Seychelles
Capital:
Victoria
Official
Language: Creole
Religions:
90% Roman Catholic and 10% Other
Currency: Rupee
= 100 cents
Placements:
Seychelles Conservation Project
Map
Background
Among the 115 islands of the Seychelles you will find the luxuriant, tropical
paradise that appears in countless advertisements and glossy travel brochures.
But however seductive the images, they simply can't compete with the real-life
dazzling beaches and crystal-clear waters.
There are more shades of blue and green in the Seychelles than it is possible
to imagine. Forming a backdrop to the relaxed tropical image of the Seychelles
are the rhythms, colours and flavours of Africa and gris gris, the local
brand of black magic.
Special Events
With its short history, the Seychelles isn't exactly overloaded with
traditional festivals. Most public holidays are Roman Catholic events, including
Easter, Corpus Christi on 10 June, the Assumption on 15 August, and the
Immaculate Conception on 8 December. The major non-religious festival is
Festival Kreol, which was set up to preserve and promote Créole culture. Held
every year around the end of October, this week-long festival is an explosion of
Créole cuisine, fashion, art, music and dance. Créole artists from all over the
world descend on the Seychelles for this celebration.
Climate
The Seychelles' seasons are defined by the trade winds. These blow from the
northwest from October to April, bringing warm, wet weather. From May to
September the southeast trades usher in cooler, drier but also windier weather.
The turnaround periods (March through April and October through November) are
normally calm and windless. January is the wettest month, when mountainous Mahé
and Silhouette get the most rainfall. July and August are the driest. The annual
temperature range fluctuates between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) and the
humidity sweats at around 80%.
Travel Info
More and more airlines are flying to the Seychelles, so it's worth checking
with your travel agent to see if you can get a direct flight. There are flights
from Australia via Singapore, from Africa and Mauritius and direct from London.
Travellers from Continental Europe can also fly direct - most take package
holidays. Lots of cruises pass through Victoria, but there are no direct
passenger services. There is a 20.00 departure tax.
Visas
Visas are not required for visitors to Seychelles, but you'll need an onward
ticket, booked accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay - a one month
Visitor's Permit (extendable on application) will be issued. On departure a
58.00 'Passenger Service Fee' is levied on all adult
visitors; this fee is included in the price of the airline ticket.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian
targets including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Crime levels in Seychelles remain relatively low. Take care in isolated
areas, and the back streets of Victoria, especially after dark. Beaches are a
favourite target for petty thieves. Take particular care if alone.
Take sensible precautions. Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in
hotel safes, where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including
passports, separately.
Road Safety
Mahé is mountainous and the roads are narrow and winding, often with sheer
drops and hairpin bends. Safety barriers are rare. Take care when driving, and
avoid more remote roads, particularly at night.
Buses are the only means of public transport. They are inexpensive but
infrequent on some routes. Taxis are good but you should negotiate the fare
before beginning your journey.
When returning hired vehicles, obtain an acknowledgement that the vehicle
has not been damaged during the period of hire. UK driving licences are valid
for up to 3 months.
Sea Safety
Be careful when swimming/snorkelling. There are strong currents on beaches
at different times. Seek local advice.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that
are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Do not, under any circumstances, agree to carry hard currency into or out
of Seychelles on behalf of someone else. This is against foreign exchange
regulations and penalties can be severe.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Seychelles
are strict and convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy
fines.
Topless sunbathing is tolerated on many but not all beaches. Nudism is not
welcome.
Homosexuality is illegal.
Health
Bring sun protection creams and insect repellents with you, as local
supplies are erratic and expensive.
Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the more remote
islands where doctors are often unavailable. The main hospital is in Victoria.
(A & E services are at the English River Health Centre, Victoria whilst
renovation work takes place at the main hospital. Tel: 388000).
Two incidents of typhoid have been reported recently.
You should check with the Islands Development Company (IDC) (+248 224640)
about travel to Silhouette Island. Some restrictions are in place because
of construction work there (permission to be sought from the IDC). A recent case
of typhoid also meant that all visits to that area were stopped. The
Seychelles authorities advise that this is now under control although some
restrictions remain. Further queries about the health aspects of this should be
directed to the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) (+248 671300).
During the rainy season, the Seychelles authorities advise taking
precaution against mosquito bites, to reduce the risk of dengue fever and
chikungunya, and against leptospirosis (avoid walking barefoot on paths and
roads). Water should be boiled before drinking. Bottled water is widely
available.
Approximately 4650 cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in
Seychelles, mainly the Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The virus is transmitted by
mosquitoes.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical
insurance before travelling, including provision for medical evacuation. You
should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities
you want to undertake.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that
maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies
Malaria Not usually
Reciprocal Health Care None
