Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Seychelles ensuring security advice is obeyed to avoid undue trouble.     

 

Crime

 

Most visits to Seychelles are trouble free, but tourists have been robbed and killed. Crime levels are rising, with an increase in both targeted burglaries and opportunist thefts against residents and tourists. The inability of the authorities to catch and prosecute offenders is a concern.

 

You should maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the your home contry and make sure your living accommodation is secure. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Use a hotel safe to store valuables, money and passports. Don’t leave valuables in cars or anywhere on display.

 

Accommodation, particularly in isolated areas, should have adequate security, including external security lighting, grilles and overnight security guards.

 

Be vigilant and when outside hotels grounds always carry a mobile phone with roaming capability for use in emergency.

 

Take care in isolated areas and also in more popular places like Beau Vallon and the back streets of Victoria, especially after dark. Beaches, parked cars and both residential and tourist accommodation are favourite targets for thieves.

 

People trekking on marked and unmarked trails have been robbed, including at knife point. Leave valuables securely in a safe and stay within large, organised groups. Take particular care if you’re alone

 

Road travel 

 

Mahé is mountainous, and roads are narrow and winding, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends. Safety barriers are rare. Take care when driving and avoid remote roads, particularly at night. Drink-driving is a problem, so be particularly aware of other road users who may behave erratically. When returning hired vehicles, obtain an acknowledgement that the vehicle has not been damaged during the period of hire. Third party insurance is compulsory, and comprehensive insurance is also available locally. EU driving licences are valid for up to three months.

 

Buses are the only means of public transport. They are cheap but infrequent on some routes. Taxis are good but you should negotiate the fare before beginning your journey as prices for foreigners can be totally arbitrary.

 

Sea travel

 

Despite an overall reduction in 2013, piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and the last few months of 2013 saw an upswing in pirate activity with a number of (unsuccessful) attacks. These have occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia and often within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable. Genvisec advises against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from the shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean. This includes activities within the Seychelles EEZ beyond 12 miles of the inner granitic islands. Travel by air to these islands is not affected. 

 

On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean. They were approximately 60 nautical miles from the Seychelles’ main island of Mahé. They were released on 14 November 2010.

 

Most of the inner island resorts are accessible by ferry; there are also a number of day trips available to tourists. Although accidents are rare, and the major catamaran ferries to Praslin and La Digue are very well run, there were two serious accidents within the last year on smaller ferries, one of which involved one fatality and serious injury. You should exercise due caution and always check that briefings are given and safety instructions and life jackets are provided.

 

Swimming

 

Take care when swimming or snorkelling, even on organised excursions, particularly with children or the elderly; drownings occur. There are strong currents offshore, and seasonal changes in sea conditions mean there are strong currents on beaches at different times; these may not be immediately apparent. Safety information is often missing from beaches, but this should not be interpreted as a sign they are benign.

 

Beaches that offer safe swimming during the south east monsoon (May to -September) may not be safe during the north east monsoon (November to -March). Seek local advice and stay within your depth. Dangerous rip currents can occur off the popular Beau Vallon beach when the sea is rough.

 

Although shark attacks are extremely rare, there were two fatal incidents (one involving a British national) off Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin in 2011. A temporary ban on swimming at certain locations on Praslin imposed after these attacks was lifted by the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority in February 2012 following the introduction of Life Guard services at Anse Lazio and Cote D’Or on the island of Praslin.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Drug taking and smuggling are serious offences.  Punishments can be severe.

 

Topless sunbathing is uncommon and not tolerated on some beaches. Nudism is not acceptable.

 

Homosexuality is illegal in the Seychelles.

 

 

Money

 

In 2008, the government of Seychelles removed foreign currency restrictions that required non-residents to pay for accommodation and other services in hard currency. Non-residents can now pay for goods and services in either Seychelles Rupees or hard currency (Sterling, US dollars, Euros etc).

 

Health

Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the more remote islands where doctors are often unavailable. The main hospital (including accident and emergency services) is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 4388000). Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Bring sun protection cream and insect repellents with you; local supplies are erratic and expensive.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

Visas are not required for EU passport holders.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The authorities in Seychelles have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Seychelles.

 

Ebola

 

You won’t be allowed to enter Seychelles if you’ve visited Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali or the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days of the date of your arrival.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.