Everything you need to know before travelling to the Seychelles
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located east of the African mainland. The island group consists of more than 115 islands, over two-thirds of which are uninhabited. The Seychelles is known as a tropical paradise, with beautiful beaches, blue water and unique granite rock formations. It is an amazing destination for ending a journey through Africa or enjoying an unforgettable honeymoon.
How do you get to the Seychelles?
The Seychelles is easiest to reach by plane. Several flights depart from Europe for the main island of Mahé, although you will often need to make a connection. The Seychelles is also easy to combine with another country in Africa, such as South Africa. A direct flight from Johannesburg to Mahé takes approximately five hours, although routes and schedules can change.
Do you need a visa for the Seychelles?
Dutch passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Seychelles. A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival, provided you have a valid passport, confirmed accommodation, a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay. Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your visit. You do, however, need to apply for a Travel Authorisation before travelling to the Seychelles. This must be completed through the official Seychelles Electronic Border System. You can submit the application from 30 days before your arrival date. It is a good idea not to leave the application until the final moment, especially if you still need to collect accommodation confirmations and flight details.
What is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
The Seychelles can be visited throughout the year, but April, May, October and November are often considered particularly pleasant months. The islands are influenced by two seasonal trade-wind periods, and these months fall around the calmer transition periods. The weather is generally warm throughout the year, although rainfall, wind and sea conditions can vary between islands and seasons. The best period for your trip therefore also depends on whether you mainly want to relax on the beach, go snorkelling, dive or travel between several islands.
Where should you stay in the Seychelles?
Because the Seychelles consists of many islands, it is the perfect destination for island hopping. The three islands most commonly combined are Mahé, where the international airport is located, Praslin and La Digue. All three are beautiful islands with plenty to see and do. Of course, you can also add one or more smaller islands to your itinerary. On Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, you will find beautiful luxury resorts, but there are also smaller hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments available.
How many days do you need in the Seychelles?
How many days you need mainly depends on how many islands you would like to visit.
In general, we recommend allowing around three to four days per island if you want to explore beyond your hotel and beaches. The Seychelles is also a wonderful destination for a relaxing beach holiday. If you are mainly looking for a beautiful resort with a lovely swimming pool, you can easily spend longer on one island. Mahé and Praslin are both relatively large, meaning there is more to see and do. La Digue is much smaller, and two to three full days will generally give you enough time to explore its main beaches and attractions.
Most travellers spend around one to two weeks in the Seychelles.
Travelling between the islands in the Seychelles
From Mahé, you can travel to Praslin and La Digue by ferry. The journey from Mahé to Praslin takes around 75 minutes. From Praslin, the ferry to La Digue takes approximately 15 minutes. Direct journeys from Mahé to La Digue usually include a short stop at Praslin.
Several departures operate on many days, but the exact timetable changes throughout the year.
Because the Seychelles is a popular destination, we recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance. Popular departures can sell out, particularly during busy travel periods.
You can find more information about the current ferry schedules, prices and routes here.
It is also possible to fly from Mahé to Praslin in a small aircraft. This is usually more expensive than travelling by ferry, but the flight is much quicker and generally takes only around 15 to 20 minutes.
Getting around the islands
Mahé and Praslin are larger islands, and we strongly recommend renting a car if you want to explore them independently. Taxis can be expensive, so having your own car may save you a considerable amount of money. We recommend reserving your rental car in advance, particularly during popular travel periods when availability may become limited. It is useful to know that people drive on the left-hand side of the road in the Seychelles. A valid foreign driving licence is generally accepted for visitors, but rental-company rules can differ. Check the conditions of your chosen rental company before travelling, particularly if your licence is not written in English or French.
La Digue is largely car-free for tourists. We recommend renting a bicycle, for example through your accommodation, to travel around the island. La Digue is small enough to explore by bicycle but just a little too large to see everything comfortably on foot.
Are the Seychelles expensive?
In general, the Seychelles is an expensive destination. One reason is that many products need to be imported, which can make food, drinks and other everyday items considerably more expensive. Of course, you still have some control over your total travel costs. There are plenty of large, luxurious and therefore expensive resorts, but you can also choose a smaller boutique hotel, guesthouse or self-catering apartment. Large hotel restaurants are often more expensive, but you can also find delicious meals at local restaurants, takeaway shops and small supermarkets. Choosing accommodation with a kitchen can also help you save money, especially when staying on the islands for more than a few days.
