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Seychelles holidays 2024 & 2025

Exploring remote boulder-framed coves, swimming side by side with turtles, nature hikes through the jungle where you can see the ancient and endangered coco de mer tree… On a tailor-made holiday to the Seychelles with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Seychelles specialists know the islands inside and out, and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Spend a day hopping between sandy coves and palm-shrouded islets on a catamaran trip. Take a guided hike through the islands’ mountainous, granite interiors and take in the vanilla growing wild and the rare animal species, such as the black parrot. Take a private tour of the island of Praslin , passing by traditional Creole homes and stopping for lunch on a secluded hillside, surrounded by mangrove forests and the calls of sunbirds and the blue pigeon. Visit Victoria, the capital on Mahé with its family-run rum distilleries, botanical gardens and artist studios.

Pristine waters framed by palm groves. Sugar-sand beaches that look out onto bright green islands. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with hawksbill sea turtles, angelfish and manta rays. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.

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Suggested tours for the Seychelles

These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to the Seychelles could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Seychelles luxury island-hopping honeymoon

13 days from £3,165pp

Seychelles island-hopping: La Digue & Praslin

14 days from £3,335pp

Cruising in the Seychelles

12 days from £5,765pp

Seychelles island-hopping: Mahé & La Digue

11 days from £3,610pp

Luxury Seychelles: Praslin & Denis Private Island

15 days from £7,220pp

Seychelles family adventure

13 days from £3,595pp

Seychelles island-hopping

13 days from £4,165pp

Mara & Mahé explorer

15 days from £7,630pp

Where to stay in the Seychelles

We know that where you stay is an important part of your trip. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best properties in the Seychelles, from beachside hideaways to activity-filled family resorts.

Constance Ephelia

Denis Private Island

CaranaBeach Hotel

Why travel with audley.

• 100% tailor-made tours
• Fully protected travel
• Established for over 25 years
• 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Seychelles, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Useful information for planning your holiday in the Seychelles

Seychellois Creole, English, and French are spoken in the Seychelles. The most commonly spoken language is Seychellois Creole, a French-based creole spoken natively by about 95% of the population.

The currency of the Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee (SR or SCR). You’ll find ATMs on larger islands and credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels and at larger restaurants and shops.  Euros, Great British pounds, and US dollars are also widely accepted.

In the Seycehlles, you should try bourzwa griye (grilled red snapper), kari koko zourit (octopus curry), boulet pwason ek friyapen (fish balls and breadfruit), bouillon blanc (fish soup), and satini rekin (shark chutney). Fish and seafood are the staple ingredients in most dishes, many of which have clear Chinese, Indian, and French influences. Seafood is often cooked in coconut milk with garlic, ginger, lime, and chillies and accompanied by rice, breadfruit, plantain, or sweet potatoes.

A typical Seychellois dessert to look out for is ladob (plantain, cassava, or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk with nutmeg, vanilla, and sugar). Cold spiced tea and the locally brewed SeyBrew beer are the most popular drinks.

In restaurants in the Seychelles, a service charge of 5-10% is often added to the bill and you won't be expected to leave an additional tip.

You should wear lightweight cotton clothes in the Seychelles. The equatorial sun is strong year-round, so bring sunglasses and a sun hat, too. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable everywhere, although many hotels and restaurants require men to wear long trousers in the evening.

For the latest travel advice for the Seychelles, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website .

In the Seychelles, you can enjoy powder-soft sands, turquoise seas, vibrant coral reefs, boat trips, and hikes through lush jungle. Giant boulders frame the sugary-white sands of small coves where palm trees sway in the breeze and turtles, manta rays, and angelfish flit through the water.

You could spend your days by the pool or on the beach, hop between islands on a catamaran trip, or visit botanical gardens, rum distilleries, local markets, or artists’ studios. If you’d prefer something more active, you can surf, kayak, sail, or dive, hike into the islands’ mountainous interior in search of the ancient coco de mer or sail between islands in search of a perfect beach.

In the Seychelles, you can stay in five-star resorts, boutique hotels, restored historic buildings, and Creole guesthouses. You could also opt for a private island getaway  where you’ll stay on an idyllic island escape with just a handful of other guests.

Alternatively, you could stay in an exclusive beachside resort  with a spa, choice of restaurants, and tailored service, opt for a small boutique hotel  with more local character, or choose a self-catering villa  on the waterfront. To get some ideas, take a look at our collection of places to stay in the Seychelles .

With 115 islands it can be hard to choose where to go in the Seychelles, but most visitors head for Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue, or hop between several islands. The largest island in the archipelago, Mahé , is also the busiest, but outside the capital, you’ll find plenty of secluded coves and beaches to explore and a range of hiking trails in the Morne Seychellois National Park.

Huge granite boulders line the beaches in Praslin , where the forest is home to endangered plant and animal species including the rare coco de mer, while La Digue  is smaller and the rhythm of life is slow and traditional.

If you choose to visit smaller islands, such as La Digue, Dennis Island, or Bird Island, you might want to pair a stay in these tranquil getaways with some time on one of the larger islands to access more activities and have a wider variety of things to do.

It takes around 13 hours to fly from the UK to the Seychelles.

The time zone in the Seychelles is UTC+4 hours. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.

The best way of getting around the Seychelles is by car, bike, or taxi. On the larger islands such as Mahé, you can rent a car to travel to the sights. We can also arrange a private driver for you. On smaller islands, such as La Digue, a bike gives you freedom to explore.

The main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are connected by ferry, and you can also fly between Mahé and Praslin.

UK citizens don’t need a visa to visit the Seychelles but will need a digital Travel Authorisation. You can apply in advance on the Seychelles Electronic Border System website and will then be issued with a visitor permit on arrival.

Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for the Seychelles, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the  Travel Health Pro website .

Check in advance that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the Seychelles and has at least one blank page.

The Seychelles in pictures

Our expert guides to travelling in the Seychelles

Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the Seychelles. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the Seychelles at its best.

Honeymoons in the Seychelles

White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters where you can snorkel with turtles and tropical fish make the Seychelles an ideal choice for a honeymoon. Seychelles specialist, Hannah, highlights some of her top places to stay, what to see and do, and the possibility of including a safari in Africa.

Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide

Deciding between the Indian Ocean’s Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius can be a challenge. Our specialists compare the trio in this guide, concentrating on what sets each destination apart, as well as tips for couples, honeymooners, families and those eager to snorkel or dive.

11 min read

Family holidays in the Seychelles

Though a popular honeymoon destination, don’t overlook the Seychelles for a family holiday. Hidden Beaches specialist Jack explains why he wants to encourage families to explore these tropical islands.

Where to go in the Seychelles

Beach specialist Savina explains why you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one base, in this island-by-island guide to the Seychelles. If you extend your reach, there’s trekking on Silhouette, turtle encounters on Denis Island and long walks along Cote D’Or Beach, just for starters.

Luxury holidays in the Seychelles

A tropical idyll known for its luxurious hotels, the Seychelles can leave you wondering where to start. A true sybarite, Hidden Beaches specialist Vicky has hand-picked island retreats where your experiences can range from tailor-made spa treatments to private helipad dining.

What to do in the Seychelles: our highlights guide

Although renowned as a honeymoon destination, the Seychelles offers a wonderful beach break experience for both families or those seeking to unwind with that little bit of extra luxury in mind.

The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean

Cuisine across the Indian Ocean ranges from home-cooked curries to à la carte tasting menus served on a private sandbank. Focusing on Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles, our specialists explore each region’s culinary signatures, and the best ways to sample them.

From beach to beach: island-hopping in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean

Sail around the Caribbean, catch a local ferry in the Seychelles or watch the Maldives spread out below on a scenic flight. Our beach specialists reveal how journeying between islands is as interesting as the destinations themselves, and suggest their top island-hopping combinations.

Head to head: Mauritius VS The Seychelles

World renowned as idyllic beach escapes, these two Indian Ocean islands are quite distinct: here's how to choose between them.

Discover more about the Seychelles on our blog

The best places to stay in the Seychelles: an island-by-island guide

Other popular destinations.

Still looking for ideas? If the Seychelles has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.

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Seychelles Is Great For

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Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

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Seychelles travel guide

When to go, what to do, and why you’ll love it.

S prinkled in the glass-clear equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, this 115-island archipelago is a one-off. A prehistoric jostle of verdant jungle tumbles down to the fish-rich turquoise sea, which foams against hulking granite boulders as smooth as giants’ marbles, and flirts with pristine beaches. It’s bestowed with a unique biodiversity — it’s the only place in the world where the gargantuan coco de mer palm grows and, other the Galapagos, where giant tortoises roam wild.

