Electricity

Electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the British type, with three flat pins.

Language

Creole, English and French are all spoken in the Seychelles.

Money

The Seychelles currency is the rupee (SCR), which is divided into 100 cents. It's uncommon to buy goods or pay for services in any other currency, though some guesthouses and hotels may accept euros or US dollars. Credit cards are widely welcomed throughout the Seychelles, and ATMs are available at major banks in Victoria and Praslin. Money can be exchanged at travel agents, banks and bureau de changes.

Tipping

Tipping generally isn't practiced and is never expected in the Seychelles, though top-end hotels or restaurants will sometimes add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to the bill.

Health

Health regulations in the Seychelles require that travellers who arrive from or have transited through areas where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission have a vaccination certificate. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; immunisation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid are recommended. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and insect repellent, as local supplies can be 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 (although these diseases are rare in Seychelles). Tap water meets WHO standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Medical facilities on the more remote islands are limited or non-existent, but visitors will find a government hospital and several private clinics in Victoria. 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, and should avoid taking valuables to the beach, where petty thieves might snatch them. Women should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.

Local customs

Seychellois are usually described as laid-back and easygoing, and dress codes around the destination are generally relaxed. Nudism is unacceptable, however, and topless bathing is tolerated on very few beaches. Punishments for drug offences can be severe.

Doing business

In the Seychelles, business is conducted relatively informally. Men and women are not required to wear formal suits, although a smart appearance is advised. Business is usually conducted in English or French. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers to the Seychelles over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 250g of tobacco; two litres of spirits and two litres of wine; 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette. Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, firearms, spear-fishing equipment, and camouflage clothing.

Communications

The international dialling code for Seychelles is +248. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for their mobile phones and many midrange and all top-end hotels offer WiFi, as do some cafes and restaurants.

Passport & Visa

No foreigners require a visa to enter Seychelles. A visitor's permit, valid for a maximum of three month, is issued on arrival and may be extended on application for up to three months. All visitors do, however, require a passport valid for the duration of their visit, a return or onward ticket, sufficient funds to cover their stay (a minimum of USD 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 travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

United States citizens 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 three months. A visa is required.

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 three months. A visa is required.

Canadians 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 three months. A visa is required.

Australians need a passport valid for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for three months. A visa is required.

South Africans must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for three months. A visa is required.

Irish citizens require a passport valid for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for three months. A visa is required.

New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for the length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for three months. A visa is required.

Useful contacts

Seychelles Tourist Office, Mahe: www.seychelles.travel/en/

999 (police and rescue services); 151 (medical emergency).

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Seychelles Embassy, New York, United States: +1 212 972 1785.

Seychelles High Commission in London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7245 0680.

Seychelles Consulate, Montreal, Canada: +1 514 284 9329

Consulate General of the Republic of Seychelles, Melbourne, Australia: +61 (3) 9796 9412.

Seychelles Consulate, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 348 0270.

Consulate of the Republic of Seychelles, Dublin, Ireland: +353 87 66 22 675

Embassies / consulates in Seychelles

United States Consulate, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 202 4400.

British High Commission, Victoria: +248 428 3666.

Canadian High Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 202 0160.

Australian High Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 202 0160.

South African Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Seychelles): +230 212 6925.