Overview

The first recorded sighting of the Seychelles was by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1756, French planters claimed Mahé and seven other islands for France. The islands, until then known as the Amirantes (Admiral da Gama had named them after himself), were re-named in honour of the French king’s accountant, Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles. The Seychelles, annexed by Britain in 1794, were placed under the administration of Mauritius. Over the course of the 19th century, administration was handled by ‘old India hands’ – men and women with some experience of the tropics.

For the next 150 years, isolated from the rest of the world and all but ignored by the major European powers, the Seychelles developed their own traditions, language and culture. The islands became a Crown Colony in 1903. Internal self-government was granted in 1975 and independence a year later. Despite several coup attempts, multi-party democracy was restored in the Seychelles in 1991 under pressure from the country's main aid donors, particularly France and Britain.

The economy of this isolated island paradise relies heavily on tourism. Fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm weather are among the main draws for visitors. As a result of their extraordinary, isolated history, the Seychelles are also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until humanity’s belated arrival two centuries ago. Outstanding amongst these is the coco-de-mer (sea coconut), native to Praslin, which grows in the Vallée de Mai. Its seed is the largest in nature, and gave rise to many legends when it was washed ashore on the coasts of Africa, India and Indonesia. Since the islands were unknown, the nuts were thought to have grown under the sea – hence the name.

The Seychelles are also a major attraction for birdwatchers. Millions of terns nest on the islands – among them that most beautiful of seabirds, the fairy tern. Up to two million sooty terns nest on Bird Island, and on Aride can be found the world’s largest colonies of lesser noddies, roseate terns and other tropical birds. It was only some 30 years ago that active conservation of endangered species began in the Seychelles. Since then, with the establishment of island sanctuaries and nature reserves, much has been done to make the Seychelles a paradise for birds – and for those who love to watch them.

General Information

Location

Indian Ocean, 1600km (990 miles) east of Kenya.

Time

GMT + 4.

Area

455.3 sq km (176 sq miles).

Population

81,100 (official estimate 2005).

Population Density

177.7 per sq km.

Capital

Victoria (Mahé). Population: 71,000 (2005).

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 43 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 per cent 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 Chinese and Indian immigrants, creating a unique culture.

Government

Republic since 1976. Gained independence from the UK in 1975.
Recent history: In April 2004, after more than a quarter of a century in power, Albert René retired and handed presidency over to his vice-president, James Michel. Michel promised to introduce a more open dialogue, particularly over economic matters, and to involve the private sector in the national economy. Michel was re-elected in the July 2006.

Head of State

President James Alix Michel since 2004.

Language

Creole, English and French.

Religion

83 per cent Roman Catholic with Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha’i and other minorities.

Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz. British three-pin plugs are in use.

Social Conventions

The people live a simple and unsophisticated island life and tourism is carefully controlled to protect the unspoilt charm of the islands. Before the international airport opened in 1971, the islands could be reached only by sea, and since they are miles from anywhere, visitors were few and far between and the people were little influenced by the outside world. They developed their own language and culture which – like so many things on the islands – are unique. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. The Seychellois are very hospitable and welcome guests into their homes. When visiting someone’s home, a gift is acceptable. A mixture of imperial and metric systems operates. For example, petrol is dispensed in litres, whilst bars sell bottled and draught beer in half-pint measures. Casual wear is essential and formal clothes are only worn by churchgoers. Swimwear should only be worn on the beaches.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from the Seychelles required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Visa not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above as long as they have:
(a) onward or return ticket (if not, onward or return ticket must be purchased on arrival);
(b) proof of sufficient funds (between US$100-150 per day) and organised accommodation for the duration of the stay.
A visitor’s permit, valid for up to one month, 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, provided the applicant holds a valid open return ticket and applies at least one week before the permit's expiry. For further information, contact the nearest Seychelles Tourist Office.

Note: Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Transit

Passengers in transit must have tickets with reserved seats for their onward journey.

Money

Currency

Seychelles Rupee (SCR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SCR100, 50, 25 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SCR5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 5 cents.

Note: Tourists must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (in the form of cash, traveller's cheques or credit or debit cards). Payment in local currency is only allowed if an exchange receipt can be shown as proof of the conversion from foreign currency into local currency. The duty-free shop at the airport only accepts credit cards or foreign cash.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport banks, which are open for all flight departures and arrivals. The following banks have branches in the Seychelles and will exchange traveller's cheques and foreign currency: Barclays Bank, Bank of Baroda, Banque Française Commerciale, Central Bank of Seychelles, Development Bank of Seychelles, Habib Bank Ltd, Nouvo Banq and Seychelles Savings Bank. Currency exchange receipts should be kept in order to facilitate re-exchange on departure.

Credit / Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted; Diners Club has more limited use. ATMs are available in Mahé and Praslin.

Travellers Cheque Advice

Accepted in most hotels, guest houses, restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.

Duty Free

The following items may be imported into the Seychelles by persons of 18 years or older without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; 2l of spirits or 2l of wine; 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette; other items not exceeding SCR3000; one video camera and one camera; musical instrument; portable electronic or electric equipment; sports requisites and other leisure equipment.

The import of non-prescribed drugs and all firearms, including air pistols, air rifles and spearfishing guns, and plants and plant products, animals and animal products, radioactive substances and apparatus, dangerous drugs, biological specimens, fireworks and explosives, medicines and poisons are prohibited, unless prior authorisation has been granted. Video tapes must be declared and may be retained for security reasons. The import of animals and food and other agricultural produce is strictly controlled and subject to licensing.

Shells, unprocessed coco-de-mer, processed or live fish and live tortoises may not be exported.

Health

It is recommended that you check with your doctor as well as the Center for Disease Control for the most up-to-date health information.

CDC:

Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize

Vaccinations

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers over one year arriving from infected areas or who have passed through partly or wholly endemic areas within the preceding six days.

2
Typhoid occurs in rural areas.

Food and Drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Hepatitis A and B occur with occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Visitors should beward of the effects of sunstroke or burning, since the Seychelles is close to the Equator.
Rabies may be present in certain areas. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay; for more information, see the Health appendix.

Healthcare

There is a large general hospital in Victoria and there are clinics elsewhere on La Digue, Mahé and Praslin, but medical facilities are limited. Visitors may obtain emergency treatment for a basic consultancy fee. Additional medical insurance is advised, including emergency repatriation. There are several pharmacies available in Victoria. On other islands, Government clinics are used. There are dental clinics available on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Prices vary according to whether they are Government clinics, or private ones. A 24-hour doctor is on call for visitors at their hotels.

Getting There

Flight Times

From London to Mahé is 12 hours (10 hours direct) and to New York is 20 hours and 40 minutes (via London).

Main Airports

Mahé Island (SEZ) (Seychelles International) is 10km (6 miles) southeast from Victoria (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Some coach services are provided by agents and taxis are available. Facilities: Duty-free shop, banking and currency exchange facilities, car hire and restaurant/bar.

Departure Tax - None

Getting There by Water

Cruise and cargo ships call at Mahé but there are no scheduled passenger services.

The islands lie outside the cyclone belt but receive monsoon rains from November to April with the northwest trade winds. This hot and humid season gives way to a period of cooler weather, though the temperature rarely falls below 23°C, and rougher seas when the trade winds blow from the southeast (May to October).

Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights, with rainwear advisable during the rainy season. Sun hats and sunglasses essential all year round.

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