Why we love the Seychelles

The Seychelles are wild and dreamlike – an island-nation where nature still takes the lead. Granite peaks rise from the ocean, ringed by rainforest and powder-white beaches. Days slip between jungle walks, snorkelling over coral reefs and long lunches heavy with Creole spice and sea-fresh catch. Giant tortoises wander through ancient forests and sunsets turn the sky molten. This guide shares the essentials you need to know before you travel.

Entry requirements 

Visas are not required, but all visitors must complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation up to 30 days before travel. You’ll need to upload or provide: 

– A valid passport (valid for the duration of your stay).

– A recent photo or selfie.

– Contact information (address, phone, email).

– Flight details and accommodation confirmation (our Operations team can assist with this).

– Details of your hotel, guesthouse, or boat charter, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family.

– Credit or debit card for payment.

Please check the latest Government guidance if you are entering or returning to a different country, and do get in touch with our Operations team with any questions.

Health and safety 

We are not certified to give medical advice, but we recommend you consult your doctor about your vaccination history and discuss any further vaccinations you may need for your trip. We recommend this website for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.  

No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Seychelles. The islands are free from malaria and yellow fever; however, if you are travelling from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is present, a vaccination certificate may be requested. 

Tap water is generally safe to drink in major resorts, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer. Seychelles is very safe for visitors, though we recommend taking standard precautions – avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach and use hotel safes where possible. 

Transfers

We can arrange all transfers for you – just share your flight number, and we’ll handle the logistics. For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange seamless transfers between hotels and islands.

Packing

Across the islands, scheduled and chartered light aircraft flights typically have a strict 15kg baggage allowance per person, including hand luggage. We recommend using soft-sided, squashy bags – these are lighter and easier to stow in smaller aircraft. 

We strongly recommend that you carry overnight essentials and any medication in your hand luggage, particularly if connecting to an onward destination, in the event of lost luggage or delays.

Climate 

Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. From May to October, the southeast trade winds bring cooler, drier weather, while November to March is hotter, more humid, and occasionally wetter. The best time to visit depends on your plans – divers and snorkellers often prefer the calmer waters between April and May or October and November. 

Laws and customs 

The Seychelles is a relaxed and welcoming country, but it’s always best to show respect for local customs and traditions: 

Dress modestly when away from the beach, especially in villages and local markets. 

Identification – carry a copy of your passport with you and keep the original in a safe place at your accommodation. 

Environmental protection – Seychelles is serious about conservation. Avoid touching coral, collecting shells, or disturbing wildlife. 

Drugs and littering are strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties.

Money Matters 

The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). There’s no restriction on bringing in foreign currency, though the rupee is not available outside the country. We recommend carrying Euros for exchange on arrival and a credit card for convenience – just note that some cards incur a 5% service charge. ATMs are widely available in larger towns, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments or more remote islands. 

Tipping 

Tipping in the Seychelles is entirely discretionary. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars include a 5–10% service charge in the bill, but if the service exceeds expectations, adding a little extra is always appreciated. 

Porters: Around 2 SCR per bag.

Drivers: 20–50 SCR depending on distance.

Housekeeping: 25–50 SCR per night.

Guides: Around 100–200 SCR per person per day, depending on the length of the excursion.

Practicalities 

Plug type: Seychelles uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern), the same as in the UK.

Flights and time zone: GMT +4. Direct flights from London to Mahé take approximately 10 hours. 

Language: Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French. Most people speak all three fluently. A few useful phrases in Creole: 

Hello – Bonzour 

Thank you – Mersi 

Goodbye – Orevwar 

Please – Silvouple 

How are you? – Koman sava? 

Food and drink 

Seychellois cuisine is a delicious blend of Creole, French, Indian, Chinese, and English influences. Expect bold flavours, tropical ingredients, and plenty of freshly caught seafood. Food highlights include: 

Grilled fish and octopus curry – coastal staples infused with ginger, garlic, and chilli. 

Ladob – a sweet or savoury dish of plantain and breadfruit cooked in coconut milk. 

Shark chutney – a local delicacy made from minced shark, lime, and spices. 

Rougaille – a tomato-based Creole stew with fish or sausages. 

Tropical fruits – think papaya, mango, and passion fruit served fresh or in juices. 

Local drinks to try include calou (a fermented palm wine), Bacca rum, and the island’s refreshing local beer, SeyBrew. Coconut water is a natural favourite for cooling off in the tropical heat. 

Keeping connected 

SIM cards from local providers such as Cable & Wireless or Airtel Seychelles can be purchased at the airport for reliable data coverage. Alternatively, consider an eSIM like Airalo for easy setup before you travel.