Seychelles

Seychelleshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/seychellesSeychelleshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-health-risks-and-natural-hazardsCan you drink the tap water in Seychelles? Here are our top tips to keep you healthy and happy on your vacation.2018-01-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-health-risks-and-natural-hazardshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>There are a few health hazards to be aware of before your trip to Seychelles. Insects and staying sun-safe are just two important things to be prepared for.</p> <p>Applying sunscreen is crucial, as the sun's rays are intense here – the islands are close to the equator – and can cause serious sunburn burn.</p> <p>Pack <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first" target="_blank" title="Sunblock or Insect Repellent? Which Goes First">insect repellent</a> in your luggage, particularly because it's expensive in the country, and if you purchase it from home at least you know and trust the brand you usually use.</p> <h2>Health Risks in Seychelles</h2> <p>There are some nasty insect-borne diseases affecting the island, such as <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/chikungunya" target="_blank" title="Health Tips for Chikungunya">chikungunya</a>, which causes ailments resembling flu-like joint pain. The virus can cause death, and symptoms can last for months. Other illness possible in Seychelles are leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated water.</p> <p>Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch), can infect ocean swimmers. While there is no presence of Yellow Fever in Seychelles, but you will be required to have proof of vaccination should you enter the country after visiting another country where Yellow Fever is present.</p> <p>Other bugs to look out for will just be a bit scary, but not very dangerous. Palm spiders are visible by their huge nests, and ants, sand fleas and roaches also hang out on the islands. One recent traveler described "Harry Potter-sized arachnids" clinging from electricity wires at Beau Vallon in the area of Mahe.</p> <h2>Strong Currents and Waves</h2> <p>There are dangers lurking in the waters surrounding Seychelles. Strong currents strike beaches due to seasonal changes, particularly on Beau Vallon beach, and drowning occurs on occasion. Lazio Beach on Praslin is subject to large, unpredictable waves – travelers report seeing swimmers getting sandwiched between rocks during rough surf at this beach.</p> <p>Part of the issue is the monsoons that occur off the coast of Seychelles, which is affected both by the southeast area monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from November to March. Some beaches that are okay during one season are not okay during the other.</p> <h2>Tap Water in Seychelles</h2> <p>Drink tap water with caution in Seychelles, especially in the very undeveloped sections. Be on the safe side and only drink purified or boiled water (try to avoid purchasing bottled water). Also avoid opening your mouth and ingesting water from ponds, lakes and rivers.</p> <p>If something happens to you on your trip, the 24-hour emergency number is 999. Be aware that hospitals in Seychelles, especially the very remote islands, are quite limited. There is only one government hospital. Medication also costs a lot if obtained from a chemist, so you might want to bring your own if you fear you'll fall ill.</p> <h2>Stay Safe Outdoors in Seychelles</h2> <p>Don't swim alone at remote beaches or at night and take caution when swimming or snorkeling. Be careful of injuring your feet or other exposed areas on coral rocks. Also, going topless is illegal on most beaches.</p> <p>If venturing into the rugged areas of Seychelles for outdoor activities or driving, take special precautions.</p> <p>The mountainous area of Mahe has narrow and winding roads with little protection. Sharp turns and steep drop-offs are common.</p> <p>Don't travel on rural, isolated roads at night. If you rent a car, get in writing that no damages to the vehicle occurred while you had it in your possession. Also avoid damaging any natural resources or land while in Seychelles, as it can incur severe penalties.</p> <p>If you don't want to bother driving, your remaining methods of transport are buses, organized shuttles or taxis. Buses don't cost much, but they don't run often in certain areas either, so try to obtain schedules if there are ones to avoid getting stranded. Like in other island nations, the custom when taking a taxi is to set a price with the driver beforehand.</p>Tommaso Nervegna on Unsplash 1UTP7ob5Kz9U Unsplash Praslin, Seychelles

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-expenses-and-customsOur safety expert shares the essential things you need to know about immigration and money in the Seychelles.2018-01-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-expenses-and-customshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands located offshore of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/empowering-entrepreneurs-in-tanzania" target="_blank" title="How Adventure Travel Companies Are Supporting Tanzanian Start-ups">Tanzania</a>, and north of <a href="/travel-safety/africa/madagascar/madagascar-crime-tips" target="_blank" title="Crime in Madagascar: What You Need to Know">Madagascar</a> in the Indian Ocean. Before you assume these islands are super laid back, there are a few things to know. </p> <p>While immigration is strict in Seychelles. You can't just visit this island nation off the cuff to become a beach bum with no plans of where you're staying and plan to wonder around where you wish. </p> <h2>Entry and Exit in the Seychelles</h2> <p>To be able to clear immigration at the airport, you should have following ready to show:</p> <ul> <li>A passport with at least 6 months validity from date of departure from the Seychelles</li> <li>Your return flight ticket</li> <li>Confirmation and proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay</li> <li>Proof of sufficient funds </li> </ul> <p>Visas are not required for stays up to 30 days for travelers from over 100 countries. Duration of stay in the Seychelles can be increased in 3 month blocks by applying to the Department of Immigration.</p> <p>In addition to documentation forms, Seychelles immigration officials will carefully monitor what you bring into the country. What can you carry onto islands? Most personal items are allowed, as are 250g tobacco, 1 litre wine and 125 ml perfume. Drugs, including narcotics, and weapons of any kind are not allowed.</p> <h2>Costs and Currency in the Seychelles</h2> <p>Money might also present an interesting issue in Seychelles. The main bank is Barclays, and while ATMs are plentiful, many bank cards from other countries will not work on the islands. You will get only Seychelles rupees if you withdraw cash from such machines. Also, you might get hit with serious bank fees. </p> <p>Oddly enough, the rupees you will get from ATMs are somewhat useless. You can use them in certain shops and restaurants or for transport by bus or taxi, but not for much else. It is the law in the Seychelles that tourists pay for hotels -- including meals and drinks had there -- with cash in the form of major foreign currency or credit card. </p> <p>Many activities and attractions, car rental companies and car services also fall under this rule. The Euro is the most widely-accepted foreign currency, and you will see prices listed in both Euros and US dollars. Also, you can bargain down prices if you use euros in certain places, like small hotels. The United States Dollar is also acceptable, but not as favoured as the Euro.</p> <p>If exchanging currencies, do it at a bank, authorised money dealers, or with your hotel cashier. It is a criminal offence to change money with any person or business other than those authorised to do so and who are mentioned above.</p> <p>Now that the cash thing's sorted, know this: the Seychelles can be expensive. You will probably spend no less than $100 a day while there, and that's only if you stay in cheap accommodations. A mid-range hotel is closer to $150 and resorts are $250 or more. Meals out are usually more than $20 per person, but guesthouses often offer breakfast and lunch included in the price. Eating wise, you can save money if you don't stick to your hotel.</p> <p>There are some reports that shops, restaurants and bars will charge foreigners more money than locals. Remember that you can bargain if you use euros, so you might be able to cut a deal every once in a while. Excursions and activities cost a lot, too, so plan your daily outings accordingly.</p>Getty Images/Sergio Canobbio 1945462416 Getty Images Anse Lazio on Praslin Island in the Seychelles

