Facebook: Australia in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros

 Twitter: @AusHC_MU

The website will provide details about opening hours, any temporary closures and services offered.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the High Commission, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia