The Perfect Packing List for the Seychelles

For your luggage we recommend light, airy clothing suited to the warm tropical climate. Expect fairly hot weather with plenty of sunshine and high humidity.

Light, loose-fitting items that dry quickly work best. Plan on two or three swimsuits or pairs of swimming trunks to change into, because wet fabric dries only slowly in this humidity. A thin rain jacket should go in the case too, as showers are possible all year round. You will find more on the seasons under Climate & Weather and Best Time to Travel. For air-conditioned restaurants, buses and flights, a thin scarf or a light jacket comes in handy.

In general the dress code is relaxed, but long trousers and proper shoes are required for men at dinner and when visiting hotels or casinos. Swimwear belongs on the beach; in villages, shops and buses people cover up. More rules of conduct can be found under Do’s and Don’ts.

Ankle-high, non-slip walking boots are a good idea if you want to explore the island on one of the many nature trails or go hiking. Paths in the interior are often slippery after rain.

For everyday use, sandals or flip-flops are enough. Water shoes make sense if you enter the sea over rocky ground or go on boat trips.

Do bring a hat, sunglasses and sun protection too: a cream or lotion with a high sun protection factor (at least 30), suited to your skin type. Please remember that the sun is still very intense even in cloudy weather and can cause painful sunburn. Make sure, too, that you bring a sun cream that does not harm the sea.

The label “reef-safe” is not protected and says little. So read the list of ingredients: mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, ideally without nanoparticles, are considered the gentler choice. It is best to buy the product at home. A long-sleeved swim shirt also saves on cream.

If you are swimming or snorkelling in the Seychelles for the first time, you should wear a T-shirt. Your back and shoulders spend a long time in the sun while you are in the water, and the burn often only shows in the evening.

Your own mask with a matching snorkel is useful if you spend several days in the water. For boat trips, a waterproof bag for your phone and papers is worthwhile. Where you can snorkel and dive is covered under Diving & Snorkelling, and you will find beaches under Dream Beaches. For boat trips, it is best to get information from the operators in advance.

Bring an anti-mosquito spray too. It is particularly useful at dusk and near vegetation and standing water. For recommended vaccinations, read Vaccinations for the Seychelles.

Your camera should definitely not be missing from your luggage! Remember to bring enough memory and batteries. On trips to neighbouring islands there are not sockets everywhere, so a spare battery or a power bank is helpful.

Tips on mobile networks and Wi-Fi can be found under Phone & Internet, and on the power supply under Electricity & Water. Subjects and rules for taking photographs are covered under Photos | Films | Pictures.

It is also important to check the visa and entry requirements in advance. Current information is provided by the Seychelles immigration authority and the electronic border system through which you apply for your travel authorisation. An overview of all documents can be found under Entry Requirements.

Please make sure you take enough of any medication you personally need. That said, there are plenty of pharmacies in the Seychelles. Take prescription medicines in their original packaging, and for strong preparations a doctor’s certificate in English is advisable. Doctors, clinics and emergency numbers are listed under Hospital, Clinics & Emergency Numbers.

Since 2017 the import of plastic bags, plastic cutlery and plastic tableware has been restricted, and their use in shops is banned. So pack cloth bags and a refillable drinking bottle. Meat and fish products, plants and animals are subject to import restrictions. Everything else on duty-free allowances and prohibited goods can be found under Customs Regulations.

For the journey home: natural products such as the coco de mer may only be taken out with official labelling and an export permit. Leave shells, corals and sand on the beach.

If you leave half of the clothes you planned to take at home, you are usually about right. Laundry can be done on the spot, and for daily life swimming things, a few airy tops and one outfit for the evening are enough. That leaves room for souvenirs.

Flights between the islands often have tighter baggage limits than long-haul flights. Check the airline’s conditions before booking, see Domestic Flights. The ferry is described under Cat Cocos Ferry. A task list for all your travel preparations is offered by the Travel Checklist.

No, but a Travel Authorization through the electronic border system is compulsory before you travel. All the details are in the note above.

You need an adaptor for type G sockets, with a supply of 240 volts and 50 hertz. British plugs fit directly.

Choose a sun protection factor of at least 30 with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Do not rely on a "reef-safe" label alone.

For men, long trousers and proper footwear are required for dinner and when visiting hotels or casinos. Otherwise the dress code is relaxed.

According to reports, prior permission from the Civil Aviation Authority is needed. Check this with the authorities before you travel, otherwise you risk confiscation or a fine.

Back to customs regulations or vaccinations for the Seychelles.