Seychelles
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
SEYCHELLES - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Seychelles. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime such as muggings, purse snatching and pickpocketing are increasing in and around tourist facilities. Theft from parked cars, in hotels and on beaches is also on the rise. Valuables and travel documents should be kept in secure hotel facilities. Do not leave your bags unattended at the beach.
Avoid deserted beaches and solo trips to the beach, other than at major hotels. Also, avoid poorly lit areas after dark and do not travel alone. Take care when hiking in remote areas.
The police department has set up a beach security unit composed of police men and women that patrol the main public beaches.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Traffic drives on the left. Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers. Roads are generally well maintained, but are narrow and winding, often with sheer drops and few barriers. Drive defensively, particularly after dark. In the event of a traffic accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive.
Car rentals are available. You are advised to purchase adequate car insurance. When returning a rented vehicle, ensure that you receive written acknowledgement stating that the vehicle has not been damaged.
Public transportation
Buses and taxis are available. Agree on the taxi fare beforehand. On the main islands of Mahe and Praslin, public transportation by bus is a viable option.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Piracy
Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.
General safety information
Tourist facilities are generally well developed on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Visitors on maritime excursions should leave identification, travel documents and an itinerary with the hotel reception desk to assist the coast guard and police in the event of a problem. Carry a cell phone. Many islands are isolated, and travel by ship, including emergency travel, may be difficult in stormy weather.
Strong currents make swimming dangerous in some locations.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Seychellois authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Seychelles, based in New York, New York (U.S.A.) for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Seychelles, which must be valid until the date of your expected departure from the country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Not required
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Chikungunya: Global Update - August 26, 2016 00:00 EDT
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
| Risk |
|
|---|---|
| Country Entry Requirement* |
|
| Recommendation |
|
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in East Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in East Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus and yellow fever.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in East Africa, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are limited, particularly on isolated islands where there are no doctors. There is a hospital in Victoria. There are also hospitals on Praslin and La Digue islands with resident doctors. There are private practices on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue islands.
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
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexual activity is illegal.
Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, spear-fishing equipment, and fruits and vegetables.
If you are travelling with pets, you should be aware that there is a six-month quarantine period for warm-blooded animals coming into the country. Contact the Consulate for the Republic of Seychelles in Montreal for specific information regarding Customs requirements.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
The currency is the Seychellois rupee (SR). Since November 1, 2008, foreign currency restrictions have been removed and you may now pay for goods and services either in rupees or in USD. It is prohibited to exchange foreign currencies at rates other than the official rate. Banks, casinos, hotels and the international airport are licensed to exchange currencies.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
The monsoon season extends from November to February. The heaviest rainfall is usually from mid-December to mid-January. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 999 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
There is no resident Canadian government office in Seychelles. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Dar Es Salaam - High Commission of Canada
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.