Briefing d'orientation aux Seychelles

Seychelles was uninhabited before Europeans discovered the islands early in the 16th century. After a lengthy struggle, France eventually ceded control of the islands to Great Britain in 1814. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Seychelles gained independence in 1976 through negotiations with Great Britain. In 1977, Prime Minister France-Albert RENE launched a coup against the country’s first president, and Seychelles became a socialist one-party state until adopting a new constitution and holding elections in 1993. RENE continued to lead Seychelles through two election cycles until he stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE. In 2020, Wavel RAMKALAWAN was elected president, the first time an opposition candidate has won the presidency.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Seychelles

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Seychelles, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

There is a risk of break-ins, robberies, burglaries and opportunistic thefts. Crime is generally non-violent, but people can have their bags snatched, cars and boats broken into or be robbed while walking at night.

Criminals may target parked cars, residential accommodation including guest houses, hotels, beaches, and marked and unmarked walking trails.

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:

• make sure your living accommodation has external security lighting, grilles and overnight security guards
• use a hotel safe or safety deposit box to store valuables, money and passports
• do not leave valuables in cars or anywhere on display
• avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches
• carry a mobile phone with roaming capability for use in an emergency

Be particularly alert in:

• Beau Vallon
• the back streets of Victoria
• any isolated area, especially at night

Call the Seychelles police on +248 428 8000 to report any incident.

Laws and cultural differences

Public nudity

Topless sunbathing is uncommon. Nudism is not accepted and is likely to cause offence.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Seychelles has strict laws on drug use and smuggling. Penalties are severe and may include fines and prison sentences, up to life imprisonment. This can be applied both for supplying and simple possession of any drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Bail is highly unlikely and prosecutions can take a year or more to come to court.

Seychelles International Airport has excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This can be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Pack all luggage yourself and never carry anything through customs for anyone else.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Seychelles, but attitudes vary. Same-sex marriage is not recognised.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming

Beaches can be safe for swimming at some times of the year and dangerous at others. In general, the west coast is unsafe during the north-west monsoon (around December to March), and the east coast is unsafe during the south-east winds season (around May to September). Beaches at the southern tip are not suitable for swimming at any time.

Beaches do not always have safety information. You should not assume they’re safe. The popular Beau Vallon beach, and some other beaches, may have dangerous rip currents when the sea is rough.

There are not many lifeguards, though some are stationed on popular beaches. Ask for local advice about the conditions before you visit the beaches and follow any warning signs.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Hiking

It is generally safe to hike in Seychelles. Visitors have sometimes got lost on nature walks or hiking on trails. You can plan a route and access online guides and safety tips from the Seychelles Tourism Department.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Seychelles, see information on driving abroad.   
 
You can see the legal requirements you need to be aware of in the Road Transport Act.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Seychelles for 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Driving and road standards

Mahé is mountainous, and roads are narrow and winding, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends. Not all such roads are equipped with safety barriers. Deep, uncovered storm drains flank many roads.

Drink-driving is a problem, so other road users may behave erratically.

Sudden heavy downpours can reduce visibility and road surface conditions quickly. Potholes can appear suddenly after heavy rains. Drivers sometimes veer sharply across lanes to avoid them.

Public transport

Buses are cheap but infrequent on some routes. A timetable is available from the bus station in Victoria or from the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation. Most public buses do not operate after 8pm.

Taxis are generally of a good standard. Taxi meters are increasingly common but if a taxi is not equipped with one, agree a fare before starting your journey.

Sea travel

Piracy in the region has decreased but there is still some risk, especially off the coast of Somalia. You can check the latest situation with United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa).

If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

Most of the inner island resorts are accessible by ferry. Pay attention to safety briefings when taking any boat trips. Make sure life jackets are provided, especially on smaller excursion boats.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.  

Heavy rain and severe weather  

Heavy or prolonged rainfall can cause flooding, landslides, falling trees, and poor visibility, particularly during the months from November to March. Severe weather can cause damage to property and infrastructure. Roads may become damaged or blocked, leading to closures and travel disruption. Domestic flights and ferries may also be disrupted.  

Monitor weather updates from the Seychelles Meteorological Authority and local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Call the Department of Risk and Disaster Management on 160 to report flooding, landslides, infrastructure disruptions or other related incidents. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999, 151 or 111.  

Drought  

Seychelles experiences periods of severe drought. The authorities may impose water restrictions during these periods. Follow local guidance and use water sensibly.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Seychelles
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Seychelles.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Seychelles

As a tourist, you must pay for medical treatment.

Residents in Seychelles from overseas need to pay for some treatment, including medication and prescriptions.

The main hospital is at Mont Fleuri in Victoria on Mahé, and there are local health centres in most residential areas. Victoria Hospital has an accident and emergency department, and facilities such as scans. There are many private clinics in Seychelles, mostly offering GP services.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Seychelles where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.