Customs Regulations in the Seychelles

Personal belongings that you intend to take out of the country again when you leave are not taxed. In addition to the duty-free allowances above, every visitor may bring in video and camera equipment, a musical instrument, portable electronic or electrical devices, sports equipment and other leisure items free of duty. For such items, customs may ask for a deposit in rupees, which is refunded when you take the items out again within six months.

The regulation on allowances was last amended in 2024. The figures above match the information given by the airport. For the amount that applies to other goods, it is best to check the website of the Seychelles Revenue Commission before you travel.

Any items, food or other goods brought in above the set limit are taxed in the local currency. The tax must be paid in cash or by cheque that can be cashed at a local bank. Import tax cannot be paid by credit card.

The tax is calculated from invoices or purchase receipts if customs ask for them, otherwise from the customs value. So keep receipts for more expensive purchases. If you leave surplus goods behind at the airport, customs will count the amount you hand over against your allowance. Only the remainder is taxed.

Weapons such as blank-firing pistols, clubs, bows and arrows, knuckledusters, daggers, swords, tear gas, whips, firearms and ammunition are prohibited. They may only be imported with the relevant permit or with prior official authorisation from the competent authorities.

The same applies to harpoon guns, fireworks, pyrotechnics and explosives of any kind. Spearfishing is banned in the Seychelles anyway.

Importing pornographic material of any kind is strictly forbidden.

Plants and animal products are not welcome at Seychelles customs. The import of plants and plant parts, animals and animal products, biological samples, radioactive substances and equipment, dangerous drugs, chemicals, medicines, pharmaceutical items and toxic substances is also prohibited without the relevant permit or prior official authorisation from the competent authorities.

The basis is the Biosecurity Act of 2014, which is meant to prevent pests and diseases from reaching the islands. This also applies to fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, cuttings and seeds. An import permit is required in advance for such goods. The Ministry of Agriculture requires you to declare all food, plants, animals and products made from them on arrival. Further details are on the page of the Border Control and Support Division.

The value of food brought into the Seychelles for personal use must not exceed SCR 3,000, unless you have obtained the relevant import permit in advance and have it ready to show.

If you plan to cater for yourself, you will find tips on our page about self-catering. It is better to leave fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and sausage at home. If in doubt, declare packaged food. Whether it gets through is up to the inspectors on the spot.

Take medication for your own use in its original packaging. For strong painkillers, sedatives and other narcotic drugs, you should carry a doctor's certificate or prescription, ideally in English. Quantities beyond what you need for the trip require a permit. If you are unsure, ask the Seychelles Revenue Commission before you travel. Information on healthcare on the islands can be found under Hospital, Clinics & Emergency Numbers, and on vaccinations under Vaccinations.

You submit the customs declaration electronically through the Seychelles Electronic Border System, which is the same platform as the Travel Authorisation. At the airport you then choose the appropriate exit.

Rules also apply when you leave, mainly to protect nature. Leave corals, shells and sand on the beach, and do not buy natural souvenirs without proof of origin. For coco de mer nuts and other protected natural products, ask the seller for the required export certificate. Background information can be found under Nature and Environmental Protection and Flora and Fauna.

For imports into Germany and other EU countries, the allowances of your home country apply. You can find out more from German customs. A packing list is available in the travel checklist.

Only to a limited extent. Fresh goods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and plants need prior permission. All food must be declared, and the value for personal use is limited to SCR 3,000.

No. Import tax is paid in cash or by cheque that can be cashed at a local bank.

There is no limit on how much cash you can bring. If you carry 50,000 SCR or more, or the equivalent in another currency, you must declare it on entering and leaving the country.

A camera, musical instrument, portable electronics and sports equipment for your own use are duty free. Customs may ask for a deposit, which is refunded when you leave.

Anything over the allowance is taxed. Prohibited goods can be confiscated. If in doubt, take the red channel. For more on documents and entry, see Entry Requirements, and for packing tips see Luggage.