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.