Seychelles

Driving permit

You can drive in the Seychelles with either:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence; or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

The minimum driving age is 18 years old.

Road travel

Driving in the Seychelles is only practical on the islands of Mahé and Praslin.

Roads on both islands are mountainous, narrow and winding.

Roads are often bordered by sheer drops and have sharp bends. Safety barriers are rare.

Drink-driving is a problem in the Seychelles. Some road users behave erratically. 

You are 3 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in the Seychelles than in Australia.

To protect yourself while driving:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices before driving
• be aware of potential dangers on the roads
• avoid remote roads, particularly at night
• don’t drink and drive

Check your insurance cover before setting out.

More information:

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover you for accidents that happen on these vehicles.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.

Taxis aren’t metered.

Research what taxi fares to expect on trips. Agree the fare with the driver before you leave.

Public transport

Buses on Mahé operate from early morning to early evening. Services are limited on some routes.

More information:

Boat travel

Due to COVID-19, boat, pleasure craft and yacht excursions and activities are currently banned.

Boat travel may be dangerous.

Boats can be overloaded. They can lack necessary lifesaving gear.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don’t.

Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Attacks have occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles (1852km) from the coast of Somalia.

There have also been attacks in the Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Sailing boats are particularly exposed.

Read the piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.

Avoid travelling by yacht or leisure craft more than 12 nautical miles (22km) from the shore. This includes activities within Seychelles’ EEZ beyond 12 nautical miles (22km) of the inner granitic islands.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Seychelles’ air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government