Seychelles Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Sometimes |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
| Typhoid | Sometimes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Malaria | No |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, including in some cases travellers who have transited through such countries. Requirements should be checked before travel, particularly where the itinerary includes mainland Africa.
Health Care
Healthcare facilities in Seychelles are concentrated on Mahé, where Seychelles Hospital in Victoria is the country's main public hospital and provides emergency and specialist care. Smaller hospitals and health centres operate on Praslin and La Digue, while medical facilities on more remote islands are limited. Serious or complex cases may require evacuation to Mahé or overseas.
Visitors are generally required to pay for medical treatment, and private healthcare can be expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly for travellers visiting remote islands or taking part in activities such as diving.
Pharmacies are available on Mahé and the principal inhabited islands, but travellers who require regular medication should bring an adequate supply in its original packaging together with a copy of their prescription.
Food and Drink
Tap water on Mahé and Praslin is treated and generally safe to drink, although its taste and mineral content may be unfamiliar to visitors. Bottled water is widely available, and travellers staying on smaller islands or where the water supply comes from private tanks or other local sources should check with their accommodation before drinking it.
Food hygiene standards are generally good in established hotels and restaurants. As elsewhere in tropical climates, take care with food that has been left unrefrigerated for long periods and ensure fish, seafood and meat are thoroughly cooked. Wash or peel fresh fruit and vegetables where hygiene is uncertain.
Other Risks
Mosquito-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya occur in Seychelles. There is no malaria risk, but travellers should still take precautions against mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers the skin and using screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible.
Strong sunlight and high temperatures can cause sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Use high-factor sunscreen, wear protective clothing and drink plenty of water, particularly when hiking or spending extended periods on beaches or boats.
Sea conditions can change quickly, and strong currents occur at some beaches, particularly during the southeast monsoon. Not all beaches have lifeguards, so heed local warnings and seek advice before swimming in unfamiliar areas. Coral, sea urchins and other marine life can also cause injuries; protective footwear may be useful when entering rocky or reef areas.
Ciguatera poisoning can occasionally result from eating contaminated reef fish. Avoid eating large predatory reef fish where local advice recommends against them.