The country works hard to preserve its habitats, with entire islands set aside as nature reserves. So here the luxury lodges don’t dominate the landscape, but rather melt into it. And once you’ve been pampered in world-class spas and soaked up the vitamin “sea”, you can spend days hiking through forests of cinnamon and mahogany, seek out endemic wildlife, or don a mask for first-rate diving and snorkelling.

Layered on top of all this is a vibrant creole culture, forged from a mish-mash of pirates, explorers and settlers of African, European and Asian descent, meaning you can dine on spice-infused curries and jive to the beat of the tambour and tam-tam drums beneath velvet night skies salted with stars. These tranquil emerald isles are a balm for the soul, no matter what your budget.

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There’s plenty to do in the Seychelles, where you’ll find so much more than sand and sun. On Mahé, twist your tongue around the local creole lingo at the Victoria Market as you browse and barter for hibiscus-emblazoned shirts, plump tropical fruits and souvenirs. Or rise early and trek past otherworldly jellyfish trees and carnivorous pitcher plants to summit the peaks of Morne Seychellois, the highest mountain in the archipelago, or Morne Blanc. Both are inside Morne Seychellois National Park, which is laced with hiking trails — the 45-minute Copolia Trail is a favourite.

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Hop over to Praslin island to visit the Unesco-listed Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric forest of coco de mer palm that bears the heaviest and sexiest seed in the plant kingdom. Shaped like a pair of pert buttocks, the mammoth nuts are found nowhere else on Earth and are prized souvenirs. Bird-watchers should also keep an eye (and an ear) out for the endemic black parrot.

To see the Seychelles’ other Unesco site, charter a boat and sail to the untouched Aldabra Atoll, marvelling at the bathtub-size carapaces of the largest wild population of giant tortoises in the world. Cheaper ways to see them include the tortoise rehabilitation centre on Curieuse, or Union Estate Park on La Digue — a virtually car-free isle that gives a real glimpse of laidback island life.

Wildlife lovers should migrate their attention toward the aptly named Bird Island, a breeding ground for a staggering 800,000 pairs of sooty terns, not to mention lesser and brown noddies, white fairy terns, waders and nesting hawksbills and green turtles.

• Best things to do in the Seychelles

Where to stay

From ultra-luxurious lodges with helipads and private chefs and eco-retreats on protected private islands to boutique creole B&Bs and self-catering beachfront apartments, the Seychelles has a hotel to suit every budget. Honeymooners can indulge in private beaches, plunge pools and sumptuous spa resorts, while families can try myriad water sports and organised activities. As a general guide, the further you travel from the main central islands of Mahé and Praslin, the more expensive and exclusive things get.

Mahé, the largest and liveliest of the islands, combines shopping and nightlife with the jungles of Morne Seychellois National Park. Affordable options are clustered around Beau Vallon, the island’s most popular beach in the north. Upmarket options, such as the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, tend to congregate in the southern peninsula.

A 20-minute flight away, Praslin is the second largest of the islands but has a much quieter vibe, far better beaches and the Unesco-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve at its centre. Five-star options such as Constance Lemuria and Raffles Seychelles claim the sunsets and pristine sandy bays in the west, while the three-star hotels and self-catering apartments that congregate near Cap Samy on the east coast enjoy good sunrises.

La Digue, the third largest island, is quieter still and your best bet for family-run guesthouses and boutique B&Bs.

• Best hotels in the Seychelles

Forget the Instagrammed-to-death Anse Source d’Argent beach on La Digue. Hire a guide (essential) and undertake the sweaty, challenging hike through the forest to Anse Marron — a little-visited Eden with a natural granite-hewn pool, bleach-blond sand and crystal-clear waters.

Alternatively, seek out one of the Seychelles’ last untouched beaches: Anse Georgette on Praslin. Billed as one of the best in the world, it’s public but set inside the grounds of the five-star Constance Lemuria, so few know it’s possible to visit. Just call ahead and then walk through the private resort — stopping at the 15th hole of their world-renowned golf course for picture-perfect views of Georgette — to discover this comma of pure white sand lapped by foamy azure waves. There are no cars, cafés or sun loungers, so bring everything you’ll need plus a picnic.

Finally, if you’d like to purchase a coco de mer, avoid the souvenir boutiques and visit a wholesaler instead (any taxi driver can recommend one); they sell them for significantly less and offer a larger selection.

• Best beaches in the Seychelles

Best time to visit

April, May, October and November are the hottest and driest months to visit the Seychelles, with calm seas offering good visibility for those keen on diving and snorkelling. If you want to see wildlife, October is the best month. From October to December, sea turtles come in to nest, but you’ll have to wait until January to March for the hatchlings to emerge. This overlaps with the whale shark migration season, which tends to take place between October and November. September and October are the months when migratory birds will pass through the Seychelles, although you’ll want to aim for April or May for breeding season and from May to September for nesting. The period from December to March is generally to be avoided though, for this is the wet monsoon season. It’s also worth bearing in mind that weather patterns can vary significantly between islands.

• Best time to visit the Seychelles

Is the Seychelles a better option than the Maldives? If you’re looking for more than a “fly and flop”, yes. The Maldives is composed mainly of flat sandbanks with one resort, where activities are predominately water-based. The landscapes of the Seychelles islands are much more diverse, so the range of things to do is wider: from exploring local villages, to hiking, diving and sampling creole food. Finally, the islands aren’t scattered over huge distances as in the Maldives — most are less than an hour apart via ferry — making it ideal for island hopping.

• Mauritius v the Seychelles: which is better?

How many days do I need to see the Seychelles? Ideally, a minimum of seven days. This allows you to explore at least two different islands at a leisurely pace. The most popular option is to combine Praslin and La Digue. If you can stretch to ten days, you can start adding a third or fourth island to the itinerary.

Which part of the Seychelles is best? Each of the 115 islands has its own ace card. For basking on beaches and toasting sunsets pick Praslin, for top-notch diving try protected Silhouette, for exploring laid-back island life by bike you can’t beat La Digue. Ninety per cent of the population live on Mahé, so to mingle with locals there’s no better choice than the largest island.

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Seychelles Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

When I think of what heaven would look like, I think of Seychelles. I mean, look at that picture above! It just doesn’t look real. But it is and that’s what makes me salivate every time I think of these beautiful islands located off the east coast of Africa.

Seychelles is composed of 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The main islands can be found over 2,000 kilometers off the east coast of Kenya. It’s an amazing place to visit for its diverse marine life and it several nature preserves and marine parks, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Unfortunately, isolation and a pristine environment come with a price, and a visit to Seychelles isn’t cheap. This is not a budget destination. Seychelles is a country that caters to honeymooners, celebrities, and high-end tourists. It’s a place you visit to indulge.

Fortunately, in recent years, a few budget options have appeared but, for the most part, you’re going to find this a place hard on your wallet.

This travel guide to Seychelles can help you plan your trip and show you how to visit without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Seychelles

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Seychelles

1. Relax on the beach

The beaches here are uncrowded, untouched, and void of any structures. They are beach heaven. The water is clear and warm so it’s always a great place to go swimming or snorkeling. Don’t miss Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, and Beau Vallon beaches.

2. Explore Vallee de Mai

This is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin. It is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, including the rare Coco de Mer (sea coconut), which can only be found in two places in the world. You can also see several varieties of latanier palms and screw pine.

3. Climb Morne Blanc

Located in Morne Seychellois National Park, this is a fun and challenging hike that takes you through tea plantations all the way to a panoramic view spot above the island. Visit in the morning to beat the clouds. It takes just under an hour to climb.

4. Visit Aldabra Atoll

This UNESCO Site is one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world and is made up of four coral islands with a shallow lagoon in the middle and a coral reef surrounding it. It’s considered the original habitat of the giant land tortoise too (there are 125,000 of them here).

5. Enjoy the food

Seafood, coconut, and curry are among some of the main staples on which you can feast. Coco Rogue is considered a ‘secret spot’ by locals and offers some of the best food around. Bonbon Plume is another popular place to go if you want to sample the tasty local fare.

Other Things to See and Do in Seychelles

1. get active.

After lounging on the beach, spend some time enjoying the island’s recreational activities. Golf, squash, snorkeling, kayaking, badminton, paddle-boarding, tennis, and hiking are all readily available and affordable – in fact, it is included in most hotels. Kayak and SUP tours start at 640 SCR per day while you can go on a snorkeling trip for around 400 SCR per day. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to save money (rentals and tours add up fast).

2. Explore Cousin Island

Just over a mile southwest of Praslin, Cousin Island is a protected nature reserve (the native bird population here exceeds 300,000!). Opened in 1968 specifically to preserve the bird populations, here you can walk through the thick forest and check out all the different bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Seychelles Magpie Robin. Admission is 600 SCR per person.

