Entry Formalities

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 SCR1,000 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 29 36 36

Fax: +248 22 50 35

Email: info@immigration.gov.sc

Important tips to consider

Lost or Stolen Passport

Losing your passport -- especially if you're in a foreign country -- can be scary. It's the most important item you carry with you, so it's best to keep it someplace secure (like in a money pouch you wear under your clothes). Another safety measure you can take is to make two photocopies of the photo ID page of your passport. Leave one at home with family or friends and keep the other in a different place from your passport, perhaps buried in the bottom of checked luggage. This could make all the difference in getting you on your flight home in the event that your passport is lost or stolen. It also makes getting it replaced much easier.

Can I Have My Old Passport Back?

Yes! Most people view their passports as important memorabilia and are eager to get them back. That's why your previous passport, marked "canceled," will be returned to you with your new one.

What To Pack

Light clothing suitable for Seychelles’ warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun.

Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection - SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the tropical sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn. Wearing a t-shirt for the first swim or snorkel is a good idea.

A camera is an absolute must! Please bring a stock of film (particularly for non-standard cameras and video cameras) together with a supply of batteries.

Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels.

Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.
Visitors suffering from a specific medical condition should be sure to bring an adequate stock of the appropriate medication along as well as their preferred brand of sun cream, mosquito repellent etc.

Means Of Transportations

On the main islands of Mahé and Praslin getting around by bus is easy with designated bus stops on all routes. On Mahé the central bus depot is in Victoria and services the various districts between 0530hrs and 2200hrs, although services on most routes are less frequent after 1830hrs. Consult a detailed bus schedule, which can be obtained from the bus depot, for exact departure and arrival times.

Independently operated taxis are available on Mahé and Praslin, and a handful on La Digue. You can hail one from the street, at designated taxi stands or by simply phoning a driver directly. It is advisable to request a metered ride, or if a particular taxi is not equipped with a meter, quotes should be negotiated and agreed prior to the trip. Many drivers will take clients on sightseeing tours for a set tariff.

Cars may be hired only on Mahé and Praslin with several companies represented at the International airport on Mahé,at the larger hotels and at several private locations all around mahe and praslin. Hire vehicles, which can also be booked through your ground handling operator, range from saloon cars, 4-wheel drives, chauffeured BMW cars and small vans. A valid E.U. or International licence is required to rent vehicles and most companies will deliver your rental to a location of your choice. Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side.Most car rental are range up to 500 rupees per day upwards depending on the car type..Many car hire are open 24/7 its just a matter of giving a call and giving your location designated to bring your car.

There are also the services of knowledgeable guides who will help you to discover the numerous walking trails and interesting sites on the islands, by foot or in the comfort of a tour bus.

You can also discover the islands by bicycle, readily available for hire on La Digue and Praslin, where they are a popular mode of transport.

Island-hopping is made possible through a regular network of air and sea transport primarily operating out of the principal island, Mahé.

Air Seychelles operates a shuttle service between Mahé and Praslin, the second largest island. The flight lasts only 15 minutes with an average of 20 return flights every day. Air Seychelles also operates other inter-island flights, usually on the request of hotels to Bird, Denis, Desroches and Alphonse Islands.

Also part of the air network is Helicopter Seychelles, which is a helicopter charter company specialising in island transfers, excursions and chartered scenic flights throughout Seychelles. The Islands Development Company (IDC) specialises in charter flights mostly to the Outer Islands of Seychelles.

The modern mode Cat Cocos service, a fast and modern catamaran that operates transfers between the Inter-Island Quay of Victoria and the Baie Ste. Anne Jetty on Praslin (less than 1hour duration).

From baie ste anne jetty at praslin,its a 10 mins trip to la passe jetty at la digue on the modern ferry Cat Rose.

Note:Information desk are available at the Seychelles International Airport where you can get any imformations and absolutly any help you desire.

Do's and Don't

This section covers those areas or activities which, in the interests of enjoying a fine holiday experience, are best avoided.

Although Seychelles has a relatively low level of crime it is advisable not to carry large sums of money, items of value or important documents such as passports on your person. Most hotels offer facilities for safeguarding these. Similarly, do not take these to the beach or leave them in your hired vehicle or on display in your hotel room.

Avoid changing all your foreign exchange into Seychelles Rupees (SCR) at one time but rather calculate your daily requirements and change only what you need for a specific period of time.

Do not change your foreign exchange  with unauthorised traders but rather through banks, hotel cashiers and at the Bureau de Change.Purchasing with an unauthorised person might result in buying fake money..

Do not stay at unlicensed tourism premises as these may not offer you the quality of vacation that you had envisaged and may lead to a range of disappointing experiences.

As with many tourism destinations be prudent when it comes to walking alone at night or in secluded places such as remote beaches. If you are intending to go out alone then it is wise to advise someone at your hotel of your proposed whereabouts.

