Seychelles travel advice

Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Incidents have been reported in:

• popular tourist areas, including Beau Vallon and Victoria
• beaches, including Cote d’Or beach
• unattended vehicles
• hiking trails
• ATMs

During your trip to the Seychelles:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
• avoid isolated areas, especially at night

Violent crime

Although less common, violent crime occurs, namely:

• armed robberies
• burglaries
• assaults

Tourists are usually not targeted, however you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs in the Seychelles.  

• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN 
• Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards 
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature 
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business 
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements 

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

While not common in the Seychelles, demonstrations may occur.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism  

Outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly.  

If you intend to practice adventure tourism: 

• consider traveling with a group and hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company  
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out   
• avoid venturing off marked trails      
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard   
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety   

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Strong currents and riptides are common, particularly near the popular tourist beach in Beau Vallon. Several drownings occur each year.

Most beaches outside major hotels do not have a regular lifeguard present. When available, rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Beaches that offer safe swimming conditions from May to September, during the east monsoon period, may not be safe from December to March during the north-east monsoon period.

• Respect the areas reserved for swimming
• Always maintain a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Always respect warning flags advising of dangerous conditions
• Consult reputable sources and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Maritime excursions

Many isolated islands are accessible by boat or ferry. Travel by ship to the outer islands, such as Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra, requires the approval of the Seychelles Maritime Safety authority.

In stormy weather, travel by ship, including emergency travel, may be difficult.

While on maritime excursions:

• use only a reliable company
• make sure you have access to a lifejacket at all times
• do not board a boat that appears overloaded or unseaworthy

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road conditions

Roads are generally well maintained but are narrow and winding.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• the presence of animals, pedestrians, and bicycles on the road
• roads with sheer drops and lack of guardrails
• poorly lit roads

Driving habits

Impaired driving is prevalent in the Seychelles with a noted frequency of drivers operating vehicles while intoxicated by alcohol.

If you choose to drive in the Seychelles:

• drive defensively, particularly after dark
• in the event of a traffic accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive
• when returning a rented vehicle, ensure that you receive a written acknowledgement stating that the vehicle had not been damaged while in your possession
• purchase adequate car insurance

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Though reports of piracy have decreased in recent years, mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of the Seychelles. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. 

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required

You must obtain a digital travel authorization before your departure.

Apply for a digital travel authorization - Government of Seychelles

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). 

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Access to adequate health care, including private medical practices, is available on the major islands.  Medical facilities are limited on isolated islands where some have no doctors.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available. 

If you take prescription medications, you are responsible for determining their legality in the country before entering the Seychelles. 

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Seychellois laws do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially tolerated.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Seychelles.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Seychelles, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Seychelles.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Seychelles by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Seychelles to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Imports and exports

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of certain items, including:

• firearms
• spear-fishing equipment
• fruits and vegetables

Driving

To drive in Seychelles, you must have the following:

• a valid Canadian driver’s license
• an international driving permit

Traffic drives on the left.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Seychellois rupee (SR).

Most hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist destinations accept debit or credit cards. ATMs are available at the airport and major tourist destinations but generally only issue rupees. You may pay for goods and services either in rupees, euros or in USD.

You can exchange money at authorised currency exchanges:

• banks
• casinos
• hotels
• the international airport

It is prohibited to exchange foreign currencies at rates other than the official rate.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from December to March. During this period strong winds and torrential rains can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

While there have not been any recent incidents of cyclones, pay careful attention to all warnings issued.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Seychelles Meteorological Authority