Africa
Seychelles
Granite-and-turquoise islands with superb beaches and hiking, safe and clean. Very expensive for a solo traveler; guesthouses and self-catering keep costs down, and nightlife is limited.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa197 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencySCRUS$1 ≈ SCR14.75Details
- Price level54%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType G240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 151 · Fire 999
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and generally safe on Mahé and Praslin; some travelers prefer bottled water on smaller islands.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSame-sex acts were decriminalised in 2016; attitudes are tolerant but conservative and nightlife is limited.Details
- DrivingOn the leftHome licence in English is accepted; an IDP is useful for rental firms. Roads are narrow and steep.
- Digital nomad visaYesWorkcation Retreat ProgrammeDetails
Where to go in Seychelles
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Seychelles
April–May and October–November are calm and sunny; June–September is dry but windier. December–February is hot and rainy with the northwest monsoon.
Good to know
Entry
- Apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before travel; it is required for all visitors and costs a small fee.
- You need a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of funds; visitors get up to 3 months, extendable to 12.
- Declare 50,000 SCR or more in cash when applying.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences including cannabis carry heavy penalties
- Taking shells, coral or sand from beaches is prohibited
- Nudity on public beaches is illegal
Etiquette
- Dress modestly away from the beach
- Greet people politely; locals speak Creole, English and French
- Never remove shells, coral or protected plants
Tipping
Not expected; 10% is welcome if no service charge. Many restaurants add 10%.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Seychelles Travel Authorisation
- Seychelles Tourism Board
- UK FCDO travel advice: Seychelles
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.