3. Hike Nid d’Aigle

The highest point on La Digue, this hike is a fantastic way to spend a day. The sweeping views of La Digue and of the neighboring islands are magnificent. It’s a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) hike with 333 meters (1,092 feet) of elevation. Most people complete the hike in 1.5-2 hours. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water. Aim to hike in the morning before it gets too hot.

4. Visit L’Union Estate Farm

Back when coconut farming was the main industry on La Digue, this was the center of production. Just south of La Passe, the estate is now a national heritage site and is run as a sort of informal museum/theme park. There are some demonstrations involving how the coconuts were harvested and you can explore the Old Plantation House, the colonial-era graveyard, and the boatyard. There are even a pen housing giant tortoises. Admission is 100 SCR per person.

5. Search for the Veuve Bird

La Digue is home to the Veuve Nature Reserve, which was set up specifically to protect the Veuve (the black paradise flycatcher). It’s a small purple and black bird that’s endemic to the island and critically endangered. There are less than 300 left in Seychelles as habitat loss has destroyed their traditional ecosystem. You can arrange guided tours which are guaranteed to find the bird. Admission is 150 SCR and 200 SCR with a guide.

6. Check out the Natural History Museum

If the weather is less than perfect, take a break from the beaches and visit the Natural History Museum in Victoria (on Mahé). It’s small but worth a stop if you’d like to learn about the island’s wildlife and geology. The museum highlights all the flora and fauna on the island and there are also exhibitions on the island’s military and militia. The museum also focuses on the environmental issues and natural disasters that threaten the nation’s future. (Currently closed for renovations).

7. Wander the Botanical Gardens

Also in Victoria, the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens offers a deeper look at local flora and fauna, with the infamous coco de mer palms as one of the highlights. Spanning 14 acres, the gardens are over a century old and home to fruit bats and giant tortoises (some of which are over 150 years old). Don’t miss the orchid house — it’s beautiful! Admission is 100 SCR.

8. Go diving

There are plenty of incredible sites to dive in Seychelles, including the Ennerdale wreck, Shark Bank, Dredger Wreck, Fisherman’s Cove Reef, and Marianne Island. If you visit during the monsoon season (May-September) you can see whale sharks. There are plenty of sharks and mantas here all year round too. A single-tank dive costs from 785 SCR.

9. Learn to surf

While you can find decent waves here all year round, April-September is when they’re at their best. Group surf classes last 3-4 hours and cost 2,000-3,000 SCR per person depending on experience level. A private lesson costs around 3,900 SCR. Carana Beach is a good choice for new surfers, while Anse Bougainville, North East Point, Misfit Baya, and Anse Royale are good options for more experienced surfers.

10. Wander around one of the bazaars

Wandering around a bazaar is a great way to soak up the local ambiance and interact with the locals who live here. The bazaar Victoria, on the road to the New Port, has stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, and t-shirts as well as local Creole food, drink, and music. Bazaar Oven is held on Sundays at Roche Copra in Baie Lazare and offers a taste of the Seychellois Creole way of life with food, drink, snacks, and music. The bazaar Labrin at Beau Vallon beach is one of Seychelles’ most popular bazaars for locals and tourists alike. It’s on every Wednesday (afternoon onwards) and has vendors selling lots of local goods and homemade foods. They also do the traditional “moutia” dance next to the fire. Only open for national festivities, bazaar Au Cap is another popular one and is a great opportunity to taste “Kalou,” a locally made palm wine.

11. Eat street food

Seychelles has a wonderful Creole history which makes up the basis of the local food. They have some delicious fish and curries (even fruit bat curry for the more adventurous!) for main courses; banana, cassava, and breadfruit chips for snacks; and papaya salads, and banana and coconut cake to name a few desserts. You can find places offering takeaway food along many of the more popular beaches and in the towns. Enjoying sunset while eating at bazaar Labrin on Beau Vallon beach is a must.

Seychelles Travel Costs

Accommodation – There are no hostels in Seychelles so budget travelers have to find cheap guesthouses instead. The most budget-friendly guesthouses usually cost around 1,000 SCR per night. They often include self-catering facilities and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available on the islands with private rooms starting at 1,400 SCR if you book early, however, 2,500 SCR is more common. For an entire home or apartment, prices start at 1,615 SCR per night but average closer to 3,000 SCR.

Wild camping is prohibited and there are currently no campgrounds on the islands.

If you’re looking to splash out, there are tons of upscale resorts and international chain hotels here starting at 4,500 SCR per night.

Food – Seychellois cuisine, unsurprisingly, is heavily based on fish and shellfish. Rice is another common staple, with seafood curries being a popular local favorite. Coconuts and fresh fruits (especially mangoes) are available everywhere. Spinach soup, ladob (a sweet plantain/sweet potato dessert), and lentil dhal are other popular dishes.

Eating out at restaurants is pricey, with traditional cuisine costing around 290 SCR for a main dish. Expect to pay double that for a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.

If you stick to small restaurants and beach shacks that serve traditional cuisine and only do take-out, you can find meals for around 50-90 SCR. There aren’t really any fast food places here aside from pizzerias. Expect to pay around 130 SCR for a pizza. You can find Indian food around the islands as well, with a main dish costing around 175 SCR.

Both beer and lattes/cappuccinos cost around 70-85 SCR. Bottled water is 24 SCR.

If you are planning to cook your own meals, expect to spend around 1,000 SCR per week on groceries. Most food must be imported but you can find basic foodstuffs like chicken, vegetables, fruit, and rice pretty cheaply.

If you’re cooking your own meals, be sure to check out the Anise Royal Market or the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. They’re daily farmers’ markets where you can fresh (and affordable) local produce.

Backpacking Seychelles Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 2,000 SCR per day, you can stay in a cheap guesthouse, cook all of your meals, use public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do cheap or free activities like swimming and snorkeling. You’ll need to pick one island and stay on it too since island-hopping gets expensive.

On a mid-range budget of 4,100 SCR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, take some taxis to get around, enjoy a few drinks, and do some paid activities like kayaking or diving. You can also do some island hopping on this budget too.

On a “luxury” budget of 7,900 SCR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, take domestic flights between islands, eat out for all your meals, hire private drivers or rent a car, and do as many excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SCR.

Seychelles Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Saving money in Seychelles is difficult. It’s not a destination for budget travel and most people don’t come here wanting to save money. It’s a luxury destination, after all! But there are a few things you can do so here are a few tips to help you save money in Seychelles:

• Find cheap flights – Save money on your flight by being flexible and using deal websites like Holiday Pirates , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and The Flight Deal . They often have great last-minute fares and package deals to the islands.
• Stick to cheap guesthouses that include breakfast – Airbnb and Booking.com both have a few affordable options. Look for places that include breakfast or have kitchens to help keep the cost of food down.
• Use hotel points – Since there are a lot of international chains here, you can use hotel points for free accommodation. This will cut your costs drastically. To learn more, check out this beginners guide to points and miles.
• Eat take out – If you want to eat out, stick to ordering take-out as dine-in restaurants are pricey.
• Avoid taxis – Taxis are super expensive here. Take the bus, rent a bike, or walk. You’ll save a fortune.
• Travel slow – Flights and ferries between islands aren’t cheap. Travel slowly to spread your costs out (or just stick to one island). Regular ferries and flights will destroy your hopes of staying on budget.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is heavily chlorinated so having a water bottle with a filter helps make sure your water is safe, clean, and doesn’t taste funny. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles that ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Seychelles

There are no hostels here so you need to stay at budget-friendly guesthouses if you want cheap accommodation. Here are a few suggestions:

• Liane de Mai (La Digue)
• Calou Guest House (La Digue)
• Villa Kayola (Mahé)
• La Rocaille (Mahé)
• Seashell (Praslin)

How to Get Around Seychelles

Bus – Public buses are available on the two main islands: Mahé and Praslin. You can reach pretty much anywhere on the islands via bus, though you may need to change buses. Fares range from 5-10 SCR.

Ferry – There is only one ferry provider serving each of the main routes between the three major islands so you’re stuck paying whatever Cat Cocos (between Mahé and Praslin) and Cat Rose (between Praslin and La Digue) charge for the tickets.

Ferries between Mahé and Praslin cost around 800 SCR and around 250 SCR between Praslin and La Digue.

Air – Flying around the islands isn’t cheap. Most domestic one-way flights cost at least 2,500 SCR. If you’re on a budget, avoid flying. The ferries will be much cheaper.

Car Rental – Car rentals start at 650 SCR per day for a multi-day rental. You don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) here as long as you have a valid license. Drivers need to be at least 23 years of age.

