The best way to book accommodation in the Seychelles is directly with the host. The accommodation directory on Seychellen.com lists more than 1,100 hotels, guesthouses and self-catering places. Every entry gives an email address, telephone number or WhatsApp contact, plus the property's own website.
There is no longer a travel and booking service of our own (hotel booking, holiday home booking, enquiries via Seychellen.com). Seychellen.com does not arrange or take bookings and does not accept enquiries. You contact the accommodation directly. This page shows you how to go about it well.
Over the past few years we have experienced a great deal here in the Seychelles, have trained further and have ultimately also received recognition as a Seychelles specialist from the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Author: Karl Schnürch
Why book direct
What the portals cost
Booking portals keep a commission from every booking. Depending on the contract and visibility package, it lies between 15 and 22 per cent of the booking value. (As of November 2026, figures from the European hotel market, individual contracts differ.) With a direct booking, this share falls away. Whether and how much of it reaches the guest is up to each host. Do feel free to ask for a better price or for extras such as a later check-out or longer breakfast hours.
Finding accommodation in the directory
In the directory you can filter by island and type of accommodation. The three main destinations for most trips:
- Accommodation on Mahé: the main island with the international airport, more at Mahé.
- Accommodation on Praslin, more at Praslin.
- Accommodation on La Digue, more at La Digue.
You will find further destinations under Islands of the Seychelles. If you are travelling for the first time, start with Your first visit to the Seychelles and Best time to travel. If you are interested in an apartment or a house with a kitchen, you will find advice under Self-catering.
Your enquiry to the host
What belongs in the first message
- Arrival and departure dates, and whether you are flexible.
- Number of people, and the children's ages.
- Room preferences, for example a double bed or two single beds, air conditioning, kitchen.
- Arrival time and flight number, or the planned departure if you are arriving by ferry.
- Special requests such as a cot, allergies or an occasion you are celebrating.
What to clarify before you confirm
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total price for the entire stay | Including taxes, levies and currency (euro or rupees) |
| Tourism levy | Due depending on the size of the accommodation, see below |
| Deposit | Amount, deadline and whether it is deducted |
| Payment method | Bank transfer, card or cash on site, including any possible fees |
| Cancellation terms | Until when free of charge, and what applies if the flight changes |
| Services | Breakfast, final cleaning, laundry, transfer: included or extra |
| Written confirmation | As proof and for the Travel Authorization |
Tourism levy
The Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy is charged per person and night by the accommodation. Since 1 January 2026, small accommodations have been exempt. These are businesses with 1 to 24 rooms, where the levy used to be 25 rupees. That means most guesthouses and self-catering places no longer charge it. Residents, flight and yacht crews and children up to 12 years are also exempt.
| Accommodation | Levy per person and night (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Small accommodations (1 to 24 rooms) | not applicable |
| Medium accommodations (25 to 50 rooms) | 75 SCR |
| Large accommodations (over 50 rooms) | 100 SCR |
| Yachts and island resorts | 100 SCR |
Preparing for entry and travel
Travel Authorization
Tourists do not need a visa. Before departure, however, you need a Travel Authorization (TA), one for each person, children included. You will be asked for a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. Your host's confirmation is the right document for the accommodation, so book before you apply. You can apply up to 30 days before your flight. If you are arriving from a yellow fever country, you also need proof of vaccination. You will find notes under Entry formalities and Vaccinations.
Arrival and onward travel
The international airport is on Mahé. Many hosts arrange the transfer themselves, so do ask. Airport pick-up is also available as part of a tour with Island Tour Seychelles, more under Airport transfer. If you are continuing to Praslin or La Digue, you can choose between the ferry and a flight: Cat Cocos ferry and Domestic flights. Current timetables and prices are available from Cat Cocos and Air Seychelles. On the day of arrival, allow several hours of buffer between landing and departure, and let your host know your arrival time at the jetty.
On the ground: eating, tours, getting around
You will find local places and recommendations in the restaurant directory, which can also be filtered by island. Island Tour Seychelles offers tours. For getting around, the bus and a hire car both help, and for trips on the water there are the boat tours. The travel checklist, tipping and clinics and emergency numbers round off your planning.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Seychellen.com travel and booking service still exist?
No. Seychellen.com does not arrange or take bookings and does not accept enquiries. The directory shows the contact details of the accommodations, and you book directly with the host.
Is booking direct really cheaper?
Not always, but the host saves the portal commission. Ask for the total price and for extras. Compare the final price including levies.
When do I apply for the Travel Authorization?
As soon as your flight and accommodation are confirmed, up to 30 days before the flight. Standard processing takes up to 24 hours, so do not leave the application until the day you travel.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Each host decides this for themselves. Clarify the amount, deadline, payment method and cancellation terms before you confirm, and have everything confirmed in writing.
Is the tourism levy charged in small guesthouses?
Not any more since 1 January 2026 in accommodation with 1 to 24 rooms. Medium-sized and large properties still charge it, see the table above.
