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 Suspended in the Indian Ocean, literally thousands of miles
from anywhere, the Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands which lie about 1000 miles (1600km) off the coast
of east Africa. The three central islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. These islands are carved out of
granite, while the outlying islands are coral atolls. Aside from palm-fringed beaches and superb snorkeling and
diving, there's also plenty of forest wilderness with an abundance of wildlife.
 The Seychelles offer the largest coral atolls in the world. The granite islands which make up the main
group Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Aride, Silhouette and Fregate. With over 900 species of fish, 100 types of shells
and 50 varieties of coral the Seychelles are a divers paradise, with above average chance of seeing large pelagics
such as turtles, manta rays, marlin, and whale sharks. With such an abundance of fish life and coral, snorkeling
is available in most of the anchorages.
Diving, particularly around the outlying islands is popular and diving is offered both from dive centers on the
islands or from a hand full of liveaboards with good facilities.
The Seychelles has four marine national parks, and more than 150 species of tropical reef fish have been identified.
Dolphin and porpoise are common between the islands.
Water Temperature: 75 - 85 F 24 - 29 C
Visibility: 100 ft. + 30 m +
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| General
Information |
Area: 455.3 sq km (175 sq miles).
Population: 78,500 (1998).
Population Density: 169.8 per sq km.
Capital: Victoria (Mahé). Population: 70,000 (1998).
Geography: The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq miles) of the Indian Ocean northeast of
Madagascar and contains 115 islands and islets. These fall into two groups of markedly different appearance, stemming
from their distinct geologies:
Granitic: A dense cluster of 42 islands, the only mid-ocean group in the world with a granite rock formation. Their
lush green vegetation is tropical in character, with a profusion of coconut palms, bananas, mangoes, yams, breadfruit
and other tropical fruit. Indigenous forest exists on the higher slopes, where cinnamon and tea are planted. All,
including the second largest, Praslin, are less than 65km (40 miles) from Mahé.
Coralline: Isolated coral outcrops speckling a vast area of the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the granitic group.
They rise only a few feet above sea level but are covered with rich and dense vegetation due to fertilisation by
copious amounts of guano. There is no permanent population. Aldabra, the largest atoll in the world, contains one
third of all Seychellois land and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. The largest island in either group
is Mahé, lying 4°S of the equator. It is 27km (17 miles) long by 8km (5 miles) wide and contains Victoria,
the capital and main port, and 90% of the population. Mahé is typical of the Granitic Islands, being mountainous
and covered with jungle vegetation. Its highest point, indeed the highest point in the Seychelles, is Morne Seychellois
(905m/2970ft). The isolated nature of the Seychelles has given rise to the evolution of many unique species of
flora and fauna, including the coco-de-mer palm and unique varieties of orchid, giant tortoise, gecko, chameleon
and 'flying fox' (fruitbat). National parks and reserves have been set up to protect this heritage. The Seychellois
are descended from a mixture of French and British landowners, freed African slaves and a small number of Indian
and Chinese immigrants, creating a unique culture.
Government: Republic since 1976. Gained independence from the UK in 1975. Head of State and Government: President
France Albert René since 1977.
Language: The official languages are Creole, English and French.
Religion: 92% Roman Catholic with Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i and other minorities.
Time: GMT + 3 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British 3-pin plugs are in use.
Communications:
Telephone, fax, telegram: SEYTELS offers a 24-hour service for telegrams, telephones and faxes via SEYTELS/Cable
& Wireless Ltd, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé. Phonecards are available. IDD is available. Country
code: 248. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Network operators include Cable & Wireless (website: www.cws.sc) and Telecom
(Seychelles Ltd.) (website: www.airtel.sc).
Internet/E-mail: ISPs include Atlas Ltd (e-mail: atlas@seychelles.net).
Postal: The main post office is in Victoria. Airmail collections are at 1500 weekdays and 1200 Saturdays; Post
office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1500; Sat 0800-1200.
Press: English-language newspapers include The Seychelles Nation (morning daily except on Sundays), The People
(monthly, published by the Seychelles Progressive Front) and Seychelles Review (monthly news review). |
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| Travel |
AIR: The Seychelles' national airline is Air Seychelles (HM). Other
airlines flying to the Seychelles include British Airways, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Europe, Kenya Airways
and Aeroflot.
Approximate flight times: From Mahé to London is 13 hours 20 minutes and to New York is 20 hours and 40
minutes (via London).
International airport: Mahé Island (SEZ) (Seychelles International) is 10km (6 miles) southeast from Victoria
(travel time - 20 minutes). Some coach services are provided by agents and taxis are available. Airport facilities
include an outgoing duty-free shop (available 24hrs prior to each international departure and 20 mins prior to
arrival in arrival concourse), banking and currency exchange facilities (Mon-Fri 0830-1230; Sat 0830-1200), car
hire and restaurant/bar (0800 until the last flight).
Departure tax: US$40 or equivalent, payable in foreign currency or by credit card (local currency is not accepted).
Children under 12 years of age and transit passengers on a short stopover who have not gone through immigration
formalities are exempt.
SEA: Cruise and cargo ships call at Mahé but there are no scheduled passenger services. |
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| Entry |
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Passport |
Visa |
Return Ticket Required |
| Australian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| British |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Japanese |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
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PASSPORTS: Passport valid for duration of intended stay required by
all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) Passengers holding onward or return ticket (if not onward or return ticket must be purchased on arrival).
(b) Proof of sufficient funds and organised accommodation for the duration of the stay.
A visitor's permit, valid initially for duration of intended stay, is issued on arrival, subject to possession
of a and b as above; alternatively a deposit may be made by 'security' bond in lieu. The permit may be renewed
for 3 months at no extra cost, and then at a cost of an additional SRs200 every 3 months to a maximum of 1 year,
provided the applicant holds a valid open return ticket. For further information, contact the nearest Seychelles
Tourist Office.
Transit: Passengers in transit must have tickets with reserved seats for their onward journey.
Immigration Division, 2nd Floor, Independence House, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles (tel: 611 110; fax: 225
035; e-mail: immig@seychelles.net). |
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| Misc.
Info. |
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
The Seychelles customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import to or export
from the Seychelles of items such as firearms, spear-fishing equipment, and fruits and vegetables. Warm-blooded
animals must undergo a minimum quarantine period of six months.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds,
political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. It is dangerous to swim
alone at isolated beaches, especially after dark, due to strong currents.
CRIME INFORMATION:
Petty crime is a problem. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Travelers who keep valuables in hotel safes and
who close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at risk.
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Medical facilities in the Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated islands where doctors are often unavailable.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate
cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision
for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or
medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur.
Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event
of death.
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 the Seychelles is provided for
general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
In the Seychelles, one drives on the left side of the street. Roads are generally well maintained, but they 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.
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.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Fair
For specific information concerning Seychelles driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance,
please contact the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism via e-mail at dgtmtca@seychelles.net
or the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority via e-mail at seychelles@aspureasitgets.com. |
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