Safety in Seychelles

Theft: The Seychelles are very safe, but do not leave valuables unattended on a beach. Petty theft does happen when people swim far out and leave a bag on the sand.

The ocean: The southern beaches of Mahé often have strong undertow. Take the red flags seriously, because when they are up, going into the water is potentially lethal.

Reef hazards: Sea urchins hide among the rocks, so reef shoes are essential for swimming. Watch for falling coconuts too, which can do real damage.

Sun: Tropical sun is deceptive even under cloud. Use factor 50 and stay out of the open around midday.

Health: No special vaccinations are needed, though insurance that covers insect bites is worth having. That saves the bills if you react badly to mosquitoes.

Getting help: Dial 999 on the islands for police and rescue services. Check your own government's travel advisory before you book, though the Seychelles rarely carry any warnings.

Seychelles is one of Africa's calmest countries, and its tourism industry is built around expensive holidays, so there is little scope for deception.

Taxis. Tariffs are regulated and published, but not every car has a meter. Ask the price before getting in and check against the official list, which hotel reception will know.

Car hire. On Mahé and Praslin almost everyone takes a car. The roads are narrow, winding and clifftop, and scratch claims on return are ordinary. Record the condition in detail.

Boat trips. La Digue, Curieuse, snorkelling off St Pierre. Some operators work without insurance and boats are sometimes overloaded. Book through your hotel.

Marine souvenirs. Shells, coral and turtle-shell items are sold at the market, but exporting them is prohibited under international conventions — they will be confiscated at a European airport, with a fine on top.

Prices. The main hit to your budget: Seychelles is objectively expensive, most food is imported, and dinner out costs European money.

Coco de mer. Praslin's famous double coconut is a protected species. You may export only a nut with an official sticker and certificate bought from a licensed source. Anything else is confiscated at customs with a fine.

Sea turtles, coral and shells. Collecting and exporting them is prohibited. This is not a formality: Seychelles takes conservation seriously, and CITES applies at your arrival airport too.

Drugs. The law is strict and airport screening is thorough.

Drones. Civil aviation permission is required, and they are prohibited over national parks and reserves.

Fishing. Prohibited entirely in marine national parks; elsewhere certain species require permits.

Nudity. Topless sunbathing and nudism are prohibited on public beaches.

Driving on the left. Mahé's roads are narrow, sharply curved and unguarded. The speed limit is low and observed.

Cash. Payment is in rupees, but many tourist services are priced in euros and dollars.

Vaccinations. None mandatory; a yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries, including transits over 12 hours.

There is no malaria. Seychelles is malaria-free and prophylaxis is unnecessary. Dengue and chikungunya occur and outbreaks happen.

Water. Tap water on Mahé is treated and broadly safe; on the other islands, bottled is better.

The sea is the main risk. The beaches look idyllic, but there are almost no lifeguards anywhere. Beau Vallon and Anse Lazio see strong rip currents, especially in the transitional seasons (May–June and October–November), and tourist drownings occur. Watch the flags where they exist, ask your hotel about today's currents specifically, and do not swim past the buoys.

Sun. The equator: you burn in 30 to 40 minutes, snorkelling especially.

Healthcare is the weak point. Victoria Hospital on Mahé is basic and the other islands have health posts. Anything serious means evacuation to Réunion, South Africa or Mauritius — hours and a great deal of money. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency numbers: 999 unified, 133 police, 151 ambulance.

Seychelles is a calm country with modest crime, though petty theft has risen noticeably in recent years.

What actually happens. Theft from beaches while you swim, and from hire cars in the car parks at popular beaches — Anse Lazio, Beau Vallon, Anse Source d'Argent. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

The rule. Take a towel, a little cash and your phone in a waterproof pouch to the beach. Leave nothing in the car.

Police. Correct, and English is official. Reports are taken and certificates for insurers issued.

At night. Victoria empties once the business district closes and is not for evening walks. The resort areas are calm.

Traffic police. Speed enforcement exists, and the roads are such that you will not want to speed anyway.

Emergency number is 999.