Consulate of Seychelles: Information for the Travellers

Application should be made to the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) prior to arrival to obtain permission and information on landing, runways and relevant formalities.

LANGUAGE
Seychelles has three official languages - English, French and Creole.

POPULATION and PEOPLE
The population of the Seychelles is about 84,000 (2009)
with and estimated annual growth of 1%.
About 90% of the population of the country resides on Mahe.
Most of the people are of fixed ancestry, which originate from
French settlers, African plantation workers, British sailors,
traders from India, China and the Middle East.

RELIGION
Over 90% of the Seychelles population is Roman Catholic, with Anglican
and other Protestant churches on Mahe and Praslin existing in harmony alongside
small Muslim, Hindu and Baha'i communities.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Seychelles has a stable time throughout the year. During the winter season in Greece it has the same time and during the summer season it is 1 hour ahead of Greece. Also, the Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British summer time and 2 hours ahead of European summer time.

CLIMATE
Seychelles is blessed with almost perfect year round weather with temperatures ranging between 24 and 32 centigrade.
The year is divided between the northwest trade winds (December-March), when it is generally hot and humid, and those of the southeast trade winds (May-September), when it is drier and cooler. The period between the trades (March/April/May and October/November) is normally calm and relatively windless.
The Seychelles is located in the equatorial belt and is therefore characterized by a generally warm and humid climate throughout the year. However, the weather is influenced by two main trade winds.
South East trade winds: June to September - the weather is usually windy with the possibility of scattered showers - nice and cool.
North West trade winds: End of November to February - characterized by tropical showers with high temperatures.
Intermediate Season: March to May and October to November - dry with high temperatures.

Month	Temperature Day - Night	Predominant Wind Direction	Daily Hours of Sunlight	Humidity	No. of Rainy Days
JAN	30 - 24 °C	NW	5	82%	12
FEB	30 - 25 °C	NW	6	80%	15
ΜΑR	30 - 25 °C	NW	7	79%	15
APR	31 - 25 °C	SW - NW	8	80%	14
ΜΑY	30 - 25 °C	SE	8	79%	14
JUN	30 - 25 °C	SE	8	79%	12
JUL	28 - 24°C	SE	7	80%	12
AUG	28 - 24°C	SE	7	79%	11
SEP	29 - 24°C	SE	8	79%	12
ΟCΤ	29 - 24°C	SE	7	80%	13
ΝΟV	30 - 24°C	SW - NW	7	80%	17
DEC	30 - 24°C	NW	5	82%	19

HEALTH MATTERS
Seychelles enjoys a healthy climate with none of the tropical diseases found on the African Continent and is recognized as being one of the best medically equipped country in the African region.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age who come from or who have passed through a partly or wholly infected area within the preceding 6 days. The continents considered as infected areas are South America and Africa (excluding South Africa). There is NO risk of contracting malaria or yellow fever in Seychelles. Health clinics exist on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and there are dispensaries on each of the islands offering accommodation.

EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Exchanging Foreign Currency into Seychelles Rupees must ONLY be done at banks, authorized money dealers at the Seychelles International Airport or at the hotel's cashier.
Be warned. It is a criminal offence to change money with any person or business other than those authorized and mentioned above. If you require Rupees, it is advisable to exchange only what you need on a daily basis. To re-exchange Seychelles Rupees into foreign currency on your departure, you MUST produce the official receipt from your initial authorized dealer to the bank.

SHOPPING
Shops are open 09h00 to 16h00 during weekdays and from 08h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays. Most shops in Victoria are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

CREDIT CARDS
Major Credit Cards such as Diners club, Visa, Euro card, and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. For American Express cardholders, please liaise with your representative.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (Sr)
The Seychelles accepts all major currencies.
Traveler's cheques are acceptable by all the banks.

TAX
Restaurants and Hotel bills include a tax of 12%.

HOURS OF BUSINESS
Office hours are between 08h00 and 16h00.
Most retail outlets outside of the capital remain open until 19h00.

SAFETY & VALUABLES
Seychelles is a safe destination but it is advisable to be cautious. To avoid attracting unwelcome attention, you are advised not to flaunt large sums of money or other high value items. Rather make use of your room's or the hotel' s safes.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Seychelles has an efficient telecommunications service with direct dialing to most countries. Mobile phones (GSM) and Internet facilities are also available.