Safety, money and accommodation
Please note the following information so that your holiday runs smoothly and you can relax.
Valuables and getting about in the evening
Although crime in the Seychelles is relatively low, it is best never to carry large sums of money, conspicuous valuables or important documents such as your passport. Most hotels offer safe storage. Likewise, do not take any of these items to the beach, and do not leave them in a hire car or in plain view in your hotel room.
As in other tourist destinations, take care if you are walking alone late in the evening. If you plan to go out alone, please tell someone at the hotel where you are going.
You will find more on the security situation under Crime in the Seychelles, and emergency numbers under Hospital, clinics & emergency numbers.
Changing money
Avoid changing all your money into Seychelles rupees (SCR) in one go. Instead, work out your daily spending and change only small amounts for limited periods.
Do not change money illegally with unauthorised dealers. Use a bank, your hotel or the bureau de change at the airport.
According to the US government, anyone bringing in or taking out more than SCR 50,000 (about USD 3,500) in cash must declare it (as of November 2026). For more on banks, cash machines and card payments, see Money & banks.
Accommodation and the environmental levy
Please avoid unlicensed accommodation. It does not offer the quality you would expect from your holiday and can lead to serious disappointment.
In addition to the room rate, the government charges an environmental levy per person per night. The hotel shows it on your bill, not during online booking. Small establishments with 1 to 24 rooms have been exempt since 1 January 2026.
| Accommodation (as of November 2026) | Environmental levy per person per night |
|---|---|
| Small, 1 to 24 rooms | abolished since 1 January 2026 |
| Medium, 25 to 50 rooms | 75 SCR |
| Large, 51 rooms or more | 100 SCR |
| Island resorts and yachts | 100 SCR |
Entry, laws and prohibitions
The Seychelles has no visa requirement, but there are still a few things to arrange before you travel. You will find the entry and customs rules in detail under Entry formalities and Customs regulations.
Prohibited and permit-only
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Cannabis and other drugs | Zero tolerance. Possession, use and trafficking are considered serious crimes, with heavy fines and long prison sentences of up to life imprisonment possible. |
| E-cigarettes and liquids | According to current reports, importation is prohibited and may lead to confiscation. Check with customs before travelling. |
| Camouflage clothing, spearfishing equipment, weapons | Importation is prohibited. |
Beach, sun and nature
Please do not forget that the sun in the Seychelles is very strong. Never stay in the sun without a suitable sun protection factor.
Please do not leave any litter. If there are no bins close by, take your rubbish back to the hotel and dispose of it there.
Shells and plants
Please resist the temptation to collect shells on the beach, as they serve as homes for hermit crabs. Collecting shells is strictly forbidden in nature reserves, marine parks and other protected areas. The unique and unusual flora is beautiful. So that the next visitor can still admire it, we ask you to look but not take. For any plant taken home as a souvenir, a certificate and an official export permit must be presented at check-in at the international airport.
This applies especially to the coco de mer. Buy only from licensed dealers. Every nut is numbered and registered. Ask for the marking and export permit when you buy, and have both ready at the airport. According to IATA, export restrictions also apply to shells, live fish and live turtles.
Wildlife and reefs
Be considerate towards the wildlife and its delicate surroundings. Please walk carefully along the reefs, do not feed seabirds, mammals, or land or sea turtles, and do not disturb them at their nesting sites.
For background on protecting the islands, see Nature and environmental protection and Flora and fauna. Snorkelling tips are on the page Diving & snorkelling.
Behaviour, dress and the road
Seychellois people tend to be fairly traditional. Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in shops, government offices or towns and villages. Topless sunbathing and nudism are not accepted outside designated resorts.
The minimum age for alcohol is 18. Drinking in public is restricted, and public drunkenness is frowned upon. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed in public indoor spaces, in the workplace or on buses.
Seat belts are compulsory on the road, and drink driving is severely punished. Always carry your driving licence and rental documents, and check whether your travel insurance covers accidents in a hire car. More under Car hire and Travelling by bus.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa?
No, the Seychelles has no visa requirement. Before departure, however, the Travel Authorization is compulsory. The documents you need for it are listed under Entry formalities.
May I take shells, coral or sand home?
No. Shells serve as homes for hermit crabs, collecting is forbidden in protected areas, and export restrictions apply to shells. You should also leave coral and sand on the beach.
May I bring my e-cigarette?
According to current reports, importing e-cigarettes and liquids is prohibited. Check with customs before you leave, before you pack one.
Do I have to tip?
You will find details on amounts and customs on the page Tipping in the Seychelles.
Back to Money & banks or to Supplies in the Seychelles