When to Go to Seychelles

The best time to visit Seychelles is between April-May and September-October. The islands are less windy during this time and perfect for watersports and lounging on the beach. Temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F) all year round, though it’s often breezy so it doesn’t get too humid.

Since different trade winds affect the island at different times of the year, certain islands are better than others depending on which winds are blowing. May-November is less windy on the west side of the islands while the rest of the year is less windy on the eastern coasts.

From January-March, you can also see the baby turtle hatching and making their way out to sea. They start nesting and laying eggs in October, making this a popular time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Seychelles

Seychelles is a relatively safe place to visit and travelers needn’t worry about crime here. Petty theft is going to be your biggest worry but even that is super rare. As a general precaution, always keep your valuables secure and out of reach. Don’t leave your valuables unattended when eating out or at the beach.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If renting a car, be aware that many roads are narrow and winding. Coastal roads often don’t have barriers so drive cautiously. And if you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

When swimming, check the conditions before getting in the water to avoid riptides. Dangerous rip can occur off the Beau Vallon beach (among others) when the waters are rough.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, before you leave on your trip.

If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Seychelles!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Seychelles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Seychelles Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Africa and continue planning your trip:

How to Save Money When You Visit Cape Town

The Best Tour Companies in Morocco

The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

How to Travel Uganda on a Budget

Cape Town Itinerary: What to See and Do in 4 (or More) Days

How to Visit Egypt on a Budget

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• Where To Stay
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• Related Blogs

Seychelles Tours & Holidays

Check out the world’s top-rated beaches and you’ll find the Seychelles making the cut time and time again.

It’s no secret the Seychelles is the ultimate paradise, but you can still find a piece of island nirvana away from the crowds. Take island hopping to the next level by cruising between the white sandy coastlines, sampling Creole cuisine and dropping anchor in the perfect spot to plunge into crystal-clear waters. The Seychelles is described as the   Galapagos  of the Indian Ocean, with its diverse marine habitats. On our Seychelles tours, you can meet an old giant tortoise; snorkel along coral reefs surrounded by tropical fish, and hike through mangrove forests to see rare (unusually-shaped) coconut trees while spotting species of squawking parrots above.

Seychelles at a glance

Capital city.

Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

The official languages are Seychelles Creole, French, and English.

(GMT+04:00) Victoria

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) 220V, 50Hz AC

Learn more about Seychelles

Culture and history.

It’s hard to believe Seychelles were uninhabited for centuries, except for the odd ship stopping in, as the islands were found by explorers traversing ancient trade routes in the Indian Ocean. One of the first known records of the archipelago was by Arab traders in 851 AD. The land remained without a permanent settlement for centuries until the French, having already established colonies on Mauritius and Reunion, made claim to Seychelles in 1756, ruling for nearly 50 years before the British took over during the Napoleonic Wars. The nation gained independence at the start of the twentieth century. Due to its intermingled history, you’ll find a harmonious diversity throughout Seychelles with the population largely being of African, French, Indian and Chinese descent. Catholicism is the most widely followed religion (80 per cent of the population), followed by Islam, Hinduism and a mix of local beliefs. Although the nation has a more recent history of British colonisation, Creole influences still strongly exist today – through the arts, the food and the language.

Eating and drinking

The Seychelles hold a tantalizing fusion of cuisines, mirroring the diverse cultural influences found throughout the islands. Not surprisingly, seafood is a major staple in local dishes, and you’ll find super fresh local ingredients like barracuda, tuna or octopus blended with a variety of spices. Rice, coconut milk and curry are the foundation flavours across most of the seafood, vegetarian and various meat dishes you’ll find on offer. An abundance of tropical fruit is grown locally on the islands with the most common being papaya, mangoes, bananas and the versatile breadfruit – also found in many Seychellois meals.

Must-try dishes of the Seychelles

1. Caris masala

 A typical spiced curry served with a combination of seafood or vegetables – with a mixture of cumin, fenugreek, cloves, saffron, coriander and mustard seeds. 

2.   Fruit bat   curry

Yep, that’s right. It’s a traditional meal that still holds a place at some of the longstanding restaurant establishments around the islands. 

3. Shark chutney

A typical dish found in the Seychelles – made with boiled shark meat that has been finely mashed and mixed with onion, pepper, salt and turmeric, with fresh lime juice squeezed over the top. 

4. Banana in coconut milk

A large ripe banana cooked in coconut milk and sugar – absolutely delicious. This is a popular local dessert and a must-try in the Seychelles. 

Geography and environment

You can find 115 islands in the archipelago of Seychelles, located about 2,300 kilometres (1,430 miles) east of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean – part of the African continent. The three main islands attracting visitor numbers are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Seychelles holds a spectacularly diverse number of tropical plants, standouts being the carnivorous pitcher plant and rare species of palm known as coco de mar or ‘the sea coconut’. There are two types of islands – granitic and coralline – the latter located in the outer islands and made largely of, as the name suggests, coral reefs. The landscape is lush and full of tropical plants throughout the archipelago, with frangipanis found flowering along the white sandy coast and wild orchids lining the winding rivers deep inside the rainforest. Bird lovers are prepared: Seychelle warblers, magpie robins, species of heron and egrets, among many other species, call the Seychelles home. You can also find giant tortoises older than a century and marine national parks harbouring whale sharks, sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish species.

Seychelles is bursting with traditional souvenirs and handicrafts, with batik clothing, woven baskets, painted fabrics and all kinds of colourful jewellery found mostly in the bustling markets. Go to Sir Selwyn Clarke market in the centre of Victoria for quirky souvenirs and to see locals shopping for fresh produce. For the biggest selection of wares in Seychelles, head to the main island of Mahe where you’ll find art galleries, handmade arts and crafts, locally sourced body products and ceramic pottery. Bargaining is not part of the culture of Seychelles, and prices are generally fixed. However, if you feel the price is high for an item in the market you can try to slightly negotiate.

Festivals and events

Semaine de la francophonie.

Taking place on the island of Mahe every year in March, this week-long festival celebrates the past and existing influences of French culture in the Seychelles. Featuring art exhibitions, French music, and a tasty array of French-inspired cuisine. 

Carnaval International de Victoria (October)

This is by far the biggest party the Seychelles has on offer. Held over three days with parades, live music, costumes and everything else that brings together a hip-shaking carnival!  

Seychelles Ocean Festival (December)

A festival dedicated to all things underwater, this event involves photography competitions, guest speakers, events and showcasing diving and snorkelling spots throughout the Seychelles. 

Creole Festival (October)

Celebrating Creole culture in the Seychelles is an important part of recognising the nation’s history and heritage. As part of the event, a traditional Seychellois wedding is held, with funky exhibitions and performances. 

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary (15 August)

A significant day of recognition throughout the islands with a dedicated public holiday held every year on 15 August. Locals travel to the main festival held on the island of La Digue, involving a church mass and parade through the streets. 

Further reading

Seychelles travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Seychelles?

Travellers do not require a visa to enter Seychelles. However, you must hold an onward ticket, have confirmed accommodation and have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. Entry requirements for Seychelles can change at any time, so it's important that you check the Seychelles government website or your nearest Seychelles consulate for the latest visa information specific to your nationality. You can also find further visa information in the Essential Trip Information section of your chosen itinerary.

Is tipping customary in the Seychelles?

Tipping is up to the individual when travelling in Seychelles. In restaurants, a service charge of between five to ten per cent is often added to the bill so you will not be expected to leave an additional tip. If you receive excellent service, a little generosity can go a long way considering the low wages of those working in the hospitality industry.

Are you expected to tip while on the trip?

On the adventure cruise, tips are included for the ship crew and hospitality staff. This amount does not include a tip for your tour leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this.

If you are happy with the services of your trip leader and wish to tip, EUR 2–4 per passenger per day is an appropriate amount. It is of great significance to the people who take care of you during your travels.

What is the internet access like in the Seychelles?

Many hotels and some restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are found in some public areas in the capital of Victoria, Beau Vallon and Anse Royale on the main island.

Can I use my mobile phone while in the Seychelles?

There is mobile reception on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, North Island, Fregate Island and Silhouette Island. Many foreign mobile services have coverage in the Seychelles, but roaming fees are high. You can purchase a local sim card for the network providers Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS) or Air.

What are the toilets like in the Seychelles?

Western-style flushable toilets are available on adventure cruises. You will also find flushable toilets in hotels and restaurants throughout the Seychelles. Public toilets are difficult to find outside the main beaches of Victoria. 

What will it cost on the islands for a…?

Small bottle of soft drink = EUR 1   Beer in a bar or restaurant = EUR 2.5  Simple lunch = EUR 5   Three-course meal = EUR 50

Can I drink the water in the Seychelles?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in the Seychelles. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found – some places you stay may have drinking water available.

