The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It's home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
Capital: Victoria
Currency: Seychellois rupee
President: Danny Faure
Continent: Africa
Free Visa
All foreign nationals visiting Seychelles are granted visa free access. They must be in a possession of a valid passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. The Visitor’s Permit is issued free of charge and is initially valid for up to three months but it can be extended for a fee for a period of up to three months with further extensions not exceeding total period of twelve months.
Seychelles Travel Information
At worlds win we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to Seychelles.
Learn about the history and culture of Seychelles, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Seychelles's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Seychelles for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Seychelles vacations today!
Travel Tips for Seychells
1-What to Pack
Temperatures are constant throughout the year in Seychelles, therefore only light clothing should be packed. The tropical sun is very strong and as such, great care must be taken - it is advisable to wear sun cream even on an overcast day. Sunglasses and hats are also essential. Most restaurants and hotels require long trousers to be worn during the evening and men must wear long trousers after 7pm if they wish to enter casinos.
A jacket or sweater is not required for a visit to Seychelles but may be needed on the journey to and from.
2-Passports
A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to your country. You are strongly advised to always carry a valid passport when travelling to any foreign destination. Crossing international borders can be complicated and sometimes requires many different kinds of documents. Being prepared is the key to easing your way through this process, so make sure you know what documents you need, where to get them, and which ones will make your crossing quick and easy.
Remember to:
Carry a passport for all trips outside your country.
Be sure that your passport is still valid.
Check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself or carry it a separate location
Leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you.
Keep your passport safe while travelling.
Do not leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere.
Carry it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel safe.
Travel Health
According to the World Health Organization more than 900 million international journeys are undertaken every year. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Global travel on this scale exposes many people to a range of health risks. International travellers should always be extra concerned about their health and safety, as every region and country around the world has its own risks, customs and level of health care. However, whatever your age or destination, properly preparing before you leave, and staying in good health while travelling, can help you have a happy and enjoyable trip.
Sychelles Culture
1- Social Conventions
The people of Seychelles live a simple and laid back lifestyle and are very hospitable and welcoming. The standard greeting is to shake hands. If invited to a home for dinner, a small gift is certainly appreciated. Casual clothing is essential and formal attire is usually only reserved for church (however, it is important to remember that beachwear should remain at the beach). Tourism is greatly controlled in order to protect and conserve the environment, as such, it is advisable to remember not to collect shells from the beach as many are used as habitats for hermit crabs. Collecting shells is strictly prohibited from national parks and reserves.
2- Language
Creole, English and French are the main languages spoken in Seychelles.
3 - Religion
The majority of the population of Seychelles, around 83% are Roman Catholic. Other religions with followings include Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha’i and other minority religions.
Food in Seychelles
The cuisine of Seychelles is a mixture of Creole, French, Indian and Orient styles of cooking and flavours which mirror the mixture of people who call the archipelago home. There is very little local transport of goods which means that ingredients almost always arrive directly from a garden or from a fishing boat. Seafood is a staple ingredient in many dishes with tuna and kingfish being among the most favourite fish. Rice is the national staple food.
Popular dishes include:
Octopus: This is a favourite amongst the locals in Seychelles. It is cooked until it is incredibly soft and is then usually served in a spicy curry of coconut or as part of a seafood cocktail.
Tec Tec: This is a small white shellfish that is collected on the beach and then cooked with pumpkin to make a soup.
Caris Masala: This shows the Indian influence and is a mixture of vegetables, meat or fish and masala (coriander, fenugreek, cumin, cloves, mustard seeds and saffron).
Chatini: This is a cold condiment that has thinly sliced vegetables and fruit that are mixed into a vinegar chutney.
Rousettes: This is very much a local delicacy and is not for the faint of heart. Rousettes are common on many restaurant menus and are fruit bats. Many say the meat is quite gamey and it has been likened to venison. It is important to note that rousettes can be quite difficult to eat due to the many tiny bones.
Ladob: This dish is a dessert on Seychelles. It is made up of sweet potatoes and ripe plantain and can include breadfruit, cassava or corossol. It is then boiled with coconut milk and nutmeg and sugar and vanilla are added.
Drink / Drinking age: 18
Palm wine known locally as “calu” is an alcoholic beverage made locally from coconut sap. Bacca is another local alcoholic beverage that comes from sugarcane liquor (it is usually consumed at ceremonial events). Coco d’Amour is a tropical coconut liqueur made form coconut extract and local beers include Ekyu and Seybrew.
Things to know:
Most restaurants, hotels, taxis and porters will already include a 5-10% service charge so it is not necessary to add more unless the service was outstanding or deserving of more.
At worldswin we do our best to provide our readers and followers with the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. Some essential information on travel health risks and preventive measures .Finally it is important that you get advice from your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic before travelling. Keep you and your loved ones healthy during your travels.