Health and Safety

Free of malaria, venomous snakes and spiders, and other nasties, the worst you're likely to deal with in Seychelles is a sunburn. The public health system in Seychelles is good by African standards, and small clinics with nurses available are dotted around Mahé. Tourists are advised to go to the hospital in Victoria for anything serious. The hospital's pharmacy can also dispense prescriptions, though it's best to bring any needed prescription medications with you. Praslin also has a small hospital at Bay St. Anne, and a clinic at Grand Anse. There’s a small hospital on La Digue. There are only two decompression chambers in Seychelles, one at the Mahé hospital, and the other on Silhouette Island. Other than Silhouette, the outlying islands have little in the way of medical resources. Tap water on the main islands is safe to drink, but most people stick to bottled water or water treated by the resort. Food is well prepared and clean, though sometimes the Creole spices can affect sensitive stomachs. Most important for those traveling from a yellow-fever country—that is, much of Africa—you absolutely must have proof of vaccination before entering Seychelles. Health insurance with an evacuation policy is advised, as should anything serious happen, you'd want to be evacuated to South Africa or beyond.

Generally speaking, Seychelles is a safe place. However, most hotels provide a safe in your room or at reception, and it's wise to use it. When out and about, use common sense: don't leave valuables visible in a car in remote or quiet places, and if you go hiking alone or in just a pair, be alert to strangers. That said, violent crime is practically unheard of.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Fire, Police, Ambulance. 999.