|
Passport, Visas & Customs
Everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at
least 6 months beyond the end of travel.
Visas are not required. A Visitor's Permit, good for 4
weeks, is issued upon arrival at the airport. Travelers
must have a return (or onward) air ticket, pre-booked accommodations
and sufficient money for their stay. If not, visitors may be
required to post a security bond. The Permit may be renewed for
3 months at no cost and for 3 additional 3 month periods at a fee of
SR 200 (USD 40).
Arriving passengers may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g
tobacco; 1 liter of spirits or wine; 125 ml perfume or 250 ml
toilet water; and other normally dutiable goods worth up to SR
1000 (USD 200).
Firearms (including air powered devices), spear-fishing equipment and
non-prescription drugs is prohibited. The entry animals or food
is subject to licensing. Pets may only be imported with written
permission of the Chief Veterinary Officer of the country.
|
|
Health & Emergency
Seychelles is in a healthy climate and there is no malaria, yellow
fever, cholera nor many other tropical diseases. Those who have
traveled to or through any affected area (including Kenya) within a
week of coming to Seychelles are required to provide certification of
yellow fever vaccination.
The public water supply is chlorinated and normally safe.
However, as it is different it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative
to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice.
All foods normally obtainable on the islands, including milk and dairy
products, are generally considered safe to eat.
Victoria Hospital (telephone 224400) on Mahe is the main health
facility and is well equipped with 373 beds. All doctors speak
English and/or French. There are several other clinics on Mahe
and on Praslin and La Digue. Visitors can get medical and dental
treatment, for which there may be a charge according to the service
provided.
There are also small hospitals on Praslin and La Digue but all
patients in need of immediate medical attention are taken to Victoria.
Private doctors are available and may be arranged through hotels.
Some hotels also have a small nursing staff on duty at certain times.
999 is the main emergency number throughout the country for fire,
police and ambulance services.
There are several pharmacies in Victoria, Mahe including Central
Pharmacy at Victoria Hospital.
|
|
Time
GMT + 4 (4 hours ahead of London) Daylight savings time is not
observed.
|
|
|
|
Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of US$40, levied by the government of
Seychelles. Children under 12 years are exempted. Please check with your
travel agent whether or not your package is inclusive of this tax. If
not, it can be purchased at any of the bureau de change booths at the
airport at the time of your departure, or via your tour operator or
travel agent.
|
|
Telecommunication
There are two GSM network operators in Seychelles: Airtel
(Telecom) and Cable & Wireless. Both networks are GSM 900.
However, both offer prepaid services; for a small charge (about
USD 40) you can get a GSM card and make international calls to any
country, anytime for about USD 1.50 per minute.
|
|
Currency
The unit of currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SR) which is divided into
100 cents. In mid-1999 5 SR = 1 USD. Paper notes are in
denominations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 SR. Coins are 1 and 5 SR
as well as 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents. There also are some silver and
gold coins but they are not in general circulation.
|
|
Language
Creole, English and French are spoken widely. Any of these will
suffice at the major hotels, attractions, shops, banks, etc. Some
members of the travel industry speak German and Italian.
Translation services when in the country are available.
|
|
Travellers cheques & Credit Cards
Travelers cheques are also widely accepted, particularly at hotels,
shops and restaurants. Checks issued in US dollars and
British pounds are preferred and less likely to incur additional
exchange fees.
Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted. Diners
Club and several other minor cards are accepted in fewer places.
|
|
Clothes
Light clothes are advisable because of the tropical climate. For
women, light cotton dresses, slacks and shorts and pareos for the day
and a long skirt or cool dress for evenings. Men are most
comfortable in light weight slacks and shorts and open neck shirts.
For business, safari suits are acceptable and ties are not worn except
to church. Sandals or light canvas shoes are adequate.
Swimwear is not worn except on the beaches.
|
