Practical Information

Immigration, visas and taxes

There are no visa requirements.
A visitor’s permit valid for four weeks is issued on arrival. Extensions to this may be given by the immigration authority from the Immigration and Civil Status Division, P.O.Box 430, Independence House, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, Tel +248 22 53 33.

Health

Seychelles is currently free from malaria and other tropical diseases.

No vaccinations are required except in the case of yellow fever where a vaccination is required for visitors over 1 year of age who have come from or passed through an infected area within the preceding 6 days. The continents considered as infected areas are South America and Africa (excluding South Africa).

Population And Language

The total population is around 85,000. The people, of mixed African, European and Asian origin are concentrated in the three inner islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and over 70,000 people live on Mahé.

English and French are widely spoken in Seychelles. Creole is the native language.

89% of the population is Roman Catholic, and 7% belong to the Church of England. There are also small other religious communities

Climate

The climate is generally humid with an average temperature of 29°C. Unlike its Indian Ocean neighbours, Seychelles lies beyond the cyclone belt. The tropical climate is influenced by trade winds: from May to September, south-east trade winds bring lower humidity and pleasant temperatures between 24° and 32°C; from October to April, temperatures may be slightly higher with humidity and rainfall also higher.

Clothing

Light clothing is worn all year round. Long sleeved clothes are only required for the air journey. It is advisable to wear a hat, sunglasses and sun cream under the tropical sun. Men are requested to wear long trousers in the evening, by most hotels and restaurants.

Food

Most hotels and restaurants serve traditional Seychellois food as well as international dishes.

Fish and rice, bread fruit, sweet potatoes or cassava make up the Seychellois staple food. It is served with vegetables cooked in "satini" or salads.