Are credit cards widely accepted in the Seychelles?

The euro is the standard currency onboard adventure cruises. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are all accepted for settling your ship board account. It is wise to travel with sufficient cash (in local currency) to pay for shopping on the island and for incidentals such as shipboard items, airport taxes and taxis.

Major credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants throughout the Seychelles. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases where credit is unavailable.

What is ATM access like in the Seychelles?

ATM facilities exist at major banks in Mahe, Praslin and La Digue but will dispense Seychelles Rupees only. Foreign currency can be changed at banks or authorised bureau de change only. It is a criminal offence to change money with unauthorised persons. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Seychelles. 

What public holidays are celebrated in the Seychelles?

For a current list of public holidays in the Seychelles go to:

https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/seychelles/public-holidays/ 

Is the Seychelles a safe destination for LGBTQI-travellers?

For LGBTQI travellers visiting the Seychelles, there’s little to worry about but some discretion is advised with open displays of affection as there is no openly gay or lesbian scene in the country. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   Smartraveller   before you travel. 

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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Seychelles holidays

Scattered jewels of the Indian Ocean

The smallest capital in the world

Seychelles holidays from

£ 1792

The Seychelles is formed of

115 islands

• Premium Economy
• Business/Club

Young adults

12 to 15 years

2 to 11 years

Under 2 years

2 to 17 years

Holidays to the Seychelles

Revel in the beauty of the Seychelles. Renowned for topaz waters, crimson sunsets and white beaches, these islands are the essence of serenity.

Enjoy great value saving on our package holidays, including flights with our oneworld® partner, Qatar Airways.

In the easy-walking capital of Victoria, wander through the colourful markets, meet friendly locals and snack on freshly grilled seafood wrapped in banana leaves.

Take to the waters on Seychelles holidays, with some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world. Paddle in tranquil lagoons or plunge down to reefs bursting with sea life. Discover the wonders of Bay Ternay National Marine Park and Sunset beach or explore the dive sites of Shark Bank and Port Launay Marine National Park.

Feel happier on land? Relax on the blissful shores of Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin. Enjoy the barefoot beauty of Bird Island or head to Tamaka Bay for a rum distillery tour and walk around the luscious forest.

Carefully selected Seychelles hotels

A new horizon of picture-perfect paradise.

We’ve found a selection of beautiful hotels, so the hardest choice you have to make, is which Seychelles sanctuary you want to stay at.

Decide which island is right for you, whether you’re looking for romance, a family trip or an adventure away, we’ll have a hotel for you. Relish in ultimate luxury with a stay at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa or immerse yourself in a spa rejuvenation at the Banyan Tree Seychelles .

Discover the island of Praslin with a stay at Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot or enjoy family time on Mahé at Constance Ephelia .

Soak up a remotely romantic experience, arrive by helicopter or scenic boat ride to the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa and lose yourself to the uniqueness of this special place.

Three-star hotels

Discover the perfect hotel for your Seychelles holidays, with our carefully selected island hotels, hand-picked for a wonderful time away.

Four-star hotels

Five-star hotels, all-inclusive hotels, seychelles hotels we recommend.

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa

£ 2319 pp

Seychelles flights + 7 nights hotel

From £1792 pp

from London , Jun 2024

Why choose British Airways Holidays?

Enjoy these great benefits:

 Book flight + hotel or flight + car  for the best deals   23kg baggage pp    Deposits  from £60pp   Collect bonus  Avios       Avios payment on holidays    ATOL  protection   24-hour support helpline during your trip   91% of our customers would book with us again   Call  0344 493 0787  to speak to our team

Talk to our destination experts

If you need a little help deciding or you want to ensure your next holiday is extra special give our expert travel advisors a call. 0344 493 0787 Open daily: 08:00-23:59

Calls are charged at local rate. Flight bookings made over the telephone incur a £10 booking fee per person, holiday bookings incur no fee.

Seychelles hotels

It’s no surprise a luxurious island stay will cost a pretty penny, that’s why we’ve created a budget planner to make your holiday planning easier. Check out our budget, mid-range and luxury options to see where your money can take you. From your hotel, dining, to activities, we’ve got a selection to charm you.

Explore the beauty of Praslin, with a stay at Coco De Mer Hotel and Black Parrot, to discover the sensational Anse Bois De Rose and cycle along the southwest coast.

Eating out doesn’t need to cost the world. Creole, curry and BBQ takeaway are popular with the locals. Choose to eat in the restaurant at Coco Rouge, or box up the speciality of bat curry and find a spot to eat on the beach, for 40 SCR – 70 SCR.

Natural beauty doesn’t cost a penny, so kickback on some of the best beaches in the world, or snorkel through azure waters and explore vibrant underwater reefs.

Lounge around the Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, either at the powder sand beach or by the palm-shaded pool and take a scenic adventure around the island of Mahé.

Venture to Le Perle Noire restaurant for delicious cuisine at a reflective price. Dine on tantalising seafood, including red snapper or choose a vegetarian Italian dish with a twist. Mains vary between 310–620 SCR, be sure to book in advance and ask to sit on the front terrace.

Explore the tiny capital of Victoria, from the miniature Hindu temple, to the lively markets bursting with fresh delights and trinkets. Learn about the culture and soak up the architecture on a short tour, from around 730 SCR.

Relish the exclusive location of Constance Ephelia on Mahé and savour every moment of incredible luxury, then explore the wonders of the Marine National Park and tropical velvet jungle landscape.

What better way to dine, than on a pristine beach next to a glistening ocean. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner with a view. Sip on cocktails, dine on fresh lobster or mouth-watering steak at La Plage and watch the sunset. Higher prices of 1120 SCR offer for a real treat, but start at 215 SCR.

Treat yourself to a yacht cruise and sail about the islands in style. Choose to unwind on peaceful, pristine beaches, enjoy amazing snorkelling, meet tortoises and wander through a mango forest. A full day out with lunch is around 2310 SCR.

Discover Seychelles

Romantic holidays in the Seychelles

From adventure to nature, food to ultimate relaxation, local blogger Chantelle Howell shares the best Seychelles’ spots for a romantic holiday for two.

Chantelle Howell

Seychelles-based British expat blogger

Unmissable Seychelles beaches

Awaken your senses when you discover some of the best Seychelles beaches on the planet. Think Instagram-worthy, natural wonders and heart-stirring scenery.

Amy Rosoman

for British Airways

Make the most of your Seychelles holiday

With its bounty of ravishing beaches, you’ll want to relax on the best of the bunch. Amidst all the captivating coastline views, our guide to holidays in Seychelles will get you exploring the best of utopia in no time.

Where are the best places to stay in Seychelles?

Hidden in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, choosing which of these magical islands to stay on is a tricky decision.

Mahé is home to the capital of Victoria, with fresh produce in the colour-popping markets and flawlessly beautiful botanical gardens. Venture further afield to discover the wonders of Morne Seychellois National Park. Discover the boast-worthy beaches of Beau Vallon, Anse A La Mouche and more heavenly bays dotted on the coastline. Or hike the Anse Major Trail through tropical jungle. Be sure to snorkel the shimmering underwater world of Baie Ternay Marine National Park, from this sun-kissed island.

The invigorating island jewel of Praslin is bursting with more of the world’s best beaches, from the ivory sands of Anse Lazio, to the picture-perfect scenery of Anse Georgette. Whichever beach you choose to lounge on, the Seychelles provide some of the most outstanding in the world. You can also explore the mesmerising Praslin National Park and birdwatch to see an exotic flock. Or wander the hiking trails of Vallée de Mai to see the Coco de Mer palm tree, as well as other extraordinary wildlife.

Enjoy the exotic haven of La Digue, an easy-going island which will awaken your soul. Its iconic smooth, granite boulder beaches are screensaver worthy. Be sure to discover as many as you can. The idyllic Anse Source d’Argent is perfection for early-risers. From the sensational snorkeling and bountiful beach of Anse Patates, to the captivating Anse Gaulettes, you will be spoilt for choice. Immerse yourself in the local life and relaxed vibes of this island, with its hippie feel and charming atmosphere – cycle, walk and kick back.

Seychelles island-hopping holidays

Once you have ventured around the island of Mahé, why not discover the treasures of beautiful Praslin and the charms of La Digue? Take a look at our hotels set on these tropical islands and make a transfer by boat or ferry. Or enjoy a micro-adventure and join a small cruise, catamaran ride or sailing boat to the shores of the smaller islands. Stay on one island for five nights, then stay on another for three, the choice is yours.

