Seychelles

English, French and Seychellois Creole are the three official languages. Creole is the first language of almost all people. English is an official language, so visitors can use it in most situations.

Two useful Creole words are Bonzour (hello) and Mersi (thank you).

• Water: Government advice says to use bottled or purified water.
• Mosquitoes: Dengue and chikungunya outbreaks occur at times. Use repellent and check current health advice before you travel.
• Vaccines: A yellow fever certificate is needed only if you recently visited or passed through a country with yellow fever risk. Ask your doctor about routine vaccines.
• Hospital: The main hospital is at Mont Fleuri in Victoria on Mahé. There are health centres in many residential areas and private clinics.
• Insurance: Tourists must pay for medical treatment. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Seychelles does not require a visa for visitors. Every traveller, including children, must complete the online Seychelles Travel Authorisation before arrival. Use the official site Seychelles Electronic Border System.

• Fee and timing: Apply on the official site before you fly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists EUR 10.90 for a standard application and says you can apply up to 10 days before your flight. Travelling without one may lead to penalties (official border site).
• What to upload: A passport, a selfie, your flight booking and your accommodation booking.
• Visitor's permit: You receive it on arrival. It is free and is granted for up to three months. Extensions cost SCR 5,000 for each three-month period. See Immigration and Civil Status.
• On arrival: Officials can ask for a valid return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and enough money for your stay. The immigration page says at least USD 150 per day.
• Passport: It must be valid for your whole stay.

Environmental levy: Medium and large hotels, island resorts and yachts charge a Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy per guest per night from 1 January 2026. It is SCR 75 for medium properties and SCR 100 for large ones and resorts. Small guesthouses are not included. Children aged 12 and under are exempt. Ask your accommodation how it is charged.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Topless sunbathing is uncommon and is not accepted on some beaches. Nudism is not accepted and can cause offence.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Same-sex relationships are legal, but marriage is not recognised. Some LGBTQ+ travellers report discrimination.

Public holidays are shown below. Plan ahead for holiday dates, because shops, services and transport can change their schedules.

Seychelles is a group of islands, so plan how you travel between them.

• By ferry: Cat Cocos runs high-speed catamarans between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. There are several trips each day, and you can book online.
• By air: Air Seychelles flies between Mahé and Praslin. Some outer islands, such as Bird Island, have small airstrips linked to Mahé. Check schedules and baggage limits before you book.
• On La Digue: There is no airport. Most people go by ferry, often through Praslin. The bicycle is the main way to travel. You can rent bikes near the ferry pier. A few ox-carts and private vehicles also operate.
• By bus: Public buses run on Mahé and Praslin.
• Outer islands: Aldabra has no airstrip, harbour or jetty. Visits need permission from the Seychelles Islands Foundation and a boat trip. See Seychelles Islands Foundation.

• Side of the road: Traffic drives on the left.
• Where you can drive: Rental cars are available on Mahé and Praslin.
• Minimum age: Government advice gives 18 for cars.
• Licence: Advice differs. Australian advice asks for your licence or an International Driving Permit. Ask your rental company what it needs.
• Roads: Roads on Mahé are narrow and winding, often with sharp bends and steep drops. Not all have safety barriers. Heavy rain can reduce visibility, and potholes can appear after storms.
• Night: Roads are poorly lit. Avoid driving after dark if you do not know them.
• Drink-driving: It is a known road danger. Do not drive after drinking.

Seychellois food is Creole. Seafood is central, especially fish and octopus. Coconut milk and curries are common. The cooking mixes African, French, British, Indian and Chinese influences.

Try fish curry, kat-kat banane (green banana and fish in coconut milk) and shark chutney. Ladob is a sweet dish of plantain and sweet potato in coconut milk. Local drinks include SeyBrew beer, coconut water and fresh juices.

Most trips combine two or three of these islands.

Mahé

Mahé is the main island. It has Victoria, the international airport and most hotels. Victoria Clock Tower is a landmark in Victoria, and Jardin Botanique are nearby. Morne Seychellois National Park covers much of the hills and has walking trails. Beau Vallon is a popular beach with many restaurants. Anse Intendance is on the south coast.

Praslin

Praslin is reached by ferry or a short flight from Mahé. Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO palm forest with the coco de mer, and the black parrot lives only on Praslin. Anse Lazio Beach is one of the best-known beaches. Boat trips go to Curieuse Marine National Park and Cousin Island. Cousin Island is a nature reserve.

La Digue

La Digue is small, quiet and best explored by bicycle. It is famous for Anse Source d'Argent, a beach with large granite rocks inside the L'Union Estate.

Other islands

• Silhouette Island lies west of Mahé.
• Bird Island is far to the north and is a private resort island with a small airstrip.
• Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the remote outer islands. It is home to a very large population of giant tortoises. Visits are tightly controlled.