SEYCHELLES

Growing up, I always loved the name Seychelles. I actually knew neither about the culture, its abundant coralline life home to gorgonian sea fans of lore, nor the reasons why so many people choose it to go for their honeymoons. However, apart from being one of the most pristine islands dotted with iconic boulders on its empty cream-colored beaches, my favorite thing about it, as a kid browsing National Geographic magazines at my local library on 96th street in NY, was that I thought it was pronounced: “seashells.”

It was the thing of dreams.

Eventually, I learned that the outer group of islands in the Indian Ocean archipelago is home to some of the most sought-after diving in the world as it has less pressure from overfishing, therefore higher resilience to climate variations and even more aquatic animals than in the inner Mahé area.

The Inner and Outer Islands are a mecca for divers who wish to gaze at the thriving marine life, and plateaus filled with black coral and sea whips. It will turn dreams into an even more beautiful reality.

ESSENTIAL SEYCHELLES

PASSPORT + VISA INFORMATION 

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Seychelles for stays of up to 30 days. A tourist entry permit is issued free of charge upon arrival provided that the traveler in question has a return airline ticket, pre-paid hotel accommodations, and sufficient funds for their entire stay. 

VisaCentral offers easy, efficient U.S. passport + visa processing. Visit them online visacentral.com/visas.  Or call 844 823 1224. Service fees apply. 

Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey. 

COVID-19 COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & TRAVEL ADVISORIES 

The following are the current COVID-19 screening requirements for entry into Seychelles for U.S. and Canadian residents. Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date information and travel advisories. All requirements are subject to change. 

  • All travelers must receive pre-approved Health Travel Authorization to enter Seychelles. To apply for your Health Travel Authorization, visit seychelles.govtas.com. When applying make sure you have your passport details, a passport photo or selfie, flight itinerary, and your travel itinerary for Seychelles, including the address of where you are staying, as you will need to upload these documents to complete the application process. 

  • Fees range from USD $11.50 to $78.00 depending on the return processing time selected.

  • Travelers are subject to medical screening on arrival in Seychelles, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment.

  • Travelers are required to have travel and health insurance to cover potential COVID-19-related costs valid for their time in Seychelles. YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION: A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Seychelles if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.

 

LOCAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS 

In accordance with local regulations, face masks are suggested to be worn during any indoor or outdoor public activities, and all persons are required to practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters). We encourage you to bring your own masks; a supply will be on hand where needed. Note all protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations, and conditions. 

CASH & CREDIT CARDS Cash transactions should be made in U.S. dollars. The local currency is of limited use to tourists. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and lodges and larger shops and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is available in larger cities such as on the outer island of Mahé but is limited in rural areas. 

Effective April 1, 2023, all guests staying in hotels (and on vessels) in Seychelles are required to pay an Environmental Levy assessed by the Seychelles Government. 

The fee varies from USD $2 to USD $8 (SCR 25 to 100) per room per night and is based on the number of rooms in the hotel. The fee will be collected upon checkout and payment must be made in Seychellois Rupee (SCR). The acceptance of any other type of currency for payment is subject to the hotel’s discretion. (Fees and payment procedures are subject to change.)

 PACKING LIST 

Please use the provided Ascension Scuba luggage tags, even if your bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for AS staff to collect and manage your luggage for you. 

Clothing:

Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary. 

  • Casual slacks 

  • Walking shorts 

  • Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts or blouses 

  • Long sleeve shirts or blouses 

  • Comfortable walking shoes with traction 

  • A pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers. 

  • If you are traveling during Africa's winter months of mid-May through early September, bring a few items of warm clothing to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures 

  • Brimmed hat for sun protection 

  • Swimwear/cover-up 

  • Personal garments 

  • Sleepwear 

  • Socks 

Other Recommended Items: 

  • Sunglasses / REEF SAFE Sunscreen 

  • Prescriptions and medications (in their original bottles and/or packaging) 

  • Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses 

  • Global travel adapter 

  • Charging cables for electronics

  • Small LED flashlight 

  • Lightweight binoculars 

  • Inflatable pillow or stadium cushion can make bumpy roads more comfortable 

  • Small daypack or fanny pack 

  • Low-suds detergent for washing small items of personal laundry *Note: many properties provide insect repellent in rooms. However, you may wish to bring your own preferred brand. 

Laundry Service is available at most properties. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own delicates. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services. 

TIPPING GUIDELINES 

While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, it is still customary in Seychelles and we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars). 

Local Divemasters or Scuba Guides: $20 per person, per day

Drivers: $15 per person, per day (full day) 

Airport Transfer Drivers: $5 per person, per transfer 

Hotel Porters: $2 per bag 

Housekeepers: $2 per person, per night 

Any Meals or Room Service, included or additional: 10-15% unless already added