Top five things to see in Seychelles

You will fall in love with the landscapes of the Seychelles. These island gems are oozing with natural wonders – mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, velvet jungles and silky beaches.

• Relax on Anse Patates beach, La Digue
• See Aldabra giant tortoises
• Explore Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin
• Hike Morne Blanc Mountain, Mahé
• Snorkel by Coco Island, La Digue

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The main island Mahé, has 65 beaches of its own

Terms and Conditions

+44 (0)1202 877 330

Travel Information

General information.

The Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT and 3 hours ahead of BST.

The islands are home to a tropical, warm climate all year round, with an average temperature of  27°C. The country is affected by the south-east and north-west trade winds, but your Seychelles Travel specialist will have taken this into account when selecting your accommodation .

Flight Information

All international flights into the Seychelles arrive at the International Airport of Seychelles (SEZ), located on Mahé Island. If you are travelling to another island by plane, you will be assisted to the domestic terminal. If you are travelling to another island by ferry, you will be driven to the Inter-Island Jetty. For those remaining on Mahé Island, you will be driven to your chosen accommodation.

No visa is necessary but you are required to complete an immigration card on arrival.

Clients who have booked a package holiday (international flights and accommodation) have CAA financial protection, we are fully ATOL bonded (Licence Number 3751).

The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR), the guide rate is Rs20 = £1.00. There are banks on all three main islands with ATMs which only give local currency.

You will not be able to purchase or sell Seychelles Rupee in the UK. We recommend using your cards as much as possible and withdrawing local currency from the local ATMs as these conversions will be government controlled. When you withdraw money from an ATM, make sure you retain the receipt as you can exchange it back into GBP at Mahé International Airport before your return.

Transportation

Car hire and taxis are available on Mahé and Praslin Islands.  Your hotel or our concierge representatives (Masons Travel) will normally arrange this for you.

Public transport is well developed on Mahé and Praslin, it is a very inexpensive and adventurous way of exploring the Seychelles islands. A bus trip costs 7 Rupees per person (£0.40).

Health and Vaccinations

The Seychelles is currently free from any tropical diseases and no vaccinations are required. Malaria protection is not required. If you are entering the Seychelles from or have passed through a Yellow Fever infected country, a certificate of immunisation is required.

We advise high UV sunscreen and insect repellent (our favourite is Boots own deet based).

L'Habitation Hotel,  Cerf Island

Le Nautique, La Digue Island

Les Lauriers Hotel, Praslin Island

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Seychelles

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers and  funeral directors  in Seychelles
• dealing with a  death in Seychelles
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Seychelles
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Seychelles and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Victoria .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The  Overseas Business Risk service  offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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• The Minister
• The Principal Secretary
• The Ambassadors
• Organisational Structure
• Bilateral Affairs
• Consular and Diaspora Affairs
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• Multilateral Affairs
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Sections and Units

• Development Aid
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• Special Duties
• Careers and Training Opportunities
• Vision and Mission Statements
• Our Mandate
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• History of Maison Quéau de Quinssy
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Travelling to Seychelles

• VIP Lounge and Fast-Track
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• Exemption and Refund of Taxes
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Seychelles is open to the world, and a visitor’s permit is issued on arrival for the intended length of stay. There are currently no restrictions or requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations or negative COVID-19 tests.

Entry requirements

Although no visa is required, ALL travellers are required to apply for a Travel Authorisation (TA) when travelling to Seychelles. The aim of the Travel Authorisation is to help Seychelles enhance its border security, give the Government greater visibility of who plans to travel to the country, and improve the traveller’s experience both pre-travel and on arrival.

There is a fee associated with this service. The time taken to process the application depends on the package selected – a standard application is EUR 10.90.

You may apply up to 10 days before your flight and we recommend applying as early as possible.

A person can apply for their Travel Authorisation by visiting seychelles.govtas.com or by downloading the Seychelles E-Border app. To complete this immigration procedure, a traveller must have:

• Valid Passport
• Contact Information
• Trip information
• Airline booking confirmation: You must upload a copy of your airline booking confirmation, which clearly shows your arrival and departure dates.
• Accommodation booking confirmation: You must upload your booking confirmation(s) for each location of your stay in the Seychelles. This must include the name of the hotel or guesthouse, the boat charter name or name of employer. If you’re visiting friends and family, provide a letter of invitation.
• Credit or debit card information

Yellow Fever vaccination

A Yellow Fever vaccination (International Certificate) is required only when a person has resided in or recently visited a country where Yellow Fever is endemic or where a person has transited in a Yellow Fever endemic country (airport only) for more than 12 hours.

Planning your Stay in Seychelles

Information on planning your stay, including helpful information for tourists, can be found on Seychelles Tourism’s website: www.seychelles.com .

Ms. Beryl Samson

Ms. Samson was on 22 June 1971, Victoria, Mahe

She graduated from the Murdoch University (Economics and Business Studies), Perth, Western Australia in 1997 where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (BSc) – Economics.

Following her graduation, she attended short courses in various fields such as Environmental Economics, Public Economics, Information Technology, Cross Cultural Phycology, Accounting and Marketing, Diplomacy, Trade Negotiations, Economic Planning and Management.

She started her career as an Economist with the Ministry of External Relations on 19 April 1999. She was promoted to the position of Senior Economist on 1 June 2001 and remained in that position until 17 January 2007. From then, she became Director of Economic Planning and later Director of International Cooperation until she assumed the position of Director General of the Department of Development and Regional Integration on 15 September 2008. On 20 June 2011 she was posted to the Embassy of Seychelles to the Kingdom of Belgium in the position of Minister Counsellor. On 15 August she returned to headquarters to take up the position of Principal Counsellor in the Office of the Principal Secretary and Advisor to the Department of Development and Regional Integration and Deputy to the National Authorizing Officer to the European Union (EU).

She was appointed Ambassador on 9 August 2016.

Following her appointment, she was posted to New York and assumed the position of Deputy Permanent Representative – Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations. She was accredited as Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Kingdom of Belgium on 26 May 2018.

Ambassador Samson enjoys reading, sports, travel, arts and fashion, music, and she loves nature.

Mrs. Lalatiana Accouche

Mrs. Accouche was born on 23 December 1964.

Accouche’ s career in the Seychelles diplomatic service spans over 30 years. It started in June 1991 after she completed her studies in the field of Social Sciences in Cuba and joined the Seychelles Foreign Ministry as Economic Cooperation Officer, being responsible for various bilateral dossiers. She also followed diplomatic training in various countries such as Spain, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa and China.

In January 2010, after having occupied different posts which allowed her to look after most of the bilateral and multilateral dossiers of the Ministry, she was appointed Diplomatic Attaché heading the then newly established unit within the Principal Secretary Secretariat, with the responsibilities of ensuring a productive interaction between the headquarters and all Seychelles Diplomatic Missions abroad, and also coordinating the activities of about eighty Honorary Consuls who were representing Seychelles all over the world at that time. From September 2013 to August 2017, she was posted to the Seychelles High Commission in London, United Kingdom, in the capacity of Deputy Head of Mission/Principal Counsellor. During her posting, she was also acting as Seychelles Assistant Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). On her return from London, she was deployed, in October 2017, to the then newly opened Seychelles Embassy in Havana, Cuba, where she served as Deputy Head of Mission/Principal Counsellor for a period of three months before taking over the full command of the Mission as Chargé d’ Affairs a.i .

In May 2019, she was appointed Ambassador.

Following her appointment, she was accredited as the second resident Ambassador of Seychelles to the Republic of Cuba. She was also concurrently accredited to Jamaica, Mexico and Nicaragua among the 30 countries of the Latin America and Caribbean regions and regional organisations falling under Havana jurisdiction.

After the closure of the Seychelles Embassy in Havana as result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Accouche was based at headquarters and assigned specific duties. She will take up her new responsibilities as Seychelles High Commissioner to the Republic of India following her accreditation to the Head of State.

She is fluent in five languages. She enjoys reading, gardening, and travelling.

Mr. Ian Madeleine

Mr. Madeleine was born on 15 April 1985 in Victoria, Seychelles.

In 2008 he attended Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia, where he later graduated with a Bachelor in Secondary Education (Social Science) in 2009.  In 2013 Mr. Madeleine pursued an International Master of Public Administration with the Tsinghua University in Beijing, focusing on foreign policy.

He began his professional career in the Ministry of Education as a teacher in 2007 after completing his Diploma in Secondary Education, with specialization in Social Science. After graduating he returned to the teaching profession until he transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2011 as a Third Secretary in the Consular Affairs Section of the Protocol, Treaties and Consular Affairs Division. In that capacity, he managed the consular services of the Ministry including the appointment of Honorary Consuls.

