Sub Saharan Africa

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.