Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• 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 approximately 60 miles 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 on 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).  See the Sea Travel section of this Travel Advice for more details. 
  

• You should be aware of an increase in petty theft on beaches, from parked cars and accommodation.  See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Seychelles has begun an economic reform programme, including floating of the Seychelles Rupee, which has resulted in price and exchange rate fluctuations.
  
  
• Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free. 20 British nationals required consular assistance in Seychelles in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (5 cases); hospitalisations (3 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (19 cases).  
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance  for more details.