Everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of travel.

Visas are not required.   A Visitor's Permit, good for 4 weeks, is  issued upon arrival at the airport.  Travelers must have a return (or onward) air ticket, pre-booked accommodations and sufficient money for their stay.  If not, visitors may be required to post a security bond.  The Permit may be renewed for 3 months at no cost and for 3 additional 3 month periods at a fee of SR 200 (USD 40).

Arriving passengers may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 liter of spirits or wine;  125 ml perfume or 250 ml toilet water;  and other normally dutiable goods worth up to SR 1000 (USD 200).

Firearms (including air powered devices), spear-fishing equipment and non-prescription drugs is prohibited.  The entry animals or food is subject to licensing.  Pets may only be imported with written permission of the Chief Veterinary Officer of the country.

Seychelles is in a healthy climate and there is no malaria, yellow fever, cholera nor many other tropical diseases.  Those who have traveled to or through any affected area (including Kenya) within a week of coming to Seychelles are required to certification of yellow fever vaccination. 

The public water supply is chlorinated and normally safe.  However, as it is different it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.  Visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice.

All foods normally obtainable on the islands, including milk and dairy products, are generally considered safe to eat.

Victoria Hospital (telephone 224400) on Mahe is the main health facility and is well equipped with 373 beds.  All doctors speak English and/or French.  There are several other clinics on Mahe and on Praslin and La Digue.  Visitors can get medical and dental treatment, for which there may be a charge according to the service provided.

There are also small hospitals on Praslin and La Digue but all patients in need of immediate medical attention are taken to Victoria.  Private doctors are available and may be arranged through hotels.  Some hotels also have a small nursing staff on duty at certain times.

999 is the main emergency number throughout the country for fire, police and ambulance services.

There are several pharmacies in Victoria, Mahe including Central Pharmacy at Victoria Hospital. 

GMT + 4. 4 hours ahead of London.  Daylight savings time is not observed.

Embassies of other countries in Seychelles:

There is a departure tax of US$40, levied by the government of Seychelles. Children under 12 years are exempted. Please check with your travel agent whether or not your package is inclusive of this tax. If not, it can be purchased at any of the bureau de change booths at the airport at the time of your departure, or via your tour operator or travel agent.

There are two GSM network operators in Seychelles:  Airtel (Telecom) and Cable & Wireless.  Both networks are GSM 900.
However, both offer prepaid services;  for a small charge (about USD 40) you can get a GSM card and make international calls to any country, anytime for about USD 1.50 per minute.

This information is current as of 14 June 2000.

The unit of currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SR) which is divided into 100 cents.  In mid-1999 5 SR = 1 USD.  Paper notes are in denominations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 SR.   Coins are 1 and 5 SR as well as 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents.  There also are some silver and gold coins but they are not in general circulation.

Creole, English and French are spoken widely.  Any of these will suffice at the major hotels, attractions, shops, banks, etc.  Some members of the travel industry speak German and Italian.  Translation services when in the country are available through.

Travelers checks are also widely accepted, particularly at hotels, shops and restaurants.   Checks issued in US dollars and British pounds are preferred and less likely to incur additional exchange fees.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted.  Diners Club and several other minor cards are accepted in fewer places.

Light clothes are advisable because of the tropical climate.  For women, light cotton dresses, slacks and shorts and pareos for the day and a long skirt or cool dress for evenings.  Men are most comfortable in light weight slacks and shorts and open neck shirts.  For business, safari suits are acceptable and ties are not worn except to church.   Sandals or light canvas shoes are adequate.  Swimwear is not worn except on the beaches.