After obtaining his Master’s degree, he was promoted to Second Secretary in the International Relations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was assigned the Western Europe desk. From 2015 to 2017 he served at the Embassy of Seychelles in Paris, France, as a Second Secretary and assisted the serving Ambassador with Seychelles’ representation to those countries and international organizations under the mission’s jurisdiction, including UNESCO, OIF, OECD, IAEA, FAO. He also served as Charge d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy in 2017. Mr. Madeleine returned to Seychelles in 2017 after having been promoted to Director of Protocol, and becoming responsible for State Protocol. In 2019 he was appointed as Director for Maritime Affairs, and was tasked with setting up a newly created section within the Ministry, mandated to develop cooperation in the maritime domain and consolidating Seychelles’ leadership role in maritime security. In 2021 he assumed the position of Director for Regional Affairs, overseeing the Regional Security and Maritime Affairs section.

He was appointed as Ambassador on 17 June 2021. He is currently accredited to the United States of America and the United Nations as Seychelles Permanent Representative.

Mrs. Anne Lafortune

Mrs. Lafortune was born on 8 April 1961 in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

She completed her studies at the University of Edith Cowan in Australia and Bristol University in the UK.

She started her career in education. She was formally the Director of the Seychelles Polytechnic and later took the position of Director General for Technical and Further Education of the Ministry of Education. She became the Principal Secretary for Health and Social Development in 2007. She has also occupied the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Institute of Management and the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Officers’ Ethics Commission.

In 2013 she was appointed as the Principal Secretary for Tourism in the then Ministry of Tourism and Culture, a position that she maintained until her recent appointment as Ambassador. She has participated actively in a number of tourism-related conferences, meetings and workshops both regionally and internationally including the Global Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy and the International Island Tourism Conference (ITTCS). She was the focal point for two major international tourism organisations namely, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) where she represented her country. She was also a member of the SADC Senior Officials Committee responsible for tourism and the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Tourism Association.

On the local front, Mrs. Lafortune participated on a number of Government boards including Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, Seychelles Investment Board, Seychelles Licensing Authority and Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation.

She was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles on 17 June 2021. She is currently based in Beijing, China.

Oversees the daily operations of the Protocol Unit and tasked with ensuring that privileges and immunities accorded to members of the Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and offices of International Organisations are in line with relevant international conventions and practices, relevant Agreements and local Laws and Policies.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF)

Contact Group on Piracy off the coast of Somalia (CGPCS)

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

UN Counter-Terrorism Centre of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT-UNCCT)

Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA)

UN Counter-Terrorism Centre of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT-UNCCT) Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA)

African Union (AU)

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI)

African Development Bank (AFDB)

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation (EAPCCO)

International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)

Provides support to the Regional Security and Maritime Affairs Section.

Provides support to the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) dossier.

Desk officer for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Responsible for the processing of documents requiring authentication and/ or legalization and provides administrative assistance to the Division.

Responsible to provide guidance to the public in relation to Diplomatic and Official passports and to coordinate all matters regarding the arrest and detention of Seychellois citizens abroad and of visitors in Seychelles.

Responsible to provide consular assistance to Seychellois travelling abroad and to visitors in distress in Seychelles.

Also facilitates the visa process for government officials on overseas missions and provides information on visa requirements to Seychellois travelling abroad.

Responsible to promote the interest of Seychelles nationals abroad, engage and interact with them,  facilitate their queries and provide the necessary guidance in connecting further with Seychelles.

Responsible to coordinate all matters regarding Seychelles Honorary Consuls such as, the appointment process of new Honorary Consuls, compilation and analysis of progress reports submitted by Honorary Consuls on the work they are doing in their respective jurisdiction or on specific projects they are undertaking, among others.

Also coordinates the appointment process of Honorary Consuls of Foreign States.

Johnette Stephen

Principal Counsellor

Gervais Moumou was born on 29 September 1982 in Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Mr. Moumou graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Sports from the Escuela de Educación Física y Deporte in Havana, Cuba, in 2008. In 2019, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. He also has a Diploma in Diplomacy, which he obtained from the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.

On 1 March 2021, he was promoted to the position of Chief of Protocol with additional responsibility for Public Diplomacy, a unit dedicated to promote Seychelles’ Foreign Policy and increase the Department’s and the country’s visibility locally and internationally.

Middle East/Asia/Pacific 2

Middle East/Asia/Pacific 1

Africa/indian ocean 2.

Gervais Moumou

Chief of Protocol

Portfolio responsibility

Ambassador of Seychelles to the United States of America and Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations

He is married and has two children.

Mr. Conrad Mederic

Mr. Mederic was born on 24 April 1966, in Victoria, Seychelles.

He graduated from the University of New Delhi, India in 1991 where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

His professional life commenced at the Ministry of External Relations, Republic of Seychelles as a Trainee Third Secretary which was then followed by an 8-year stint, until 2007, as First Secretary with responsibility for South Asia, South- East Asia, G-77, NAM and with sectoral responsibilities for Trade, Industries and Investment. From there onwards, he served as Director General for Bilateral Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a period of two years, taking over duties as Director General for Protocol, Treaties and Consular Affairs from 2009 until 2011.

Mr. Mederic was also a member of the board of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and briefly occupied the post of Interim Chairman from March to August 2011.

In July 2011, he was posted to the High Commission of Seychelles in Pretoria, South Africa as Principal Counsellor. In 2014 he was mandated to establish the first Seychelles High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He was appointed Ambassador in December 2016. Following this appointment, he was posted to Colombo, Sri Lanka and was accredited on 28 June 2017. He ended his tour of duty in Sri Lanka in January 2021 and was assigned responsibilities at headquarters until his posting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 30 October 2021. He was accredited as Ambassador of Seychelles to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He was also accredited to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on 6 May 2022 and the African Union Commission (AUC) on 20 May 2022

His hobbies include exploring foreign cultures, following international events, and he is also an avid reader.

A family man at heart, Mr. Mederic is the father of three children and currently resides in Seychelles.

Mr. Kenneth Jacques Gervais Racombo was born on the 3 January 1977 in Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Bertrand Rassool

(1990-1994).

Mrs. Patsy Moustache

Ag. High Commissioner of Seychelles in the United Kingdom

High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles Ground Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road London SWlW 9SA, England, United Kingdom Tel: +44 [O] 20 773 020 46 Email: [email protected]

Jacques Belle

Principal Counsellor/Ministre Conseiller

Ambassade des Seychelles 51 Avenue Mozart, 75016, Paris, France Tel: [+33 1] 42 30 57 47 Email : [email protected]

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Seychelles Travel Guide

Configure your personalised island hopping package!

from €1,600 /person (14 days, 3 islands, incl. flight)

How to get there

Flights to the seychelles.

Most visitors to the Seychelles arrive by airplane. Flights from the UK take between 9 and 14 hours, and there are direct flights available from London, as well as flights with layovers from all larger British airports.

The International Airport of the Seychelles (Abbreviation: SEZ) is located on Mahé, around 10 km south of the capital city, Victoria. All international flights land here, and the airport has regular scheduled flights to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Which Airlines fly to the Seychelles?

Many different airlines fly to the Seychelles. Direct flights to the Seychelles from the UK are offered by British Airways. Direct flights to the Seychelles from Russia are offered by Aeroflot. If you travel with a layover then there are of course many other airline options, including Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Emirates (via Dubai), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Abeba), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), and Qatar Airways (via Doha).

Direct Flights

• Aeroflot from Moscow, Outbound: Fridays, Return: Fridays

Flights with Layovers

• Ethiad Airways : Layover in Abu Dhabi
• Emirates : Layover in Dubai
• Turkish Airlines : Layover in Istanbul
• Ethiopian Airlines : Layover in Addis Abeba
• Qatar : Layover in Doha

Direct Flights from other European Cities

• from Paris with Air France
• from Frankfurt with Condor
• from Zurich with Edelweiss Air

Should I book a direct flight or one with a layover?

With a direct flight, you can reach the Seychelles in approximately 9 - 10 hours. These are usually nighttime flights, so you will arrive on Mahé in the morning and can start your holiday straight away.

Some travellers prefer to have a layover along the way in order to stretch their legs for a few hours during the flight. If you book an indirect route then you can also discover other wonderful destinations such as Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Doha. You could even spend a few days there before starting the second half of your holiday in the Seychelles. From the airports in the Middle East, you will reach the Seychelles in around 5 hours.

We will also gladly organise accommodation for you if you book a layover in one of these destinations. 

Which flight you take may also depend on where you will be departing from, how much the flights cost, and what connections are available. We will also gladly help you to find the best-possible flight for your holiday to the Seychelles!

Domestic Flights in the Seychelles

The airport on Mahé is also the domestic airport for the island, and acts as a hub for internal flights in the Seychelles.

