Visiting Seychelles

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Seychelles page at Yoogo.

The official currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller establishments, local markets, and buses typically operate on a cash-only basis, so it is sensible to carry some rupees at all times.

Seychelles is generally considered one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean, with violent crime against visitors being exceptionally rare. The main concerns are opportunistic petty theft such as beach bag theft or ATM-vicinity pickpocketing, and travellers are advised to keep valuables secure and not leave belongings unattended on beaches.

High-speed ferries operate daily between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, with the Mahé–Praslin crossing taking roughly one hour and the Praslin–La Digue crossing around 15 minutes. Air Seychelles runs frequent domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin in approximately 15 minutes, while on La Digue itself, bicycles are the primary mode of transport and are available to hire near the jetty.

The shoulder months of April–May and October–November are widely regarded as the finest times to visit, sitting between the north-west and south-east trade wind seasons when seas are generally calmer and rainfall is lower. The islands can be visited year-round, as temperatures remain warm throughout, though January and February tend to be the wettest months.

Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French, with Seychellois Creole being the most widely spoken in everyday life. English is used broadly in business, government, and tourism, so most visitors will have no difficulty communicating across the main islands.

Seychelles is malaria-free, but the CDC and WHO recommend travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations before departure. Dengue fever is present and mosquito-borne illnesses are a consideration, so using repellent and wearing long sleeves in the evenings is recommended, particularly for pregnant travellers.

Tipping is not mandatory in Seychelles, as a service charge is often included in restaurant and hotel bills. Where a charge is not included, a cash tip of around 5–10 per cent for good service is appreciated but entirely discretionary.

eSIM coverage is available across the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue via the two local carriers, Airtel and Cable and Wireless. Airalo and other international eSIM providers offer prepaid data plans for Seychelles that can be installed before departure, making it straightforward to stay connected on arrival.