Seychelles Country Report
Overview
Executive Summary
Operational Outlook
The country is gradually reopening after restrictions imposed over the COVID-19 virus outbreak were eased in May 2020, with some commercial flights due to resume operations in June, although ports will remain closed to cruise ships until 2021. Seychelles has an open economic system actively seeking international capital to invest in its tourism, fisheries, offshore finance, and hydrocarbons sectors. The country remains dependent on foreign investment for sustained growth and minimises operational obstacles to promote investment diversity. Bureaucracy 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
Seychelles is probably one of the most secure countries in Africa and conflict and terrorism risks are low. Somali pirates pushing out across the Indian Ocean present a low risk to Seychellois fishing lanes and tourism, as they no longer have the capacity to operate so far east. In 2010, in the last reported incident, 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.
Crime
The islands have experienced an increase in petty property crime and burglaries, which mirror the rise in unemployment. However, the islands are generally safe, and most visits are trouble free. Petty crime most often occurs in the back streets of the capital Victoria at night. Tourists are likely targets and should avoid travelling alone in isolated locations, particularly beaches. The Seychelles Police Department is organised in a centralised command structure, directly answerable to the country's president and divided into seven specialised divisions, but operates on a relatively small budget and response times may be slow. Many tourist resorts consequently employ private security.
War Risks
There are no disputes with regional neighbours likely to lead to armed conflict. The government's military strategy relies mainly on maritime co-operation with the EU, the US, and international bodies to counter terrorism and maritime piracy threats. Seychelles’ parliament has still to ratify an agreement with India to operate a joint naval facility on Assumption Island, following opposition lawmakers' criticism that it would undermine the country's sovereignty. The threat of military mutinies and armed coups in Seychelles 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 rare in Seychelles; however, peaceful demonstrations are likely in the run-up to December 2020's presidential election. Any opposition-led protests over the proposed joint naval base with India on Assumption Island are unlikely to turn violent. Local workers are likely to hold protests over imported labour.