Travelling to Seychelles: what you need to know before you
Updated: Sep 23
Updated: September 2026
Planning a trip to Seychelles? After living in the archipelago for ten years, I have naturally picked up a few tips that may help you make the most of your stay.
Climate, seasons, languages, entry requirements, currency, electricity, tourism levy and local customs: here are some of the essentials to know before travelling to Seychelles.
When is the best time to visit Seychelles?
Seychelles has a tropical climate all year round, with temperatures generally ranging between 24°C and 32°C.
From December to March, the north-west trade winds generally bring warmer and more humid conditions.
From May to September, the south-east trade winds tend to bring drier, slightly cooler and windier conditions.
The periods around March, April, May, October and November are generally calmer, with lighter winds.
There is therefore no single bad season to visit Seychelles. The best time to visit Seychelles really depends on what you want to do: enjoy the beaches, sail, dive, hike or explore the different islands.
What languages are spoken in Seychelles?
Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English and French.
Creole is widely spoken in everyday life, while English is commonly used in tourism, business and administration. French is also spoken and understood by part of the population.
For English- or French-speaking travellers, communicating during a stay is therefore generally very easy.
What are the entry requirements for Seychelles?
Seychelles does not require a tourist visa in advance, but an electronic Travel Authorisation is mandatory before travelling.
The application should be completed online through the official Seychelles Electronic Border System.
Before travelling, make sure you have:
a valid passport;
your Travel Authorisation;
valid travel insurance;
a return or onward ticket;
confirmation of your accommodation;
sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
I recommend completing the process directly through the official government portal and checking the latest entry requirements before travelling.
→ Apply for your Seychelles Travel Authorisation
Currency, payments and electricity
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR).
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, although having some Seychellois rupees is useful for smaller purchases, markets and local shops.
ATMs dispense Seychellois rupees.
Seychelles uses British Type G electrical sockets, with three rectangular pins. The electricity supply is 220–240 V / 50 Hz, so remember to bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug.
A tourism levy to consider depending on your accommodation
Seychelles introduced a Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy in 2023.
Since 1 January 2026, visitors staying in small tourism establishments with 1 to 24 rooms are no longer charged this levy.
It remains applicable to other categories of accommodation:
SCR 75 per person per night in medium-sized establishments;
SCR 100 per person per night in large establishments;
SCR 100 per person per night on yachts and at island resorts.
Children aged 12 and under are among those exempt from the levy.
The applicable levy is collected directly by the accommodation provider.
Religion in Seychelles
Religion continues to play an important role in Seychellois culture and in some local traditions.
The population is predominantly Christian, particularly Roman Catholic, while other religious communities are also present in the archipelago, including Anglican, Hindu and Muslim communities.
This diversity can also be seen in local traditions and in the calendar, with several religious celebrations recognised as public holidays.
Visitors are welcome in places of worship that are open to the public, but respectful clothing is recommended, including covering shoulders and knees where appropriate.
Local customs and etiquette
Seychelles has a relaxed atmosphere, but a few simple habits help visitors respect the local way of life.
Swimwear is perfectly appropriate on the beach or by the pool, but more suitable clothing is recommended in towns, shops and government offices.
When visiting religious sites, it is preferable to cover your shoulders and knees.
It is also polite to ask permission before photographing people, particularly in markets or villages.
Tipping is not compulsory, although it is appreciated when you are happy with the service.
What about public holidays?
Seychelles has several public holidays throughout the year, including New Year, Easter, Labour Day, Corpus Christi, Constitution Day on 18 June, Independence Day on 29 June, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, the Immaculate Conception and Christmas.
Some dates vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the official public holiday calendar before your trip. Government offices, banks and some businesses may operate differently on these days.
My advice: don't spend your entire stay at your hotel
Mahé is well worth exploring. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover Victoria, the coastal roads, quieter beaches and the island's lush interior at your own pace.
And above all, don't limit your trip to Mahé.
Praslin, La Digue and the many smaller islands each offer a different atmosphere. A boat trip is also one of the best ways to experience another side of the archipelago.
Finally, don't feel that every day needs to be packed with activities. Part of discovering Seychelles is simply taking the time to enjoy the islands and their rhythm of life.
What if a trip to Seychelles changed your plans?
People often come to Seychelles for the beaches, nature and change of scenery. But sometimes they leave with another idea in mind: coming back more often, or perhaps one day owning a place of their own.
It is something I have often seen happen when people take the time to experience the archipelago beyond a simple hotel stay.
If that thought has crossed your mind, it is important to know that not every property in Seychelles is available to non-Seychellois buyers, and the conditions of purchase vary according to the legal status of the property.
That is a very different subject, which I cover in several dedicated articles.
And you? If you travelled to Seychelles tomorrow, would it simply be for a holiday… or could you imagine yourself coming back regularly?
Let me know in the comments.
Sandra Colas
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