If you’re planning a trip to the enchanting islands of Seychelles, this article is a must-read. There are a whole lots of things you need to know before planning a trip to the Seychelles. This article is packed with valuable information that will help you prepare for your journey and make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.
The cost of a trip to the Seychelles can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as your travel style, speed, and other variables. From average daily costs to the cost of meals, local transportation, and hotels, this guide provides an in-depth look at what you might expect to spend on your vacation. It also offers a glimpse into the cost of a one-week, two-week, and one-month trip to the Seychelles for both individuals and couples.
It’s important to plan your budget as well as what to pack for your vacation. For your first vacation to the Seychelles, this article offers a thorough packing list that includes all the paperwork you’ll need, acceptable attire, and accessories. It also offers a list of goods that are forbidden or limited in the Seychelles, so you can plan ahead and be well-informed before your trip.
Table of Contents
Considering the Cost Of Your Trip To Seychelles
The cost of a trip to Seychelles can vary greatly depending on your travel style, speed, and other variables. Here are some average costs you might expect:
- Average Daily Cost: You should plan to spend around $205 (S₨2,779) per day on your vacation in the Seychelles.
- Meals: Past travelers have spent, on average, $52 (S₨703) per day on meals.
- Local Transportation: On average, $68 (S₨926) per day is spent on local transportation.
- Hotels: The average cost for hotels is $167 (S₨2,267) per day.
- One Week Trip: A one-week trip to the Seychelles for two people costs, on average, $2,865 (S₨38,899). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
- Two Week Trip: A two-week trip to the Seychelles costs around $2,865 (S₨38,899) for one person and $5,730 (S₨77,798) for two people.
- One Month Trip: A one-month trip to the Seychelles costs around $6,139 (S₨83,355) for one person and $12,278 (S₨166,710) for two people
What to bring on your first trip to the Seychelles
Here’s a list of essentials you should consider packing for your first trip to Seychelles:
Documents:
- Passport
- Travel documents (hotel voucher, transfer voucher, all confirmations that you have received from SeyVillas)
- Driving licence
- International certificate of vaccination (not mandatory)
- Health insurance documents
- Credit card(s)
- Cash in euros
- If you want to go scuba diving: diving certificate
Clothes and Accessories:
- Bathing suit
- Beach dress
- Light and comfortable clothing: shorts, t-shirts, tank-tops, summer clothes etc.
- Hat or something else to cover your head
- Sunglasses
- At least one smart piece of clothing for evening meals in a luxury hotel or resort
- Flip-flops and/or sandals
- Sports shoes (for hiking and the flight)
- Sports clothes, if you plan on going hiking
- Water shoes
- Beach towel
- UV bathing shirt (or another t-shirt to wear in the ocean)
- Backpack or beach bag
- Comfortable and warm clothes for the flight
- Umbrella or rain jacket/poncho
- Snorkelling equipment
Always keep in mind that even in the evenings, the Seychelles’ environment is not appropriate for long shirts or long pants. On the other hand, it can be cooler in air-conditioned spaces (like the airport or an airplane).
What is not allowed to bring to Seychelles?
There are several items that are prohibited from being brought into the Seychelles. Here are some of them:
- Firearms and ammunition, including replica firearms.
- Offensive weapons, such as bombs, grenades, knuckle dusters, tear gas, daggers, and whips.
- Radioactive substances.
- Controlled drugs.
- Toxic chemicals, including asbestos.
- Counterfeit currencies.
- Pornographic or indecent material.
- Textiles and garments in a camouflage design.
- Waste or waste products.
- Palm plants.
There are also several items that are restricted and require an Import Permit or import permission:
- Cats and dogs require an Import Permit issued by the Veterinary Services of the Seychelles.
- Live animals, plants and plant products, including fruit and vegetables, meat and meat products, including seafood products, plastics and fertilisers all require import permission from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Transport.
- Pyrotechnics and explosives, swords, cutlasses, bayonets, and other similar weapons require import permission from Internal Affairs or the Commissioner of Police.
- Pharmaceutical and veterinary products, dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals require import permission from the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
- Radio communication equipment requires import permission from the Department of Information and Technology.
How Do You Keep Yourself Safe in the Seychelles?
To keep yourself safe in the Seychelles, consider these tips:
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and shade.
- Avoid touching coral and marine animals while swimming.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance.
- Swim in designated areas with lifeguards.
- Keep your belongings secure.
- Follow local laws and customs.
- Stay informed about weather and travel advisories.
- Use reliable transportation options.
- Trust your instincts and stay safe.
What do you need to enter the Seychelles?
To enter Seychelles, you need the following:
1. Travel Authorization:
All travelers, including children, must apply for a travel authorization before departure. This travel authorization is mandatory and costs 10 € per person. The application for travel authorization can be made from 30 days before arrival. The processing time can take up to 24 hours. You can apply for your Travel Authorization by visiting seychelles.govtas.com or by downloading the Seychelles E-Border app.
2. Valid Passport:
You must have a valid passport.
3. Airline Booking Confirmation:
You must upload a copy of your airline booking confirmation, which clearly shows your arrival and departure dates.
4. Accommodation Booking Confirmation:
You must upload your booking confirmation(s) for each location of your stay in Seychelles.
5. Yellow Fever Vaccination:
A Yellow Fever vaccination (International Certificate) is required only when a person has resided in or recently visited a country where Yellow Fever is endemic or where a person has transited in a Yellow Fever endemic country (airport only) for more than 12 hours
The best time to visit Seychelles
The best time to visit Seychelles is generally between April and May or during October and November. These periods fall between the two trade winds that hit Seychelles every year.
During these months, you can enjoy warm, humid weather with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the islands. Additionally, these months tend to be fairly quiet in terms of visitors, which makes the beaches, restaurants, and other attractions less crowded.
Please note that the weather in Seychelles is fairly stable and predictable all year round. However, January and February are the wettest months of the year, although showers are common from November through February. The warmest time of the year runs from December to April.
The official language spoken in Seychelles
The official languages of Seychelles are English, French, and Seychellois Creole.
- Seychellois Creole, a French-based creole language, is the most commonly spoken language in the archipelago and is spoken natively by about 95% of the population. It is locally referred to as seselwa or kreol.
- English is used in most formal communications, particularly by the government when drafting of legal documents, in court proceedings, as well as in parliamentary proceedings. English is also commonly used in Seychelles’ corporate world, as well as in most print and electronic media.
- French is popular among the minority ethnic group in Seychelles, known as the Franco-Seychellois. French was introduced in Seychelles during the island’s occupation by France from the 18th and to early 19th centuries
FAQs
What should I be careful of in Seychelles?
When traveling to Seychelles, here are some safety tips you should consider:
- Security: Always lock hotel doors when you leave, close (and lock) windows, and put valuables in safes.
- Appearance: Don’t head out looking wealthy as it might make you a target.
- Car Safety: Leave nothing on display in your hire car and park it in a safe place.
- Beach Safety: Never walk alone on isolated beaches or go swimming. Pay attention to warning signs on beaches.
- Tide Information: Keep an eye on the tides if you decide to explore the islands of the Seychelles alone.
- Hiking: Book a guide for demanding hikes.
- Weather Conditions: Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- First Aid: Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel.
How much money do you need per day in Seychelles?
The daily budget you need in Seychelles can vary greatly depending on your travel style. Here are some estimates:
- For budget travelers, planning to spend around $90 (S₨1,218) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities.
- For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $205 (S₨2,779) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
- Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $390 (S₨5,278), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options.
What is the dress code in the Seychelles?
The dress code in Seychelles is generally casual, given the tropical climate of the beautiful islands. Here are some considerations for your Seychelles packing list:
1. Relaxed Casual Clothing:
The basic rule of thumb is relaxed casual clothing. This code is acceptable and respected by practically everybody.
2. Light and Airy Clothing:
Light and airy clothing are a must, and it’s recommended to pack comfortable clothes, swimwear, and beach attire.
3. Natural Fabrics:
Try natural, breathable fabrics such as silk, linen, or cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they can be uncomfortable in the heat.
4. Active Wear:
If you plan on doing any physical activities, consider packing some active wear.
5. Evening Wear:
For evenings, a classic business suit for men and a midi or knee-length dress or skirt with a blouse for women is appropriate
Can I use US dollars in Seychelles?
Yes, US currencies are accepted in Seychelles.Most places take US dollars, particularly hotels, fine dining establishments, and tour companies.It’s crucial to remember that Seychelles rupees, the official currency of the country, is what you will frequently get change in.
Prices are shown in both US dollars and Euros since the Euro is the most often used foreign currency.Although not as popular as the Euro, the US Dollar is nevertheless accepted.It is advised to exchange currencies at a bank, a licensed money exchange, or your hotel cashier.
Please be aware that visitors must pay for all accommodation expenses, including meals and beverages, with cash in the form of major international currencies or credit cards in the Seychelles.This also applies to a wide range of events and attractions, vehicle rental businesses, and auto services.Thus, in order to minimize any trouble, it would be prudent to keep some US dollars or euros on hand.
Do I need a visa to visit Seychelles?
No, Seychelles offers visa-free entry for most nationalities. Visitors are granted a visitor’s permit upon arrival, valid for up to 30 days. However, it’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Are there any health precautions I should take before traveling to Seychelles?
While Seychelles is relatively low-risk for infectious diseases, it’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling. Additionally, consider taking precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk.
What currency is used in Seychelles, and can I use foreign currency?
The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). While major foreign currencies like US dollars and euros are accepted at some establishments, it’s advisable to exchange currency for Seychellois rupees for better value and convenience.
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Are there any restrictions on bringing alcohol and tobacco into Seychelles?
Travelers are allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol and tobacco products into Seychelles for personal use. However, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with customs regulations and declare any items exceeding the allowed limits to avoid fines or confiscation.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments area below if you require any further information.
