Seychelles
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar located in Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Victoria. The government is a Unitary presidential republic. The official languages of the country are English, French and Creole. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Seychelles is government run and free access is provided for all residents. However, there are small private clinics that provide secondary care at cost to the patient.
Safety:
Seychelles is considered relatively safe, the crime rates are low. However there are still safety concerns that should be mentioned. Petty crime such as risk of theft in tourist hubs, such as Beau Vallon and the capital, Victoria, can occur. Violent crime is less common but can occur in isolated areas or beaches after dark. Beaches in the Seychelles, including Beau Vallon, often have strong currents and rips. Drownings occur at popular tourist beaches. Road conditions in Seychelles can be challenging due to the narrow and winding roads, steep hills, and lack of street lighting in some areas. Road safety in Seychelles is a major concern. In 2020, Seychelles recorded 12 fatalities and 395 injuries due to road accidents. This number may seem low, but it is important to keep in mind that Seychelles has a small population, and the number of accidents per capita is relatively high. To ensure your safety while driving in Seychelles, it is important to adhere to traffic rules and regulations, such as driving on the left-hand side of the road and wearing seatbelts at all times. Drivers should also be cautious when driving on narrow and winding roads, especially during rainy seasons when roads can become slippery. In terms of road infrastructure, Seychelles has a mix of paved and unpaved roads. Most of the major roads on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue are paved, but some roads on other islands may be unpaved and have potholes. Additionally, road signs can be limited in some areas, so it is advisable to use a GPS navigation system or a local map.
Cultural Customs:
Seychelles’ culture is a blend of different influences, including African, European, and Asian traditions. Music and dance play a vital role in Seychellois culture. The traditional music is called "Sega," which is accompanied by the beat of the drums and a dance that involves swaying hips and rhythmic steps. Seychellois cuisine is a fusion of African, French, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The most popular dishes include grilled fish, curry, and seafood. Coconuts are also a significant ingredient in Seychellois cuisine, and coconut milk is commonly used in cooking. Seychelles has a rich artistic heritage, and its traditional crafts include weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. The country is also known for its colorful
paintings, which depict everyday life, nature, and local scenes. Christianity is the predominant religion in Seychelles, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. Other religions practiced in the country include Hinduism and Islam. Family and community are essential values in Seychelles culture. The extended family is highly valued, and there is a strong sense of community in the country. Seychelles celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Festival Kreol, which celebrates the Creole culture and language, and the Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria, which is a colorful parade featuring music, dance, and costumes.
Geography & Weather:
The climate in Seychelles is tropical, hot and humid all year round.
In the capital city of Victoria, on the island of Mahé, the average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, year round. There really isn’t a defined rainy season in this area. It rains all year so they average 93 inches of rain per year. The sun shines between 5-7 hours daily due to the cloud cover. The sea temperature is 82 degrees F all year round. Seychelle islands can be affected by tropical cyclones from December - April.
Economy:
Seychelles has a mixed economy with tourism, fishing, and financial services being the main industries. Tourism is the largest contributor to the Seychelles economy, accounting for around 25% of the country's GDP and employing a significant proportion of the workforce. The government has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism and eco-tourism, which has helped to preserve the country's natural environment while also attracting visitors. Fishing is another important industry in Seychelles, with the country's location in the Indian Ocean providing access to rich fishing grounds. The government has taken steps to promote sustainable fishing practices and to combat illegal fishing in the region. Seychelles is also becoming an increasingly popular location for offshore financial services, with the government offering a range of incentives to attract foreign investment. This has led to the development of a thriving financial services industry in the country, with many banks and other financial institutions setting up operations there. Overall, Seychelles has a relatively small economy, with a GDP of around $1.5 billion in 2021. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, with a stable political environment and a focus on sustainable development helping to drive economic growth.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
SCR 1.00 = USD .072
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
98,347
Median Age:
32.4
Life Expectancy:
73.74
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Seychellois citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Seychelles for at least fifteen consecutive years, have no criminal convictions, and is economically self-sufficient. The person must also pass a citizenship test with a score of 80% or more.
Citizenship by investment is available for wealthy individuals that are looking to invest 1M USD or more.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency permit is available for people looking to relocate into Seychelles as expats. You must apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once the permit is issued, you must reside in Seychelles for 5 days in a 12 month period. If the permit holder resides in Seychelles for more than one month (in any year) he/she shall keep a deposit with a bank in Seychelles or provide a bank guarantee to the Director General of Immigration, of not less than US 1540 and allow the Director General of Immigration to draw on the deposit or call on the guarantee for the purpose of meeting expenditure incurred by the government in connection with the care, treatment or maintenance within or removal from Seychelles of the permit holder and his/her dependants. The fee for processing the application is US 5 and the fee for the resident Permit is US 3850 for the main application.
Resources:
Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs
U.S. Embassy Port Louis
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +(230) 202-4400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(230) 202-4400
Fax: +(230) 208-9534
Email: PTLConsular@state.gov
There is no U.S. consular presence in Seychelles. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius if you need assistance.