Citizens of all countries receive entry authorization upon arrival in Seychelles without advance visa application. The Seychelles Immigration Services issues a visitor's permit valid for one month initially, extendable to three months total and then to twelve months maximum. Visitors must present a passport valid for the duration of stay, proof of accommodation, onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds for the stay. Official requirements and extension procedures are at https://www.egov.sc/. The sole international entry point is Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, four kilometers southeast of Victoria. Direct flights operate from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mumbai, and seasonal routes from other European cities.
The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the national currency. As of 2024 exchange rates fluctuate between 13-15 SCR per US dollar and 15-17 SCR per euro depending on market conditions. All banks and most hotels exchange major currencies. ATMs in Victoria, Praslin, and La Digue dispense local currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but many smaller establishments and inter-island ferry services require cash. Budget travelers spending 2000-3000 SCR daily covers basic guesthouse accommodation, local meals, and bus transport on Mahé. Mid-range budgets of 6000-10000 SCR daily include standard hotels, restaurant dining, and organized tours. Luxury resorts charge 20000-100000 SCR per night before food and activities. Inter-island ferry costs 1000-1200 SCR return between Mahé and Praslin, 100 SCR between Praslin and La Digue. Domestic flights on Air Seychelles between Mahé and Praslin cost approximately 3000-4000 SCR return.
Seychelles Hospital in Victoria provides the primary medical facility with emergency services, surgical capacity, and specialist departments. District health centers operate in Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, and other settlements on Mahé. Praslin Hospital in Baie Sainte Anne serves the second island with basic emergency services. La Digue Medical Centre handles minor issues only. Serious medical emergencies requiring advanced care typically result in medical evacuation to Mauritius or Réunion. Pharmacies in Victoria stock standard medications. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation costs 50000-200000 USD depending on destination is standard practice. Tap water from municipal systems in Victoria and major settlements meets WHO standards for consumption. Private boreholes on smaller islands require individual assessment. No mandatory vaccinations exist for entry from most countries. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. The Seychelles Ministry of Health website at https://www.health.gov.sc/ publishes current health information.
Cat Cocos ferry operates scheduled services between Mahé and Praslin one hour each direction with departures three to seven times daily depending on season. The ferry carries 350 passengers. Advance booking during July-August and December-January prevents sold-out departures. Inter-Island Ferry Services connects Praslin to La Digue in 15 minutes with departures every 45-90 minutes during daylight hours. Air Seychelles flies Twin Otter aircraft between Mahé and Praslin in 15 minutes with eight to ten flights daily. The same aircraft service Denis Island and Bird Island on scheduled routes. Private helicopter charters through Zil Air reach any island with prepared landing areas at rates starting 40000 SCR per flight hour. Boat charters for day trips or island transfers are available through numerous operators in Victoria and Baie Sainte Anne with full-day rates between 15000-50000 SCR depending on vessel size and destination. The Outer Islands including Aldabra Atoll, Desroches, and the Amirantes require private charters or expedition cruise ships as no scheduled services exist.