Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is increasing. More serious crimes, such as burglary, robbery and theft from parked cars have also been reported. Tourists are typically targeted.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Keep your accommodation’s windows closed and doors locked at all times
• Avoid poorly lit areas after dark
• Do not travel alone

Beaches

There have been a series of assaults and robberies on Côte d’Or Beach and in its vicinity, on the island of Praslin, since 2017. Attacks have happened both during the day and at night. Don’t walk alone in the area and be extremely vigilant at all times.

Theft is common on beaches. Avoid deserted beaches and solo trips to the beach, other than at major hotels. A beach security unit composed of police men and women patrols the main public beaches. However, don’t leave your bags unattended.

Hiking

Criminals have targeted hiking groups in the past. If you intend on hiking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• be particularly vigilant in remote areas, especially on Mahe, where emergency services have difficulty reaching some travellers due to the mountainous landscape, narrow roads and dense vegetation.

Fraud

Credit card skimming and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• exercise increased caution near ATMs and in Beau Vallon and Victoria
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

International crime organizations have been known to launder money through Seychelles. Though their activity does not often affect tourists, exercise increased caution.

More about overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

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

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Roads are generally well maintained, but are narrow and winding. They often have sheer drops and few barriers, and are not well lit. Animals, pedestrians and bikes pose a hazard to drivers. During the rainy reason from December- March, the winding mountain roads on Mahé are dangerous.

Drinking and driving is prevalent.

• 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 written acknowledgement stating that the vehicle had not been damaged while in your possession
• Purchase adequate car insurance

Public transportation

Taxis are available. Agree on the taxi fare beforehand. On the main islands of Mahé and Praslin, public transportation by bus is available. You can identify public busses by their blue colour.

Air travel

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

General information about foreign domestic airlines

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’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Maritime excursions

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

Travel to the inner islands by boat or ferry is accessible and there are many day trips available to tourists.

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

• While on maritime excursions, 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

Swimming

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.

Sharks are present in the waters off Seychelles.

Most beaches do not have a regular lifeguard present.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities, especially to know on which beaches swimming is safe at the time of you stay. 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.

Water activities

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Water safety abroad

General safety information

Tourist facilities are generally well developed on the islands of La Digue, Mahé and Praslin.

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 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 less than 90 days)
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Not required

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

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

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

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!

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.

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, Ebola, and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice 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 are hospitals or private medical practices on the major islands. There is a decompression chamber on Silhouette Island. 

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

Travel health and safety

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.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

LGBTQ2 travellers

Although Seychellois laws do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, 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 Seychelles.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of 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.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

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 the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at 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 Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Imports and exports

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of particular items, including firearms, spear-fishing equipment and fruits and vegetables.

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit. An international driving permit is accepted in Seychelles for up to three months. After that tourists are expected to obtain a permit from the Seychelles Licensing Authority.

Traffic drives on the left.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Seychellois rupee (SR).

Outside of resorts, the economy is primarily cash based. ATMs are available at the airport and major tourist destinations. You may pay for goods and services either in rupees or in US dollars. 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

The rainy season extends from December to March. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major cyclones.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to the Seychelles during the rainy season:

• you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

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