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 2016 parliamentary elections to the Seychellois Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa: LDS). However, economic policy has remained largely the same under the LDS, with a focus on increasing tourist numbers by improving port facilities to receive more and larger cruise ships, among other initiatives, in the coming years. As with Mauritius, Seychelles has joined the Indian Ocean 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 actively seeking international capital to invest in its tourism sector, especially after the decline in the traditional agricultural sector. The country 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 very low risk to Seychellois fishing lanes and tourism. The risks have fallen further 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 Mahé, but the government has since implemented a military strategy with EU and US support, and improved its legal framework dealing with piracy offenders. No attacks have been registered in the past year.
War Risks
There are no active disputes with regional neighbours likely to lead to armed conflict. The government's military strategy relies mainly on maritime co-operation with the EU and US to counter terrorism and maritime threats. The country is manoeuvring to become 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.
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:
Social Stability
Social unrest is likely to remain uncommon in Seychelles; however, demonstrations lasting less than a few hours are likely in the run-up to elections, presidential and parliamentary. Although industrial action is becoming more likely in the public sector and on Mahé, strikes are very unlikely to turn violent. As the government has been forced to cut social spending, the probability of protests has increased, although these are unlikely to be violent.