Seychelles
About
| This isolated island paradise offers fine beaches, turquoise seas and hot weather. As a result of its extraordinary geographical history, the Seychelles is also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else in the world. No less than 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until mankind's arrival just two centuries ago. The Seychelles is also a major attraction for birdwatchers. The diving is particularly good: there are sea cliffs, tunnels and caves - and, of course, multitudes of fish of many different species. Visibility is best from September to May. The resort hotels offer waterskiing, sailing, snorkelling and other watersports as conditions are ideal. Take to the water in the St Anne National Marine Park, a favourite for snorkelling, which encompasses six islands off the coast of Mahé. The clear water of the Seychelles makes conditions perfect for underwater photography. The coastal waters are a haven for 101 species of coral and over 920 species of fish. |
|
| Capital: | Victoria (SEZ) |
| Currency: | Seychelles Rupee (SCR) |
| Language: | Creole, English and French |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 248 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | March – May and September – November |
| Best For: | Island relaxation. |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style three-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is available and may be preferable. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | There are equipped medical facilities; however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Visitors who require chronic medication are advised to bring sufficient medication for their trip with the accompanying prescription. |
| Customs: | Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Normal social courtesies should be observed. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal. Collecting of seashells is prohibited. Camouflage clothing is prohibited. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Walking barefoot should be avoided due to risk of contracting leptospirosis. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the Seychelles by travellers aged 18 years or older without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco • 2L of spirits and 2L of wine • 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette • Other items not exceeding Rs3,000 |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited goods (unless prior authorisation has been granted) include non-prescribed drugs, firearms (including air pistols, air rifles and spear-fishing guns), plants and plant products, animals and animal products, radioactive substances and apparatus, dangerous drugs, biological specimens, fireworks and explosives, and medicines and poisons. Pornography is completely prohibited. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Endangered species |
Issuing Authorities
Seychelles High Commission
Delmondo Office Park, Block C, Positano, Ground Floor, 169 Garsfontein Road, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria
Tel: 012 348 0270 / 012 346 4687
E-mail: sez@seychelleshc.co.za
Web: www.mfa.gov.sc
Also accredited to: Angola, Botswana, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kingdom of Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2; Apr 18-19, 21; May 1; Jun 18-19, 29-30; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2; Apr 3-4, 6; May 1; Jun 4, 18, 29; Aug 15; Nov 1-2; Dec 8, 25
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by any nationals who wish to enter Seychelles, however a Travel Authorisation is mandatory.
Digital Travel Authorisation: Apply at seychelles.govtas.com.
Required information
- Valid Passport
- Selfie
- Contact 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 Seychelles. This must include the name of the hotel/guesthouse, boat charter name or name of employer. If you’re visiting friends and family, provide a letter of invitation
- EUR 10.90 (payable via debit or credit card)
NOTE: You may apply up to 10 days prior to departure.
Entry Requirements
A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival in Seychelles to travelers visiting for the purposes of holiday, business, visiting friends or family and who also meet the following criteria:
- Digital travel authorisation
- Passport valid for entirety of trip
- Valid return / onward ticket
- Confirmed accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (minimum of US$150 or equivalent per day).
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Port Louis, Mauritius
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid |
