Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism
 
There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There have been incidents of the hijacking of vessels by Somali pirates in the exclusive economic zone waters of the Seychelles.  See the Sea Travel section of this Travel Advice for further details.

Crime levels in Seychelles are low but you should take sensible precautions. Do not leave valuables in cars.  Take care in isolated areas and also in more popular places such as Beau Vallon and the back streets of Victoria, especially after dark.  Beaches, parked cars and accommodation are favourite targets for thieves.

Take particular care if alone. 

Make sure your accommodation is well secured, especially after dark.  Safeguard valuables and cash.  Deposit them in the hotel’s main safe, where practical.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separate.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 
Political Situation
 
Seychelles Country Profile
 

Local Travel

 

Road Travel

 

Mahé is mountainous, and roads are narrow and winding, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends.  Safety barriers are rare.  Take care when driving and avoid more remote roads, particularly at night.

 

Buses are the only means of public transport.  They are inexpensive but infrequent on some routes.  Taxis are good but you should negotiate the fare before beginning your journey.

 

When returning hired vehicles, obtain an acknowledgement that the vehicle has not been damaged during the period of hire.  UK driving licences are valid for up to three months. 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

You should be aware that the system used in Seychelles for issuing an Air Operator's Certificate currently does not fully meet the minimum requirements set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.  The Seychelles authorities have already taken some corrective actions and are actively working closely with ICAO and other stakeholders, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority, to correct the remaining deficiencies identified and are in the process of re-certifying all their air carriers by the end of first quarter of 2010. 

For more general information see Airline Security.

Sea Travel

A number of vessels have recently been attacked by Somali pirates in the Seychelles exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters. The latest of these attacks took place only 60 miles (approx.) from the main island of Mahe. International maritime forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard are operating in the area to counter the threat. The Seychelles has also stationed small units of its Defence Force to the outer islands and some remote inner islands. Mariners should register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) at http://www.mschoa.eu/ when operating in or around the Seychelles (EEZ).

The website aims to provide the shipping community with advice regarding pirate activity in the region, including details of typical pirate behaviour tactics and analysis of previous attacks, as well as an overview of the other counter-piracy and maritime organisations active in this area at present.  It also offers ship owners, ships masters and agents the facility to register their details securely with MSCHOA, update positions of their vessels and receive information and guidance designed to reduce the risk of pirate attacks.  The Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), run by the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR), is an organisation tasked to safeguard merchant shipping operating in the region by preventing and deterring acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the Horn of Africa and in the Somali Basin.

Mariners should also be familiar with the advice contained in Marine Guidance Note 298: Measures to Counter Piracy, Armed Robbery and other Acts of Violence against Merchant Shipping and the International Maritime Organization’s official circulars on piracy.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
 

Swimming

Drownings do occasionally occur; be careful when swimming/snorkelling.  Seasonal changes in sea conditions mean there are strong currents on beaches at different times.  Beaches that offer safe swimming during the South East Monsoon (May-September) may not be safe during the North East Monsoon (November-March).  Seek local advice.  Dangerous rip currents can occur off the popular Beau Vallon beach when the sea is rough.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Do not, under any circumstances, agree to carry hard currency into or out of Seychelles on behalf of someone else.  This is against foreign exchange regulations and penalties can be severe.

 

Drug taking and smuggling are serious offences.  Punishments can be severe.

 

Topless sunbathing is tolerated on many but not all beaches.  Nudism is not acceptable.

 

You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

 

Homosexuality is illegal.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Visas

Visas are not required for British passport holders.

Passport Validity

You will need a valid passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the more remote islands where doctors are often unavailable.  The main hospital (including Accident and Emergency services) is in Victoria, Tel:  (00) (248) 388000.

The Seychelles authorities are working with the public to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya and dengue fever. 

Bring sun protection creams and insect repellents with you, as local supplies are erratic and expensive.

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to the Seychelles you should seek immediate medical attention.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to the Seychelles and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Swine Flu – A (H1N1)

There have been a small number of confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Seychelles (source: World Health Organisation).  The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6.  The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details.  You should continue to monitor developments and advice.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at http://www.dh.gov.uk.

The Ministry of Health is no longer exit/entry screening at the airport/port but posters and advertising are prominently placed.  Messages are given out over the public address system and leaflets advising passengers of what to do if they develop any symptoms are given to each passenger as their passports are returned.  Any person reporting symptoms will be isolated at home. In the case of a tourist they will be isolated in one of the designated rooms in their hotel. Doctors and nurses visit to check and treat if necessary; anyone requiring hospitalisation would be taken to Victoria Hospital.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including provision for medical evacuation.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

 

Money

 
On 1 November 2008, the Government of Seychelles removed foreign currency restrictions that required non-residents to pay for accommodation and other services in hard currency, as part of its economic reform programme.  Non-residents can now pay for goods and services in either Seychelles Rupees or hard currency (Sterling, US Dollars, Euros etc).

There may be significant fluctuations in the exchange rate as a result and you might therefore consider using a credit card when making transactions.