Travel Consideration: Seychelles

Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The principal island of Mahe has a population of about 50,000. The two other islands with significant permanent populations are Praslin and La Digue. Facilities for tourism are generally well developed.


A valid passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required. A one-month entry visa may be obtained upon arrival, and may be extended for a period of up to one year. There is an airport departure tax of $40.00, which must be paid in U.S. dollars. For further information, travelers may consult the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations, 820 Second Avenue, Suite 203, New York, N.Y. 10017; telephone number (212) 687-9766.


U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. It is dangerous to swim alone at isolated beaches, especially after dark, due to strong currents.


Petty crime is a problem. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Travelers who keep valuables in hotel safes and who close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at risk.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.



Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated islands where doctors are often unavailable. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and /or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.


While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Seychelles is provided for general reference, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstances.

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair

Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance Fair

Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

Roads in Seychelles are generally well maintained, but are narrow and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Public transportation is good but tends to be crowded during rush hours, and usually requires several transfers to reach a desired destination.


Many of the outer islands of Seychelles are extremely isolated, and travel by ship to these areas, including for rescue attempts, may be impossible in stormy weather. The outer islands have no airstrips for accommodating air traffic..Recent amendments to Seychelles' foreign exchange laws mandate that visitors must settle their hotel bills with a credit card. If visitors want to settle their hotel bills in Seychelles' rupees, they must show proof of how they received the rupees. If the rupees were won at a casino, they should show a casino receipt as proof. Rupees can still be used at restaurants and local shops.

The U.S. Embassy in Seychelles closed August 30, 1996, and consular responsibility transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius, located at Rogers House (Fourth Floor) on John F. Kennedy Street in Port Louis. The telephone numbers are (230) 208-9764 through 208-9769, 208-2347 and 208-2354; fax (230) 208-9534. The Embassy homepage is located at http://usis.intnet.mu; e-mail usembass@intnet.mu.

There is a U.S. Consular Agency in Victoria, Seychelles which provides limited services - such as distributing of forms and information. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in the Seychelles are encouraged to register at the consular agency and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Seychelles. The agency is located at Victoria House, Victoria, Mahe; telephone (248) 225-256; fax (248) 225-189; e-mail usoffice@seychelles.net. The international mailing address is Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.



As there is no direct commercial air service at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has not assessed Seychelles' Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Seychelles's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet Home Page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at 1-618-229-4801.