Seychelles

As the Seychelles islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it’s always a good time to visit, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.

Two opposing trade winds generally govern the weather pattern: the north-westerly trades blow from October to March when wind speeds average from 8 to 12 knots; and the brisker south-easterly trades blow from May to September with winds of between 10 to 20 knots, bringing the cooler and windier conditions ideal for sailing.

The periods of calm between the trades produce fairly warm and wind-free conditions throughout April and also in October. Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 metres plus.

The international dialling code for Seychelles is 248.

Seychelles enjoys modern, efficient communication services. At present, there are two GSM networks in operation, Cable & Wireless and Airtel. Payphones are available in most districts on the Inner Islands while the international roaming agreements in force between Seychelles and an increasing number of countries are always looking to provide more comprehensive services.

The offices of internet service providers, internet cafés, postal and courier services are located in or around central Victoria. Among the increasing number of Internet cafés, several may be found in the Beau Vallon area on Mahé, as well as on Praslin and La Digue. Postal services are also available on Praslin and La Digue.

Post Office
Independence Avenue
PO Box 60
Victoria, Mahé
Telephone: +248 4 22 52 22
Fax: +248 4 22 44 17
Email: seypost@seychelles.net
Opening hours Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1600hrs
Saturdays from 0800hrs-1200hrs

The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions.  At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture.

One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture.

The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles’ French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes.

Local artists continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear.  Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar.

The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.

Throughout Seychelles the voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Seychelles uses the British standard square three-pin, 13 amp sharp electric plug. Visitors from countries other than the United Kingdom are advised to bring their own adaptors.

With relatively short travelling times between the islands and/or places of interest, different modes of transportation and with a regular network of air and sea transportation operating out of the principal island, Mahé, moving around in Seychelles is easy and hassle-free.

Health requirements for visiting in Seychelles are minimal. You will be asked to fill a small section on the arrival form that will be handed over at the airport immigration desk.

There is no yellow fever in Seychelles and as a precaution, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age who come from or who have passed through a partly or wholly infected area within the preceding 6 days.

There is NO risk of contracting malaria in Seychelles given that the anopheles mosquito does not exist in Seychelles.

Health clinics exist on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and there are dispensaries on each of the islands offering accommodation. There are also private health and dental clinics on Mahe, Praslin and only one private health clinic on La Digue. Hotels have the contact of these private practitioners should their in house resident guests need medical assistance.

Below are important telephone numbers for any health matters:-

Seychelles hospital: (248) 4 38 80 00
Emergency toll free number for accident and emergency unit: 151
 

For additional health information, you may link to the Ministry of Health website.

There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in 5, 10, 25 cents, and 1 and 5 Rupee denominations. Notes come in 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupee denominations.

Exchange rates are featured on the Central Bank of Seychelles website, in the Nation newspaper and are also available at all banks.

Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 0830hrs-1430hrs, and Saturday 0830hrs-1130hrs. All banks process traveller’s cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Passports are required for visitors’ transactions and nominal commissions may be charged. ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin. Please note that these provide cash in local currency.

Visitors to the islands are now entitled to make payments for services/products in Seychelles rupees. The discretion to pay in another currency other than the Seychelles rupee shall lay solely with the visitor. Exchange rates will be determined by the market and may differ from bank to bank or at various bureaux de change.

Exchanging foreign currency into Seychelles Rupees must only be done at banks, with authorised money dealers such as a bureau de change, or with other licenced operators.

Visitors should refrain from exchanging money with any individuals who approach them in a public place as there is a very high possibility that those persons are engaging in unauthorized dealing, possibly with counterfeit currency.

BE WARNED! It is a criminal offence to change money with any person or business other than those authorised to do so and who are mentioned above.

MasterCard / Access and Visa cards are widely accepted while Diners Club and American Express cards are honoured to a somewhat lesser extent. Such cards may be used for car hire, hotel and restaurant services, for all of which the visitor will be charged in foreign currency.Shops and boutiques accepting credit cards will typically display the relevant card logo on their doors or windows.

ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin. These machines provide cash in local currency, Seychelles Rupees (SCR).

Whatever the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members,  NO VISAS are required for entry.

Irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:

1.            A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
2.            Return or onward ticket
3.            Proof of accommodation; including contact details
4.            Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay

Holders of a "Kinderausweis" issued to German minors (up to and including 15 years of age) may enter Seychelles provided that this travel document contains a photo of the minor concerned.

Presentation of all of the above documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit that will be issued upon arrival by the Seychelles Department of Immigration.

The Visitor’s Permit is initially valid for the period of visit of up to one month. It can be extended for a period of up to three months from the date of issue and capable of further extensions for successive periods not exceeding three months at a time to a maximum period of twelve months, provided that the person still meets the criteria of a bona fide visitor.

The visitor's permit is issued free of charge for the first three months after which there is a fee of SCR5, 000 for extension covering each period of three months or any part thereof.

For all visa exemptions and extensions and other enquiries regarding immigration issues please contact:

Department of Immigration
Independence House
PO Box 430, Victoria
Mahé, Seychelles
Tel: +248 4 29 36 36
Fax: +248 4 22 50 35
Email: info@immigration.gov.sc

Seychelles, enjoys a low level of crime. Nevertheless, like anywhere else in the world, visitors must always take reasonable precautions as opportunist crime does happen and it can be best described as when an opportunity presents itself and subsequently tempts a person to steal.

Safety Advice

It is recommended that routine precautions are taken to ensure your personal safety and to protect your possessions. Most accommodations offer room or reception safes to secure your valuables.

Visitors are advised not to leave their belongings or personal property unattended in rooms, on the beach whilst swimming or visible in cars.

Do not carry large sums of money or valuables on your person. Walking alone on isolated beaches,  nature trails or leaving hotel rooms and windows or yachts at their moorings unlocked is not advisable. Always buy your excursions from a licensed operator, your hotel or travel agent representatives can assist you with verification.

Refrain from offering rides to strangers as this may lead to personal belongings in your vehicles being stolen. Always let someone know your whereabouts and expected time of your return.

Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British summer time and 2 hours ahead of European summer time.

Visitors may enjoy almost 12 hours of daylight throughout the year with sunrise occurring just after 0600hrs and the sun setting around 1830hrs.

Most charges (restaurant, hotel, taxis, porters, etc) already include a 5% to 10% service charge or "tip" and so tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles.

However, as a reward for exceptional service, a nominal tip is sure to be warmly received.