Remember that the sun in Seychelles is very strong. Do not lie in it without applying sun block of an appropriate strength for your skin.

Drinking excesively an amount of water each day is highly recommended.

Please do not litter. If there are no litter bins immediately available, then please take your litter until you reach a  closest bin or take it back to your hotel and dispose of it accordingly.

Please resist the urge to collect seashells along the beaches as many are used as habitation by hermit crabs. Collecting shells is prohibited in nature reserves, marine parks and reserves in Seychelles. The unique and unusual tropical flora is beautiful and for it to remain so, it is important that you admire it, but leave it for others to enjoy. Any flora taken as souvenirs must have a certificate and an official export permit which must be produced, when checking in at the international airport.

Be considerate towards the fauna and sensitive to its sometimes fragile nature. Please walk carefully on the reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles or tortoises or disturb them or their nesting grounds.

Your Money Transaction

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 and are available at all banks.

Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 0800hrs-1400hrs, and Saturday 0800hrs-1100hrs. 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 have the option,to  pay for all their excursions, board and lodging and all other services provided by hotels, guesthouses and self-catering establishments in local currency notes, or by credit card. Other services payable in local currency include: car hire, diving, boat charter, ferry or air transportation, excursions, entrance fees (to reserves, marine parks, etc.). Costs for taxis and for restaurants not forming part of a hotel may be settled using either foreign or local currency.

Exchanging foreign currency into Seychelles Rupees are only be done at banks, bureau de change, authorised money dealers or with the hotel cashier.

BE WARNED! It is not advisable to change money with any person or business other than those authorised to do so and who are mentioned above, due to the fact that there are quite a number of criminal offence about people issuing and distributing fake money.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Seychelles. If you require Rupees, it is advisable to exchange only what you need on a daily basis.

Best Time To Visit

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.

Things To Do

What sets Seychelles apart from so many other holiday destinations is its wide variety of islands -- each one with its own particular geography, character and history. Whether you choose a day excursion to one of the many Inner granitic islands, or an extended stay on one of our exotic island hideaways, Seychelles has something exceptional to offer.

Experiencing more than one island during your stay is a must and will add a dimension to your holiday experience that you will never forget.

Whatever your choice, a regular network of air and sea transport operating out of the principal island of Mahé will cater for most itineraries. Ferry services, domestic flights and even helicopter transfers are also available on a daily basis to many of the islands.

The diversity of the Seychelles landscape rushes up to greet you the moment your aircraft begins its descent and promises a long list of things to do.

Seychelles is famous for having some of the best beaches in the world, pristine and uncrowded. Some are framed by age-old granite boulders. Others offer powder-soft sands, turquoise waters and sublime opportunities for swimming, snorkeling or pure relaxation.

There are great opportunities for island-hopping between the 16 islands that currently offer accommodation. These range from sumptuous 5-star resorts to rustic island lodges and cozy beachside bungalows. On your way, you will discover such gems as the legendary Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco-de-Mer.

You will also find proud national monuments, beautiful Creole houses, artists’ studios, national reserves and marine parks, as well as breathtaking natural wonders above and beneath the waves. Various excursions will introduce you to the pleasures of glass-bottom boating, or enjoying a choice of water sports.

There’s also golf, horse-riding and guided nature tours where to enjoy some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. Not forgetting the mellow Seychelles nightlife where you can take in a casino, some local bars and fine restaurants offering unforgettable Creole and international cuisine.

Seychelles Cuisine

The Creole cuisine of the Seychelles is simple but delicious. It puts the spotlight primarily on fish and shellfish, rice and vegetables, as well as exotic tropical fruits. Preparation methods draw their inspiration from many origins that have influenced Seychelles culture, firstly French and African, and then Indian and Chinese.

In the 18th century, the first colonists arrived in Seychelles. Their culinary traditions would gradually incorporate fruits and vegetables from tropical climates and fish from warm waters. At the same time, slaves from the eastern shores of Africa enriched the cuisine with the introduction of root vegetables such as cassava, cambar, sweet potato and purple yam, as well as fruits such as the banana. The proximity of Madagascar and Reunion (then Bourbon) Island fostered the use of the leafy greens called "brèdes," vanilla and ginger, which along with garlic, became staples of Seychelles cuisine.

At the time of the Intendant Pierre Poivre, a garden of spices was created known as "the King's garden" in Anse Royale. Today it has been restored and is worth a detour. Cinnamon, once an export that was an important source of income to the Seychelles, is one of the species that were once grown at Anse Royale.

The cuisine of the Seychelles was enriched further by the arrival of Indian traders. Masala curries and pulaos (a kind of pilaf) are today standard dishes in the Creole repertoire. Seychelles chutneys were undoubtedly inspired by the cooking of the Indies.

