Seychelles | Africa

Seychelles is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa. The country is defined by its geography of 115 islands-categorized into granitic "Inner Islands" and coralline "Outer Islands"-and an economy heavily dependent on high-end tourism and tuna exports; the capital city is Victoria.

Visa & Entry Policy

The Seychelles is a visa-free country. All foreign nationals, including EU, US, and UK passport holders, are granted a Visitor’s Permit on arrival for stays up to 90 days. Travelers must obtain a mandatory digital Travel Authorisation via the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) prior to departure, which requires a fee of approximately 10 EUR. Requirements include a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and a confirmed accommodation booking.

Language & Communication

Seychellois Creole, English, and French are the official languages. English proficiency is high and universal within the tourism, business, and government sectors. Seychellois Creole is the native primary language for 95% of the population, while French remains a significant minority language used in formal and cultural contexts.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). While major hotels and large retailers on Mahé and Praslin accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), cash is essential for small purchases, local markets, and on the island of La Digue. ATMs are concentrated in Victoria and major coastal towns but are scarce on smaller islands. Some businesses may quote prices in EUR or USD, but change is provided in SCR.

National Transport Grid

Inter-island transit is facilitated by high-speed ferries (Cat Cocos and Inter Island Ferry) connecting Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Air Seychelles operates frequent domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin, while helicopters serve remote resort islands. On-island transport on Mahé and Praslin is managed by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) bus network; on La Digue, bicycles are the primary mode of transport.

Digital Infrastructure

Cable & Wireless Seychelles and Airtel Seychelles are the two primary mobile network providers. 4G/LTE coverage is reliable across the main islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue), and 5G is available in central Victoria and specific coastal zones of Mahé. Connectivity in the remote Outer Islands is limited to satellite systems.

Climate & Seasonality

The Seychelles has a tropical maritime climate with two distinct seasons driven by trade winds. The dry, cooler season (Southeast Monsoon) runs from May to September. The wetter, more humid season (Northwest Monsoon) spans from November to March, with the highest rainfall typically occurring in January.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic zone. Significant health risks include Chikungunya and Dengue fever, both mosquito-borne. Tap water on the main islands is generally safe to drink, though bottled water is advised in remote areas. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 999.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Mahé Island: Hub: Victoria.

Praslin Island: Hub: Baie Sainte Anne.

La Digue Island: Hub: La Passe.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 22 SCR ($1.65 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 50 SCR ($3.75 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 590 SCR ($44.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Seychelles is home to the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once theorized by British General Charles Gordon to be the original biblical Garden of Eden. A major local legend involves the "La Buse" treasure; before his execution in 1730, the French pirate Olivier Levasseur reportedly threw a cryptogram into a crowd, claiming it revealed the location of a bounty now valued at over $4 billion, which remains undiscovered on the island of Mahé.