Seychelles

There is no U.S. consular presence in Seychelles. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius if you need consular assistance while in Seychelles.

U.S. Embassy Port Louis
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +(230) 202-4400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(230) 202-4400
Fax: +(230) 208-9534
Email: PTLConsular@state.gov

Requirements for Entry:

• Passport
• Visitor's Permit
• Onward/return ticket
• Sufficient funds and confirmed accommodation

Visas: Seychelles is a visa-free country, however, a visitor’s permit will be obtained upon arrival if you meet certain criteria and can show:

• a valid return or onward ticket for duration of the visit;
• confirmed accommodation, OR invitation letter, if staying with friends or relatives; and
• sufficient funds for duration of the stay.

Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Seychelles website for the most current entry information.

Customs:

Prohibited items and those items requiring permits include:  

• pharmaceuticals
• tobacco
• alcohol
• radio equipment
• any fruits or vegetables

See the Seychelles Revenue Commission web page for further information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors on short-term stays in Seychelles. Expatriate workers with HIV/AIDS are subject to screenings and are required to regularly report to the Ministry of Health for treatment throughout the duration of residence in Seychelles.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Precautions:

• Keep valuables locked in hotel room safe.
• Be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
• Be alert while driving, especially at night, as there are minimal street lights.
• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Never swim or snorkel alone.
• Be aware of currents, rip tides, and tide levels as they can change seasonally and/or instantaneously.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local news broadcasts, and consular messages.

Piracy: Attacks have occurred in coastal waters surrounding the outer islands and, in some cases, farther out at sea. See MARAD’s page for advisories.

Marine hazards: Do not fish, swim, or snorkel alone. Always seek expert local advice about which areas are deemed safe for swimming, as this can differ based on seasonal weather patterns and time of day. Many beaches have varying strong/rip currents.  Most beaches do not have a regular lifeguard presence.

Crime: Muggings and petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing are reportedly on the increase and can be a problem especially in and around tourist facilities and ATMs. Theft from vehicles and on beaches or walking trails occurs in areas frequented by foreigners.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

•  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius and the Police.
•  Report crimes to the local police (Dial 999) and contact the U.S. Embassy Port Louis at +(230) 202-4400, during business hours or after hours for life and death emergencies: +(230) 202-4400, press one (1) after the automated greeting.
• Dial 999 to contact the police in an emergency throughout the Seychelles and for ambulance service on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
• See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Consular Agency and/or the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry has regulations for certain activities, although safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not always be carried out regularly.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified in support of organized activities either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. First responders are generally unable to access more remote islands to provide urgent medical treatment, and emergency facilities and/or medical personnel on individual islands vary, or may not exist at all. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and verify that operators are licensed prior to engaging their services for special activities. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. You may have difficulties at immigration if you are traveling with military clothing or arms/ammunition.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consular Agency or U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Beach wear: Topless sunbathing is acceptable on certain beaches. Nudism is not permitted.

Phone Service: Cellular phones are in widespread use on the main islands, and service is generally adequate, though there are coverage gaps in some remote areas. Local SIM cards can be purchased by tourists to use with a compatible cell phone.

Currency: The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is the currency of the Seychelles. In some instances, tourists can pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars or other hard currency. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, but they dispense only Seychellois Rupees. Credit cards are not necessarily widely accepted outside of resorts. Gas stations and smaller, more remote outlets usually only accept cash.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
• Human Rights Report– see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: While consensual same sex relations are legal in the Seychelles, LGBTI persons have reported instances of discrimination.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks. Most buildings lack functioning elevators.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. All care providers expect payment in Seychellois Rupees.  

Consult the CDC website for the Seychelles  prior to travel.

Medical facilities are limited, especially on isolated islands. The main hospital, including accident and emergency services, is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 -4388-000).

Recommendations:

• Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
• Verify with Seychelles Customs that your medications are legal before you travel.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid

Please note that passengers may be quarantined during seasonal plague outbreaks IF you are travelling from plague-infected countries.

HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing among the population, especially tied to intravenous drug use.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is only practical on the islands of Mahé and Praslin. Roads on both islands are narrow and wind steeply over mountains, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends. Many roads are not well-maintained, have minimal lighting, and many drivers do not necessarily adhere to traffic regulations. Traffic safety is hazardous due to a lack of safety barriers and inadequate street lighting. Avoid remote roads, particularly at night.  Drunk-driving is a problem, so be particularly aware of other road users who may behave recklessly.

Traffic Laws: You will need an international driving permit to drive in the Seychelles. Cars drive on the left. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Car rentals are available. Most car rental companies will include an excess as part of the rental fee, which will cover a certain amount of damage. It is advisable to clarify this with your car rental company, as it may be possible to purchase higher excess amounts.  You may not be able to purchase short-term car insurance with local insurance companies.

Accidents: In the event of an automobile accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive.

Public Transportation:

Buses: Services are infrequent on some routes, tend to be crowded during rush hours, and may require a transfer. On the islands of Mahé and Praslin, buses operate from early morning to early evening. A timetable is available from the bus station in Victoria.

Taxis: Negotiate the fare before beginning your journey. Some taxis are not metered, so confirm with your hotel about fares you should expect on trips.

Ferry/Water Transport: Most of the inner islands are accessible by boat or ferry; there are also a number of day trips available to tourists. Check that there is sufficient safety equipment including life jackets and ship to shore radio.  Travel by ship to the outer islands including the Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra groups requires prior approval from the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Seychelles’ national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Seychelles, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Seychelles’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Seychelles should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-alerts. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https:homeport.uscg.mil), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal  select “broadcast warnings.”