More recently, Chinese merchants and shopkeepers have set up in the Seychelles, adding other flavors to the older culinary traditions.

You can encounter fishermen at all hours along the coasts and in the small ports. Fishing is an important source of employment and income for the inhabitants. Fish and rice are at the heart of Seychelles cuisine. You'll want to try brèdes soup, fish rougaille, shark chatini and breadfruit daube.

The growing of vegetables, such as eggplant, is widespread on Mahé. You'll find them readily in the markets, along with limes, coconuts and bananas.

Among local specialties are "millionaire's salad" made with hearts of palm, dogfish curry, coconut curry, and tetec soup, all washed down with the local beer (the country has one brewery - Seychelles Breweries - which produces 7 million liters a year). Octopus, crab and shrimp vary the menu in local curries.

Seychelles culture

The Seychellois people are a unique blend of Créole, Indian, Chinese, French and British Bloods. They lead a very simple life where tourism is carefully monitored in order to protect the natural charm of the island. The main languages are French, English and Creole. On first meeting, shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The Seychellois are friendly people who openly invite guests into their home and share a supper together. It is a common gesture to present a gift when visiting someone's home.


The Seychelles is famous for its Créole cuisine which is influenced by French, African, Chinese, Indian and English cooking. Whilst the staple food is fish and rice; careful blending of spices is a major feature and much use is made of coconut milk and breadfruit. Local specialties include the daube (a sweet sauce); rougaille, (a tomato-based sauce); carii coco (a mild meat or fish curry with coconut cream); cari bernique, salade de palmiste (made from the 'heart' of the coconut palm also known as 'millionaire's salad') and brèdes, a local variety of spinach. There is a wide selection of fruit and vegetables, which include melon, guava, lychee, aubergine and calabashes. A popular drink is Seybrew; a German style lager which is made locally on the Island. Different blends of local tea can be sampled at the Tea Tavern on Mahé Island. Waiter service is the norm in most of the restaurants and tips are usually 5 -10 % of the bill.


Due to the influence of the modern pop culture,the seychelles charm are gradually fading away amongst the youths,influence by superstars,rappers,actors etc..If not  dealt with properly pretty soon all the seychelles,well manner of living,ancient ehtics,mostly all of what the ancestors built years ago are all going down the drain

Introducing Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, consisting of 115 islands of which 83 are named and 46 are permanently uninhabited. Mahé is the principal island comprising of 142 sq km, with the islands of Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette being the next important . Situated about 1,600 km off the east coast of Africa, Mahe extends 27 km north to south and 11 km east to west and has a coastline of 127 km
Seychelles islands possesses white sandy beaches which are flats of coral and shell known locally as plateaus, although they rarely achieve an elevation of more than 10 ft above sea level. Small streams descending the mountain slopes deposit alluvial material, creating the most fertile soils on the island.
The coralline Seychelles are, in contrast, low-lying, rising only a few feet above the surface of the sea. Many have the typical Indian Ocean lagoon. Soils tend to be thin with poor moisture retention. These island are suited only to coconut palm and a few other species.

This isolated island paradise offers fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm weather. As a result of their extraordinary history, the Seychelles are also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. No less than 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until humanity's belated arrival two centuries ago. Outstanding amongst these is the coco-de-mer (sea coconut), native to Praslin, which grows in the Vallée de Mai. Its seed is the largest in nature.

The Seychelles are also a major attraction for birdwatchers. Up to two million sooty terns nest on Bird Island, and on Aride can be found the world's largest colonies of lesser noddies, roseate terns and other tropical birds.

After French colonial rule, under which the islands were named after the royal accountant Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles, the islands were annexed by Britain. For 150 years, isolated from the rest of the world and all but ignored by the major European powers, the Seychelles developed their own traditions, language and culture. The islands became a Crown Colony in 1903. Internal self-government was granted in 1975 and independence a year later

If you’re planning a trip to the Seychelles? Lucky you! Undeniably, the beaches are the big attraction, and what beaches: exquisite ribbons of white sand lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders.

With such a dreamlike setting, the Seychelles is, unsurprisingly, a choice perfect . But there’s chioce for vacations,much more to do than simply cracking open a bottle of champagne with the loved one in a luxurious hotel. Having earned a reputation as a paradigm of ecotourism, the Seychelles is a top spot to watch birds and giant tortoises in their natural habitat.When you are tired of beaches you can venture inland on jungle trails..

And time has come to spread the word: yes, this paradise is accessible to us all. On top of ultra-luxurious options, the Seychelles has plenty of quaint, affordable self-catering facilities and guesthouses, often situated on some of the best land. Though it remains an expensive destination, its tourist authorities are now targeting non-millionaires, promoting these economic options.