Seychelles Country Report
Overview
Executive Summary
The People's Party (Parti Lepep: PL) of President Danny Faure remains the dominant political force in Seychelles, despite losing the September 2016 parliamentary elections to the Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa: LDS). The opposition also presented its most successful challenge to the PL incumbent in the presidential election in December 2015. Oil exploration is ongoing, although the country lacks a tested legislative or regulatory framework should deposits be commercially viable. Like Mauritius, Seychelles has joined the Indian Ocean Trilateral Maritime Security Group. Piracy incidents are falling in Seychelles' waters due to anti-piracy efforts, including the prosecutions of offenders in Seychelles' courts.
Operational Outlook
Seychelles has an open economic system and actively seeks international capital to invest in its tourism sector after its traditional agricultural sector declined. The archipelago remains highly dependent on foreign investment for sustained growth and has tried to minimise operational obstacles to promote investment diversity. Infrastructure is adequate, though not advanced, and labour is highly educated for the region. Bureaucracy and corruption are not major difficulties and labour unrest risks are low, although the long tenure of the ruling party has given rise to low levels of cronyism and patronage.
Terrorism
Somali pirates pushing out across the Indian Ocean – trying to circumvent security measures employed in the Gulf of Aden – present a low risk to Seychellois fishing lanes and tourism. This has fallen since 2013, as Somali pirates no longer have the capacity to operate so far east. In 2010, six Seychellois were captured by pirates southeast of the island of Mahe, but the government has since implemented a military strategy with EU and US support, and improved its legal framework dealing with piracy offenders. Attacks declined from 236 in 2011 to two unsuccessful attacks in 2014.
War Risks
There are no active disputes with regional neighbours likely to lead to armed conflict. The government's military strategy, supplemented mainly by co-operation with the EU and US, is bolstered by a legal framework dealing with offenders. The country is manoeuvring itself into becoming a valuable ally in the fight against piracy, receiving military and economic assistance from the US and EU. In February 2015, the EU's naval force offered counter-piracy training to Seychelles' marine police patrol unit. The threat of military mutinies and armed coups has receded since the adoption of multiparty democracy in 1992.
Social Stability
Social unrest is likely to remain uncommon in Seychelles; however, demonstrations lasting less than a day are likely in the run-up to elections. Although industrial action is becoming more likely in the public sector and on Mahe, strikes are very unlikely to turn violent. As the government has been forced to cut social spending, the probability of protests has increased, though these are unlikely to turn violent.
Health Risk
Vaccinations required to enter the country
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers over one year of age arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (YFV) transmission and for travelers who have been in transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.
Routine Vaccinations
Hepatitis A: A vaccine is available for anyone over one year of age. The vaccine may not be effective for certain people, e.g. those born before 1945 and who lived as a child in a developing country and/or have a past history of jaundice (icterus). These people can instead get a shot of immune globulin (IG) to boost their immunity against the disease.
Hepatitis B: A vaccine is available for children at least two months old.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio: A booster shot should be administered if necessary (once every ten years).
Other Vaccinations
Typhoid Fever: If your travels take you to regions with poor sanitary conditions (for children two years old and up).
Practical Information
Climate
Seychelles enjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round and is spared from cyclones. From October until March northwesterly trade winds bring heat (32°C) and humidity. The months of December and January are relatively rainy. The rest of the year temperatures are lower (24°C) and southeasterly winds regularly pass over the islands.
Useful Numbers
| Country Code: | +248 |
| Police: | 999 |
| Fire Dept.: | 999 |
| Ambulance: | 999 |
Electricity
Voltage: 240 V ~ 50 Hz
Outlets:
