Seychelles: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Traveling to Seychelles requires checking three things before buying a flight: the visa requirement for your passport, the state of the local health system, and travel insurance with adequate medical coverage. Seychelles doesn't require a prior visa for any nationality for tourism, but it does grant a Visitor's Permit on arrival, whose length depends on the documentation presented.
On the health front, Victoria, on Mahé island, has solid basic medical care, but complex cases are usually referred to Réunion, India, or South Africa, so insurance with evacuation coverage is worthwhile. That's why it's best to travel with active international medical insurance from day one, regardless of nationality or the passport you're traveling with.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Seychelles doesn't require a prior visa for any nationality for tourism, but it does grant a Visitor's Permit on arrival, whose length depends on the documentation presented.
Health & travel insurance: Victoria, on Mahé island, has solid basic medical care, but complex cases are usually referred to Réunion, India, or South Africa, so insurance with evacuation coverage is worthwhile.
Visa and entry requirements
Seychelles doesn't require a prior visa for any nationality for tourism, but it does grant a Visitor's Permit on arrival, whose length depends on the documentation presented. Before buying the flight, confirm the exact requirement with the Seychelles embassy or consulate for your nationality, since the rules change frequently.
- Passport valid for the entire stay.
- Visitor's Permit granted on arrival, with no prior visa process, for all nationalities.
- Return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for the stay.
- Online entry form (SeyTravel), recommended to complete before traveling.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Victoria, on Mahé island, has solid basic medical care, but complex cases are usually referred to Réunion, India, or South Africa, so insurance with evacuation coverage is worthwhile. In an emergency, the contact numbers are 999 police; 151 ambulance, though response time and resource availability can vary by region.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Seychelles; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transport and currency
The official currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). Cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants; it's best to carry cash in Seychellois rupees for small shops and inter-island ferries.
When to travel
Between April-May and October-November are the transition months with less wind and calmer seas for diving and sailing between islands.
Travel checklist for Seychelles
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Seychelles.
- Check the visa requirement for Seychelles based on your passport: Seychelles doesn't require a prior visa for any nationality for tourism, but it does grant a Visitor's Permit on arrival, whose length depends on the documentation presented.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Victoria, on Mahé island, has solid basic medical care, but complex cases are usually referred to Réunion, India, or South Africa, so insurance with evacuation coverage is worthwhile.
- Save Seychelles's emergency number: 999 police; 151 ambulance, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Seychellois rupee (SCR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Seychelles?
No, Seychelles doesn't require a prior visa for any nationality for tourism; instead it grants a Visitor's Permit on arrival based on the documentation presented.
What is the emergency number in Seychelles?
The contact number for emergencies in Seychelles is 999 police; 151 ambulance. In addition, active travel insurance provides a 24-hour medical assistance line independent of the local number.
What is the Seychelles Visitor's Permit?
It's the entry permit granted on arrival to all visitors, with no prior visa process, and its length depends on the documentation presented (confirmed accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds).
What currency should I use in Seychelles?
The Seychellois rupee (SCR). It's worth confirming in each case whether cards are widely accepted or whether it's better to carry cash, depending on the area you're visiting.
