Seychelles Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Seychelles

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Victoria

Government Type

republic

Area Size

total: 455 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +4 hours

Climate

The islands lie outside the cyclone belt but receive monsoon rains from November to April with the northwest trade winds. This hot and humid season gives way to a period of cooler weather, though the temperature rarely falls below 23°C, and rougher seas when the trade winds blow from the southeast (May to October).

Geography

The Seychelles is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar and about 1,600 km east of Kenya. The nation is an archipelago of 155 tropical islands, some granite and some coral. Thirty-three islands are inhabited.

Languages

Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Culture

For such a small country, Seychelles has a vibrant art scene that encompasses painters, sculptors, writers and poets, artisans of many types, musicians and dancers.Painters have traditionally taken inspiration from the richness of Seychelles’ natural beauty to produce a wide range of works using mediums ranging from water-colours to oils, acrylics, collages, metals, aluminium, wood, fabrics, gouache, varnishes, recycled materials, pastels, charcoal, embossing, etching, and giclee prints. Local sculptors produce fine works in wood, stone, bronze and cartonnage.Local writers and poets have also used the magnificent backdrop of Seychelles as the inspiration for historical accounts, fascinating works documenting the social history of the islands and its people and collections of short stories and poems that evoke the passions of island living.

History

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent presidential elections were held in 2001; President RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected. In April 2004 RENE stepped down and Vice President James MICHEL was sworn in as president.

Travel Information

The national airline is Air Seychelles (HM). Mahé Island (SEZ) (Seychelles International) is 10km southeast from Victoria (journey time – 20 minutes). Some coach services are provided by agents and taxis are available. Airport facilities are Duty-free shop, banking and currency exchange facilities, car hire and restaurant/bar. Cruise and cargo ships call at Mahé but there are no scheduled passenger services.

Accommodation

Although the Seychelles offer the full range of accommodation from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels, careful planning has ensured that the islands have retained the astonishing beauty and quiet charm that attracted the first tourists. Right from the start, the government decreed that no new building could be higher than the surrounding palm trees, with the result that big-city levels of comfort and convenience have been achieved in thoroughly Seychellois settings. It is advisable to confirm reservations with a deposit, particularly during the high season from December to January and in July and August.

Visa Requirements

Visa not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA as long as they have: onward or return ticket (if not, onward or return ticket must be purchased on arrival); proof of sufficient funds (between US$100-150 per day) and organised accommodation for the duration of the stay. A visitor's permit, valid for up to one month, is issued on arrival; alternatively, a deposit may be made by 'security' bond in lieu. The permit may be renewed, provided the applicant holds a valid open return ticket and applies at least one week before the permit's expiry. For further information, contact the nearest Seychelles Tourist Office. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passengers in transit must have tickets with reserved seats for their onward journey. Passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from the Seychelles required by all nationals of countries referred to above.

Getting Around

Air Seychelles provides an efficient network of scheduled and chartered services from Mahé to Alphonse, Bird, Denis, Desroches Islands, Frégate and Praslin. Helicopter provides an inter-island shuttle service and scenic flights. Charter flights can be arranged from any heli-stop. Privately owned schooners provide regular inter-island connections between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Boats can be chartered privately to get to the other islands. Traffic drives on the left. There are paved roads only on La Digue, Mahé and Praslin; elsewhere the roads are sandy tracks. Visitors should be aware that Mahé is mountainous with narrow, winding roads, rarely with safety barriers. SPTC buses run on a regular basis on Mahé and Praslin. There are a number of 18-seater coaches for airport transfers and excursions. There are about 300 independently operated taxis on Mahé and Praslin, with a handful on La Digue, with government-controlled rates. There is a surcharge for taxi fares on Praslin between 2200-0600. There are over 550 cars or mini mokes for hire on Mahé, and a limited number on Praslin. It is advisable to make advance reservations, especially in the high season. Hire is on an unlimited mileage basis and the price includes Third Party insurance and tax. The minimum age is 21. Petrol is approximately a third more expensive than in Europe. Bicycle hire is available on La Digue and Praslin. There is a speed limit of 65kph on the open road, decreasing to 40kph in built-up areas and throughout Praslin. A national driving licence is sufficient, for up to three months.

Health & Safety

A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry by those arriving from an infected area within six days. Immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid are highly recommended. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and insect repellent. During the rainy season in particular, visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites due to the risk of dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus spread by bites. There is a risk of leptospirosis, and walking barefoot should be avoided on roads and paths. Tap water meets World Health Organisation standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled and meat well cooked before being eaten. Medical facilities on the islands are limited, but there is a government hospital in Victoria and some private clinics. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover is necessary. Violent crime is unlikely and most visits are trouble-free, but there have recently been some incidents of theft and assault in the Seychelles, targeted mainly at residents. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly after dark in Victoria and in isolated areas. Avoid taking valuables to the beach, where they could be pilfered by petty thieves. Women should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.

National Holidays

1-2 Jan - New Year. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 5 Jun - Liberation Day (Anniversary of 1977 Coup). 7 Jun - Corpus Christi. 18 Jun - National Day. 29 Jun - Independence Day. 15 Aug - Assumption/La Digue Festival. 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

Electricity

240v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am - 4.00pm.

Emergency Numbers

999