If you get seasick easily then the domestic transfer from Mahé to Praslin is a good alternative to the ferry, which can be relatively rough from May to October as the south-east trade winds blow across the island. At the same time, this flight can be a real highlight of your holiday as you can enjoy aerial views of beautiful sights, including smaller islands and the Sainte Anne Marine Park.

From Mahé, you can reach other beautiful islands of the Seychelles including Bird Island or Denis Island. Domestic flights in the Seychelles are run by Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Seychelles.

Payanke CIP Lounge by Avani

If you are staying at the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé for a longer period of time, you can also book access to the Payanke CIP Lounge by Avani.

The airport on Mahé is small and there are very few possibilities to spend a longer period of time there. Thankfully, the lounge, which was opened in 2018, is a good alternative, allowing you to spend time waiting comfortably.

In addition to an open bar, you will be offered a selection of individually portioned dishes between 06:30 and 21:30. Thanks to the kids area is also provided for the well-being of the little guests.

When booking the lounge, you can also store your luggage during opening hours at no extra cost. For non-lounge guests, this service is subject to a charge.

The lounge is located before security check in the Domestic Terminal, above the counter on the first floor, and just 1 minute away from the International Terminal.

The Seychelles from Above

• Discovering Mahé from above

• Seychelles views from the plane

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Seychelles Specialist

We specialise in island-hopping holidays and customised itineraries from A-Z. We provide accommodation, transfers, ground-handling and valuable local knowledge.

In addition to our own large fleet of land and sea vehicles, we are contracted with Seychelles leading service providers for land, sea and air transfers.

Weddings + Events

Mason’s Travel is the leading supplier of wedding and MICE services in the country. We cater for large, small and special interest groups.

Unique Excursions

We have a carefully designed a portfolio of exciting excursions and activities that showcase the best of what the islands have to offer.

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We craft bespoke and unforgettable island itineraries based on deep local knowledge and our individual and personalized approach to clients and their unique demands.

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Our large fleet of vehicles, experienced guides and dedicated team are uniquely equipped to handle large tour groups and ground requirements.

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Wealth of Experience

The first and original inbound tour operator for the Seychelles, Masons Travel has almost 50 years of experience and is the leading name in travel for the Indian Ocean’s most alluring destination.

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No one knows Seychelles better! As a locally-owned and operated business, Mason’s Travel is uniquely positioned to offer your clients an authentic island-hopping experience.

Outstanding Personalised Service

We are available 24/7 to ensure that your client’s Seychelles holiday exceeds their expectations. We work with the best people in the business – industry accredited, highly creative and truly dedicated.

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Mason’s Travel continually invests in modern infrastructure, sustainable technologies and human capabilities to deliver innovative and authentic experiences on behalf of our travel partners around the world.

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Seychelles - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Seychelles.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Seychelles.

If you decide to travel to Seychelles:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Seychelles.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Duration of stay

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No, visitor permits granted upon arrival with return ticket

Yellow fever, if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country

Amounts above U.S. $10,000

Embassies and Consulates

There is no U.S. consular presence in Seychelles. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius if you need consular assistance while in Seychelles.

U.S. Embassy Port Louis 4th Floor, Rogers House John Kennedy Street Port Louis, Mauritius Telephone:  +(230) 202-4400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(230) 202-4400 Fax:  +(230) 208-9534 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry:

• Visitor's Permit
• Onward/return ticket
• Sufficient funds and confirmed accommodation

Visas:  Seychelles is a visa-free country, however, a  visitor’s permit  will be obtained upon arrival if you meet certain criteria and can show:

• a valid return or onward ticket for duration of the visit;
• confirmed accommodation, OR invitation letter, if staying with friends or relatives; and
• sufficient funds for duration of the stay.

Visit the  Department of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Seychelles website for the most current entry information.

Prohibited items and those items requiring permits include:  

• pharmaceuticals
• radio equipment
• any fruits or vegetables

See the  Seychelles Revenue Commission web page for further information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors on short-term stays in Seychelles. Expatriate workers with HIV/AIDS are subject to screenings and are required to regularly report to the Ministry of Health for treatment throughout the duration of residence in Seychelles.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Precautions:

• Keep valuables locked in hotel room safe.
• Be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
• Be alert while driving, especially at night, as there are minimal street lights.
• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Never swim or snorkel alone.
• Be aware of currents, rip tides, and tide levels as they can change seasonally and/or instantaneously.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local news broadcasts, and  consular messages .

Piracy:  Attacks have occurred in coastal waters surrounding the outer islands and, in some cases, farther out at sea. See  MARAD’s  page for advisories.

Marine hazards:  Do not fish, swim, or snorkel alone. Always seek expert local advice about which areas are deemed safe for swimming, as this can differ based on seasonal weather patterns and time of day. Many beaches have varying strong/rip currents.  Most beaches do not have a regular lifeguard presence.

Crime:  Muggings and petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing are reportedly on the increase and can be a problem especially in and around tourist facilities and ATMs. Theft from vehicles and on beaches or walking trails occurs in areas frequented by foreigners.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

•  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius and the Police.
•  Report crimes to the local police (Dial 999) and contact the U.S. Embassy Port Louis at +(230) 202-4400, during business hours or after hours for life and death emergencies: +(230) 202-4400, press one (1) after the automated greeting.
• Dial 999 to contact the police in an emergency throughout the Seychelles and for ambulance service on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
• See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Consular Agency and/or the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry has regulations for certain activities, although safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not always be carried out regularly.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified in support of organized activities either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. First responders are generally unable to access more remote islands to provide urgent medical treatment, and emergency facilities and/or medical personnel on individual islands vary, or may not exist at all. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and verify that operators are licensed prior to engaging their services for special activities. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. You may have difficulties at immigration if you are traveling with military clothing or arms/ammunition.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consular Agency or U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Beach wear:  Topless sunbathing is acceptable on certain beaches. Nudism is not permitted.

Phone Service:  Cellular phones are in widespread use on the main islands, and service is generally adequate, though there are coverage gaps in some remote areas. Local SIM cards can be purchased by tourists to use with a compatible cell phone.

Currency:  The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is the currency of the Seychelles. In some instances, tourists can pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars or other hard currency. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, but they dispense only Seychellois Rupees. Credit cards are not necessarily widely accepted outside of resorts. Gas stations and smaller, more remote outlets usually only accept cash.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  While consensual same sex relations are legal in the Seychelles, LGBTI persons have reported instances of discrimination.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section six of our  Human Rights report for further details. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks. Most buildings lack functioning elevators.

Students:   See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. All care providers expect payment in Seychellois Rupees.  

Consult the  CDC website for the Seychelles  prior to travel. Medical facilities are limited, especially on isolated islands. The main hospital, including accident and emergency services, is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 -4388-000). Recommendations:

• Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
• Verify with  Seychelles Customs  that your medications are legal before you travel.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Please note that passengers may be quarantined during seasonal plague outbreaks IF you are travelling from plague-infected countries.

HIV/AIDS:  HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing among the population, especially tied to intravenous drug use.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is only practical on the islands of Mahé and Praslin. Roads on both islands are narrow and wind steeply over mountains, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends. Many roads are not well-maintained, have minimal lighting, and many drivers do not necessarily adhere to traffic regulations. Traffic safety is hazardous due to a lack of safety barriers and inadequate street lighting. Avoid remote roads, particularly at night.  Drunk-driving is a problem, so be particularly aware of other road users who may behave recklessly.

Traffic Laws:  You will need an international driving permit to drive in the Seychelles. Cars drive on the left. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Car rentals are available. Most car rental companies will include an excess as part of the rental fee, which will cover a certain amount of damage. It is advisable to clarify this with your car rental company, as it may be possible to purchase higher excess amounts.  You may not be able to purchase short-term car insurance with local insurance companies.

Accidents: In the event of an automobile accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive.

Public Transportation:

Buses: Services are infrequent on some routes, tend to be crowded during rush hours, and may require a transfer. On the islands of Mahé and Praslin, buses operate from early morning to early evening. A timetable is available from the bus station in Victoria.

Taxis:  Negotiate the fare before beginning your journey. Some taxis are not metered, so confirm with your hotel about fares you should expect on trips.

Ferry/Water Transport:  Most of the inner islands are accessible by boat or ferry; there are also a number of day trips available to tourists. Check that there is sufficient safety equipment including life jackets and ship to shore radio.  Travel by ship to the outer islands including the Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra groups requires prior approval from the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Seychelles’  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Seychelles, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Seychelles’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Seychelles should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website  https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal   select “broadcast warnings.”

The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Seychelles ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Seychelles. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Seychelles should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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