Has anyone here been to the Seychelles?....?

Question

Me and my boyfriend arelooking to go next year any hints or tips?

Answer 1

Read the US State Department's travel information sheet about the Seychelles before you go. Here it is:

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa. The main islands of this archipelago include Mahe, which is the largest and has a population of approximately 71,000, followed by Praslin and La Digue, which have populations of approximately 6,000 and 2,600, respectively. The capital, Victoria, is located on Mahe. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Seychelles for additional information.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, onward/return ticket, the local address where the visitor will stay, and proof of sufficient funds are required. A one-month entry visa may be obtained upon arrival and may be extended for a period of up to one year. There is an airport departure tax of $40, which must be paid in U.S. dollars. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on the Republic of Seychelles. Travelers should contact the Permanent Mission of the Seychelles to the United Nations, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, N.Y. 10017; telephone number [phone], for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. It is dangerous to swim alone at isolated beaches, especially after dark, due to strong currents.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME: Petty crime is a problem, but violent crime against tourists is rare. To reduce risk of theft, travelers should keep valuables in hotel safes and close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied. Hotels that do not have private safes in the rooms will usually have one at the reception desk.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the isolated islands where doctors are often unavailable. There is one government-owned hospital and several private clinics. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Seychelles is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In Seychelles, one drives on the left side of the street. Roads are generally well maintained but are narrow and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Speed limits range from 25 to 50 miles an hour. Drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts. There are no laws regarding child safety seats.

The Seychelles Ministry of Health operates an ambulance service on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue that can be summoned by dialing 999. Assistance on the more remote islands is limited. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health at P.O. Box 52, Victoria, Maher, Seychelles; telephone [phone]; email: [e-mail].

Public transportation by bus is good but tends to be crowded during rush hours and usually requires several transfers to reach a desired destination. Taxis are also available.

For specific information concerning Seychelles driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism via email at [e-mail] or the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority via email at [e-mail].

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Seychelles, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Seychelles’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiative/oversight/iasa/.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Due to laws regulating foreign exchan.ge, all visitors are required to settle their hotel bills in foreign currency (i.e. U.S. dollars). Generally, cash, traveler’s checks or credit cards are accepted. This regulation applies to all hotel charges (including bar and restaurant bills), car/driver rental, tours, boat charters and diving. Bills for restaurants outside hotels and for taxis and other incidentals may be settled in Seychelles rupees.

Please see our information on customs regulations

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Seychelles law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Seychelles are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sex with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, and is prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Seychelles are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis Mauritius through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Seychelles. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located Rogers House, Fourth Floor, Port Louis, Mauritius. The telephone numbers are [phone]; fax [phone]. In the event of an after hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at [phone]. The Embassy website is http://mauritius.usembassy.gov; e-mail [e-mail].

There is a U.S. Consular Agency in Victoria, Seychelles that provides limited services to Americans in need of assistance. It also supplies passport applications, Social Security applications, and consular report of birth applications. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Seychelles are encouraged to register at the Consular Agency and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Seychelles. The agency is located at Oliaji Trade Center, Victoria, Mahe; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]. The international mailing address is U.S. Consular Agency, P.O. Box 251, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Answer 2

I have been to the Seychelle Islands back in 1972 or 1973, when I was in the Navy. They have some really nice beaches and bars. Good Luck.

Have a great day!

Answer 3

very nice islands. a bit expensive. but a lot of fun. good hotels. good suntan, good food, great views.
the interesting islands are really reachable, but by schooner. (aldabra)