Seychelles Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Seychelles continues normally overall, but recent disruption to Middle East aviation has affected some international connections to the islands. Travellers should check individual flights, particularly itineraries connecting through Gulf hubs.

Ordinary tourism continues

Seychelles remains open to international visitors and there is no significant nationwide shutdown affecting tourism or entry.

Middle East flight disruption

Recent regional conflict and airspace disruption in the Middle East have affected some airline connections to Seychelles. Travellers connecting through Gulf hubs should check both their inbound and connecting flights.

International flights continue

Seychelles remains connected to international markets. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, has maintained daily services during the recent geopolitical aviation disruption.

Seychelles International Airport

The country’s principal international airport on Mahé remains operational and continues to handle international passenger services.

Travel Authorisation required

Seychelles does not normally require visitors to obtain a conventional tourist visa, but all travellers must obtain a Travel Authorisation before travelling.

Apply before departure

The Travel Authorisation can be requested online before travel. Travellers must provide information including their accommodation and return or onward journey.

Praslin and La Digue

The U.S. advises increased caution on Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands because medical facilities are limited compared with Mahé.

Medical evacuation

Serious illness or injury on smaller islands may require transport to Mahé or evacuation abroad. Appropriate travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Inter-island travel

Domestic flights and ferries connect Mahé with Praslin and other islands. Sea conditions can occasionally affect ferry schedules.

Yellow fever

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for travellers arriving from or recently visiting a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Crime

Seychelles is generally considered safe for travellers. Petty theft can occur, so normal precautions should be taken with valuables, particularly at beaches and tourist locations.

Swimming and ocean conditions

Strong currents and rough seas can occur around some beaches. Follow local warnings and avoid swimming when conditions are unsafe.

Regional aviation disruption

Recent Middle East geopolitical disruption has affected air connectivity between Gulf hubs and Indian Ocean destinations, including Seychelles.

Some airlines reduced services

The Seychelles government reported in September that several airlines had reduced or suspended operations during recent geopolitical disruptions.

Ethiopian Airlines maintained daily flights

Ethiopian Airlines continued daily Seychelles services during the disruption and deployed larger aircraft in response to increased passenger demand.

Airport remains operational

Seychelles International Airport remains open and continues to handle international passenger flights.

Canada maintains normal precautions

Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 continues to recommend normal security precautions in Seychelles.

U.S. Level 1

The U.S. State Department continues to classify Seychelles overall as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, with Level 2 applying specifically to Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands because of limited medical infrastructure.

Check your individual flight shortly before departure, particularly if your itinerary connects through the Middle East.

Obtain the required Seychelles Travel Authorisation before travelling.

Confirm your accommodation and return or onward travel arrangements.

Check whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required based on your recent travel history.

If travelling to Praslin, La Digue or more remote islands, make sure your insurance covers emergency medical transport or evacuation.

Check ferry and domestic flight schedules separately when travelling between islands.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.