Seychelles

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Republic of Seychelles is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The archipelago is made of more than one hundred granite islands and flat coral atolls. Most of the population of about 90,000 is concentrated on Mahé, the largest island. The Seychelles’ government is a presidential republic with a president as both chief of state and head of government.

From the late 1550s to about the mid-1700s, the islands were a haven for pirates. France claimed the territory in 1756. After a French-English war, France ceded the area to Britain in 1814. The Seychelles gained independence in 1976. There was a period of instability, however, now the Seychelles have achieved stability and prosperity with a high per capita income, good education and health care.

Travellers are attracted by the tropical climate, the wildlife, which includes giant sea turtles, tortoises and sea bird colonies, and white sand beaches.

Currency	SCR: Seychellois rupee
Language	French, English, Creole
Capital	Victoria
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	June 09, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Seychelles (9 June Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Seychelles. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Seychelles through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in the Seychelles.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Seychelles, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur in Seychelles. The risk of exposure may be higher in urban rather than rural areas.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Seychelles.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for the Seychelles, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for the Seychelles, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in the Seychelles through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Seychelles.

None required.

Safety and Security in Seychelles

Emergency Numbers

999

Personal Safety

Crime is relatively low in this country, but petty theft does occur. Travellers should safeguard valuables and personal documents. Recently, hikers on trails have been robbed. Stay with a group and do not carry valuables with you. Theft has also occurred from parked cars, accommodations, and beaches.

Avoid isolated areas, including isolated beaches. Be particularly vigilant on the back streets of Victoria or Beau Vallon.

Exercise caution when swimming. In some areas, swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents, and drownings have occurred.

Unless taking part in an official military activity, the government of Seychelles prohibits wearing camouflage clothing.

Extreme Violence

Piracy does occur in coastal waters and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

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Updated: June 09, 2021