Seychelles
Summary
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Seychelles
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Seychelles’ current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Seychelles, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
Inter-island public transport is operating with revised timetables and guidelines for passengers. If you intend to travel between islands, you should consult the relevant ferry and airline service schedules. See Coronavirus page
Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free.
You should exercise caution when swimming, especially with children. Currents can be strong and drownings occur. Beaches which are safer at certain times of the year can be dangerous for swimming at other times. See Swimming
There is a problem with drugs in Seychelles, in particular heroin. Crime levels have risen as a result; there has been an increase in break-ins, robberies, burglaries and opportunist thefts against residents, expatriates and tourists. There were robberies and attacks at, and around, Cote D’Or beach on the island of Praslin in late 2017. Police responded with increased foot patrols and lighting. They advise visitors to take care when walking in this area, particularly at night. You should take sensible precautions to safeguard yourself and your possessions. See Crime
Piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel
Some UK networks do not allow roaming in Seychelles. You can buy local SIM cards in Victoria. You should check with your UK service provider to make sure that you can use a different SIM card in your phone before you travel.
Terrorist attacks in Seychelles cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2023-12-20 14:52
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-12-11 12:02
Removal of information about travel restrictions and the effects of heavy rainfall (‘Summary’ page).
2023-12-07 18:58
Lifting of the state of emergency and some travel restrictions (see ‘Summary’).
2023-12-07 07:47
Due to heavy rains and an industrial accident during the night of 6 December, a state of emergency has been declared on 7 December. (‘Summary’)
2023-08-14 11:06
Information about the decreased but continuing risk of piracy in the region (‘Sea travel’ heading on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-22 09:37
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-26 10:04
New information about hiking (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-03-15 10:20
Updated information that all visitors must complete a Travel Authorisation and new information about visas (‘Summary’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-12-02 15:47
Updated information on the opening of the borders to the Seychelles and the lifting of most other Covid-19 related restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-08-31 11:25
Updating information on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions for outdoor mass gatherings. (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-07-13 16:03
Updated information on the wearing of face masks (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-06-13 11:37
Updated information in the Summary, Travel in Seychelles, Accommodation and Public spaces and services sections (‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages).
2022-03-25 10:36
Updated information on entry requirements for children (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-24 11:05
Updated information on the requirement to provide proof of vaccination status for entry to Seychelles (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-23 10:00
Update to information on entry to Seychelles, including changes to testing requirements from 15 March 2022 (‘Entry requirements’ page)