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-pirates-and-crimeThe Seychelles attracts some wealthy visitors who travel by boat, making it a prime target for pirates. Here's how you can avoid criminals in the waters surrounding the Seychelles.2019-09-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-pirates-and-crimehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>If you view pirates as the type characterized by Johnny Depp and friends in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em>, you'll need a reality check before you go to <a href="/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-health-risks-and-natural-hazards" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Healthy in the Seychelles">Seychelles</a>.</p> <p>In African waters, pirates are an all too real threat, but you can avoid them.</p> <p>Here's what you need to know about the realities of crime and pirates operating in the water surrounding <a href="/travel-safety/africa/seychelles/seychelles-expenses-and-customs" target="_blank" title="Visas and Money in The Seychelles: What You Need to Know">Seychelles</a>.</p> <h2>Piracy threat in Seychelles</h2> <p>Somali pirates roam the waters here, primarily in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Attacks have taken place about 1,000 nautical miles off the Somali coast and mostly target tankers and dry bulkers, <a href="https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/luxury-yacht-advice/things-yacht-owners-need-to-know-about-piracy--28281" target="_blank" title="7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PIRACY RIGHT NOW">from which pirates make tens of millions of dollars</a>.</p> <p>However, attacks have also occurred nearer to the southern islands by the African east coast and have included private yachts. Yachts and other pleasure boats, therefore, are limited to 12 nautical miles offshore in the Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.</p> <p>In January 201,  a German cargo ship and its crew were seized. Crew members of the vessel, who hid from the pirates, said a distress signal went unanswered for two-and-a-half days.</p> <p>Another thwarted attack occurred in March 2011, when a fishing vessel only 260 nautical miles off the northwest coast of the islands reported a whaler and a skiff advancing with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. The whaler scared off the pirates, who were later caught and arrested.</p> <p>In 2015 the country's Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange said piracy should no longer be a concern for superyachts looking to visit Seychelles. Private yachts and luxury yacht charters started returning to the Seychelles with armed guards to protect them from any potential threats in the archipelago.</p> <p>But, if you're not a millionaire, chances are you're not onboard a superyacht or a luxury cruise ship. Maybe you're planning to charter the islands in a smaller boat, with far fewer funds available to pay for the security required? The best advice is to avoid traveling by boat more than 12 nautical miles from the shore.</p> <p>In 2016, NATO announced the end of Operation Ocean Shield, a counter-piracy initiative. The program ended due to the lack of any successful attack since May 2012. Two unsuccessful attacks were registered in 2014. However, if you stay out of the high seas, you're unlikely to befall serious crime while on your trip to Seychelles. </p> <h2>Personal safety tips while in the Seychelles</h2> <p>While crimes against tourists in general on the islands are nominal, the country's small population should be taken into account when considering this statistic. Concerned men and women can take certain precautions to be on the safe side, such as traveling in groups and not walking alone in isolated areas at night.</p> <ul> <li>As with many tourist destinations, there is petty crime like pickpocketing and theft in Seychelles. If your hotel room doesn't have a safe, the reception will store valuables in its vault for you. Keep passports and other documents with you.</li> <li>Lock hotel room doors and windows whether you're there or not, and don't leave belongings on the beach or in parked cars</li> <li>Be careful in isolated parts of Beau Vallon and alleyways and remote roads in Victoria at night</li> <li>You may see pirated goods for sale, but do not buy them, as you could face penalties both in Seychelles and your home country</li> <li>You might see political rallies and street protests in Seychelles, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest" target="_blank" title="How to stay safe during civil unrest">and you should stay away from crowds to avoid trouble</a></li> <li>Homosexuality is against the law in Seychelles, so this is not the ideal place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities to show affection. If you keep public displays of affection to a minimum, you should have no problems traveling with your partner.</li> </ul>Getty Images/Slavisa JEFTIC / 500px 11142076157 Getty Images View of the Seychelles from a boat