Seychelles

Crime levels in Seychelles are low. But petty crime and opportunistic theft can occur. This includes bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles and accommodation.

Theft and robberies are more common in tourist areas, such as Victoria and Beau Vallon on Mahé and Cote D'Or beach on Praslin Island. Incidents have also occurred on beaches, walking trails and near ATMs.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious behaviour, especially at night
• avoid walking alone after dark or to isolated places
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked, with valuables secured and out of sight
• watch your belongings when on buses and taxis
• avoid going alone to sea, beaches or on hikes and let someone know your plans before you head out.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care. 

Methanol poisoning

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned. 

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

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

While rare, rallies and demonstrations can occur. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Seychelles can experience heavy rain, especially during the northwest monsoon season (December to March). This can cause flooding, landslides, damage roads and infrastructure. 

While there have not been any recent incidents of cyclones, you should pay careful attention to all warnings issued.

To protect yourself during a weather event or natural disaster:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media
• 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 to confirm if tourist services have been affected in the areas you plan to visit.

More information: 

• Seychelles Meteorological Authority
• World Meteorological Organization Severe Weather Information Centre
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Pacific Disaster Centre

Seychelles can experience strong ocean currents and rips. This includes at the popular Beau Vallon beach, particularly when the sea is rough.

Currents can change quickly throughout the day and vary by season. Beaches that may be safe from May to September, may not be safe from December to March.

Most beaches don’t have lifeguards, and not all have safety information signs. When available, rescue services may not be the same standard as in Australia. 

To protect yourself at the beach:

• get expert local advice for information on safe places to swim and potential dangers
• observe warning signs at beaches
• regularly check weather reports
• never fish, swim, or snorkel alone
• stay alert to changes in sea conditions, including rips.

Tours and adventure activities

Regulations are in place for certain activities in Seychelles, but safety inspections of equipment and facilities may not be carried out regularly and staff may not always be formally trained or certified.

This includes adventure activities like diving and swimming with dolphins.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if the activity is covered by your travel insurance
• only use 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.

More information:

• Guides and safety tips from Seychelles Tourism Department

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. 

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 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

Infectious and other diseases are present in Seychelles. Consult with your local health care professional for advice on current risks and vaccine options.

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya occur in Seychelles particularly during and after the season.

To protect yourself from insect-borne disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• seek medical advice if you develop a fever, rash, headache or muscle/joint pain, especially after a mosquito bite.

Other diseases

Other diseases that may be present in Seychelles include:

• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS – particularly linked to intravenous drug use.

To protect yourself:

• take care with food, water and personal hygiene
• take precautions if you're engaging in high-risk activities.

More information:

• Seychelles Department of Health
• Infectious diseases

Seychelles Hospital, on the main island of Mahé, is the country’s main public hospital. It offers accident and emergency services, diagnostic imaging and most surgeries. It also has one of two decompression chambers on the island (the other is at Seychelles Family Hospital in De Quincy). 

There are hospital clinics in other parts of Mahé and on Praslin and La Digue, but they can only provide very limited medical treatment. 

Private clinics mostly offer GP services and do not provide in-patient care.

English is widely spoken in all hospitals.

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Seychelles. Tourists must pay for all medical treatment, including hospitalisation. 

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

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays and medical evacuation. 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 in Seychelles. Punishments can be severe and may include fines and sentences of up to life imprisonment.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned in enclosed public places, workplaces and on public transport. 

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

Seychelles recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Seychellois society is generally very conservative. Topless sunbathing and nudity on public beaches is not generally accepted and may cause offense. 

Same-sex relationships are legal but some LGBTQIA+ travellers have reported discrimination, particularly outside tourist areas.

To avoid unwanted attention, all travellers, regardless of gender or sexuality, should avoid public displays of affection, particularly in rural or traditional settings.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas 

You don't need a visa to enter Seychelles as a tourist but you must apply online for a Digital Travel Authorisation before you travel. You'll have to pay a fee and upload supporting documents such as proof of accommodation and return or onward travel. Approval may take up to 24 hours to receive.

On arrival, you'll be issued a visitor's permit for up to three months. It can be extended in three months increments up to a maximum of 12 months. You may need to show evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation, onward travel, and travel insurance.

Arrivals by sea

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

Yellow fever vaccination

If you're coming from a country that has yellow fever, you'll need a valid yellow fever international vaccination certificate to enter Seychelles. This doesn't apply if you're transiting through an airport of a yellow fever endemic region for less than 12 hours.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

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

Customs

There are strict rules about what you can take into or out of Seychelles.

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you're carrying cash valued at more than 50,000 Seychellois rupees, you must declare this when applying for your travel authorisation.

More information:

• Seychelles Immigration & Civil Status Office (Phone: +248 429 36 36, email: info@immigration.gov.sc)
• Seychelles Revenue Commission, Customs Division - Passenger guide
• Seychelles Tourism Department

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:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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

ATMs are available at the international airport and in major tourist areas but may be hard to find in remote locations. ATMs only dispense local currency (SCR). 

Most hotels, restaurants and tourist services accept major debit and credit cards, but some smaller hotels and guesthouses may prefer cash, Euros or US dollars. Always check with your accommodation in advance to confirm payment options. 

You can exchange money at:

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

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work in Seychelles and inform them of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.

Driving permit

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

You can drive using either a valid Australian driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must get your IDP before leaving Australia (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted).

Road travel

You can only drive on the islands of Mahé and Praslin. 

Roads can be narrow and winding with sharp corners and sheer drops. Many roads are poorly lit and do not have safe barriers. Sudden, heavy rain can reduce visibility and impact road surfaces. Drivers may behave unpredictably, and drink driving is a risk, especially at night.

If you plan on driving in Seychelles:

• familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and practices
• be aware of potential dangers on the roads
• drive cautiously, especially on mountain roads or in poor weather
• never drink and drive
• avoid remote roads, particularly at night
• check your travel insurance policy covers you for driving and accidents, including rental vehicles.

Motorcycles

Accidents involving motorcycles are common. Riding conditions can be challenging, particularly in wet weather or unfamiliar terrain.

Always wear a helmet.

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

More information:

• Seychelles Licensing Authority
• Driving or riding

Taxis  

Registered taxis are available on Mahé, Praslin and some parts of La Digue. Availability may be limited in remote locations. Ridesharing services are not available.

Taxis are generally safe but ask your hotel to book you a licensed driver. 

Fares aren't usually metered. Always agree on the fare price with the driver before starting your journey.

Public transport

Public buses operate on Mahé and Praslin only. 

Buses operate from early morning to early evening. Services are limited on some routes and schedules can be unreliable.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Most of the inner islands are accessible by ferry and there are boat trips for tourists. Weather conditions can affect safety on some boats.

Boat travel may be dangerous.

To stay safe on the water:

• check sea and weather conditions before embarking on your boat or ferry travel
• use a reliable operator and don't get on overcrowded boats
• check there is enough safety equipment for everyone, especially on smaller boats
• wear your life jacket.

Travel by ship to the outer islands, such as Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra, requires the approval of Seychelles Maritime Safety authority.

Piracy can occur in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Seychelles. The International Maritime Organisation issues a weekly piracy report.

If you decide to travel by boat:

• check IMO piracy reports
• get local advice
• arrange security measures.

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 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 Seychelles. For full consular and passport services while in 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
X: @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