General Information
 

Capital: Victoria
Time: : GMT + 4
Tel. Code: 00 248
Official Language: The official language is Seselwa; Creole, English and French are also spoken.
Currency: : Seychelles Rupee (SRe: singular; SRs: plural) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SRs100, 50, 25 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SRs5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 5 cents. A number of gold and silver coins are also minted (with face values as high as SRs1500), but these are not in general circulation.
Electricity: : 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British three-pin plugs are in use.
Religion: : 92 per cent Roman Catholic with Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha’i and other minorities.

Climate: : The islands lie outside the cyclone belt but receive monsoon rains from November to February with the northwest trade winds. This hot and humid season gives way to a period of cooler weather, though the temperature rarely falls below 23°C, and rougher seas when the trade winds blow from the southeast (May to September).
Required clothing: : Tropical lightweights, with rainwear advisable during the rainy season. Sun hats and sunglasses essential all year round.

Airports
Mahé Island (SEZ) (Seychelles International) is 10km (6 miles) southeast from Victoria (travel time - 20 minutes).

Departure tax: US$40 or equivalent, payable in foreign currency or by credit card (local currency is not accepted). Children under 12 years of age are exempt.

Internal Travel
Air, Sea and Road are the modes of transportation used within Seychelles.

Passport:
Passport valid for six months from date of arrival in the Seychelles.

Visas :
Visa not required by any nationality as long as they have:

• Onward or return ticket (if not, onward or return ticket must be purchased on arrival);
  Proof of sufficient funds (minimum US$150 per day) and organised accommodation for the duration of the stay.

A visitor’s permit, valid for up to one month, is issued on arrival, subject to possession of (a) and (b) as above; alternatively, a deposit may be made by ‘security’ bond in lieu. The permit may be renewed, provided the applicant holds a valid open return ticket and applies at least one week before the permit's expiry. For further information, contact the nearest Seychelles Tourist Office.