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SEYCHELLES AT A GLANCE
Visa Info for Seychelles
Irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, there are no visa requirements to enter the Seychelles.
However, the following documents are required for immigration clearance:
A passport valid for more than 6 months
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Presentation of all these documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit.
Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles is one of the most beautiful and dramatic islands in the world. Each of the 70 beaches has a different character. There are plenty of opportunities for walks through winding paths to appreciate the flora and fauna at close quarters. Praslin is the second largest island of Seychelles, about 40 kilometres from Mahé.
The island has a population of 5000. Praslin is a favourite among visitors for its natural beauty, romance and charm as well as for its superb beaches. La Digue is the third-largest Granite Island in Seychelles, with a population of about 2000. It is a half-hour trip from Praslin, or three hours by schooner from Mahé. The ox cart is the traditional way of transport, very few cars are allowed on the island and bicycles are therefore popular.
CLIMATE
The islands lie outside the cyclone belt but receive monsoon rains from November to February with the northwest trade winds. This hot and humid season gives way to a period of cooler weather though the temperature rarely falls below 23°.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Creole. English and French are widely spoken.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee, divided into 100 cents. US dollars are widely accepted. All hotel bills and other holiday related expenses are to be settled in foreign currencies. Incidental purchases or payments such as in restaurants outside hotels, shopping (excluding duty free shops) and taxi fares are payable in local currency. Most major credit cards are generally accepted in the Seychelles.
TIME
Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT, and two hours ahead of South African standard time.
BUSINESS HOURS
Shops open from Monday to Friday 08H00 – 16H00 ; Saturdays 08H00 – 12H00 with some closed on weekdays 12H00 – 13H00.
COMMUNICATION
The Seychelles enjoys modern, efficient communication services. There are two GSM networks, Cable, Wireless and Airtel. Payphones are available in most districts on the inner island. International roaming agreements exist between the Seychelles and several countries. Internet service providers, Internet cafés, postal and courier services are located in central Victoria. There are severable Internet cafés in the Beau Vallon area on Mahé, as well as on Praslin and La Digue. Postal services are also available on Praslin and La Digue.
ELECTRICITY
240V AC, 50 HZ. British-type plugs with 3 flat pins are used.
GROUPS
Paradise Islands has experience in dealing with groups of all sizes and we offer the most competitive price structure. Meeting your expectations, remaining flexible yet creative in our range of activities – we are able can organize everything for you – flights, hotel bookings, transfers, day and night entertainment and much more. All trips are tailormade to meet your requirements and your budget.
YACHTING
Experience Seychelles with luxury catamarans that can take you on a voyage of discovery amongst the inner islands. All itineraries are designed to allow clients to experience the natural wonders of the islands, at an unhurried pace whilst enjoying all the luxury, romance and adventure that a private yacht charter offers.
Customs & Shopping
There is a duty free allowance for all liquor (including wine, beer, stout, ale and port) perfumes and tobacco.
400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco, 2 litres of spirits or 2 litres of wine, 200ml of perfume or Eau de Toilette.
All personal possessions to be re-exported on departure are exempted from tax.
In addition to the duty free allowances listed above, each visitor may import tax-free a video camera, other camera, musical instrument, portable electronic equipment or electronic equipment, sport requisites and other leisure equipment. Offensive weapons such as stun guns, arrows, knuckle dust, daggers, swords, tear gas, whips, firearms and ammunition are prohibited imports unless the appropriate import permit or official authorization has been obtained in advance from the relevant authorities. This also applies to spear guns, fireworks, pyrotechnic products and explosives of any kind.
The import of plants and parts of plants, animals and animal products, biological specimens, radioactive substances and apparatus, dangerous drugs, chemicals, medicines, pharmaceutical items and poisons are forbidden without the necessary import permit or official authorization having been obtained in advance from the relevant authorities.
The import of pornography, obscene articles, publications, videotapes and software are strictly forbidden. Where goods are imported in excess of allowances, payment of import tax is to be made in cash (or personal cheque drawn on a local account). Credit Card facilities are not available for the payment of import tax.
When to Go
As the Seychelles islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it’s always a good time to visit, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.
Two opposing trade winds generally govern the weather pattern: the north-westerly trades blow from October to March when wind speeds average from 8 to 12 knots; and the brisker south-easterly trades blow from May to September with winds of between 10 to 20 knots, bringing the cooler and windier conditions ideal for sailing.
The periods of calm between the trades produce fairly warm and wind-free conditions throughout April and also in October. Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 metres plus.
The ‘SUBIOS Underwater Festival’, showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of film shows, talks and competitions, while the 'Festival Kreol' (a week-long celebration of Creole heritage and traditions) is held in March and October respectively of each year.
The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January and the International Fishing Competition in March. Further local fishing competitions are held throughout the year.
Bird-watching - April (breeding season), May - September (nesting of Sooty Terns) October (migration)
Diving - March – May / September - November
Fishing - October - April
Hiking/Walks & Trails - May - September
Sailing - Year-round
Snorkelling - Year-round
Surfing/Windsurfing - May - September
Health
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible through either your general practitioner or a specialist clinic.
What to Wear
Lightweight cotton clothes are standard all year round. Hats & caps are recommended as well as sunglasses and sun lotion. Shorts & t-shirts are acceptable, but the majority of hotels require gentlemen to wear long trousers in the evening.
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