The Seychelles are a relatively young country with a rich history, having been in existence as the autonomous Republic of Seychelles since 1975. They gained independence in 1976 as part of the British Commonwealth.

The islands were originally uninhabited, visited only by Arab traders. Discovered by the Portuguese for Europe in the 16th century, they were a refuge for European pirates from the late 17th to the early 18th century. In the mid-18th century, the archipelago was annexed by France. The islands were named after the French finance minister Jean Moreau de Seychelles. From 1794, the Seychelles were under British occupation. In 1903 they became a separate British colony with a governor. The abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833 resulted in an influx of Indian people. In the early 20th century, Arabs from Mauritius began to arrive. The English language and the influence of English culture remained dominant in the islands.

In 1964, the first political parties were formed, and today power is held by a party Linyon Democratic Seychellois.

The executive power is exercised by a president elected for 5 years and the legislative power is exercised by a parliament called the National Assembly, also elected for 5 years.

The Seychelles are a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1 600 km off the coast of Africa, north-east of Madagascar. They are islands of volcanic and coral origin and are divided into inner islands, among which islands of granite origin predominate, and outer islands of coral origin.

Inner islands include Mahe, with an area of 144 km2, with its capital city Victoria where there is an international airport, the island is inhabited by approximately 80% of the population. The second largest island is Praslin with an area of 38.5 km2 with a population of around 6,500, known for its beautiful nature including the Valee De Mai National Park and a beach considered the most beautiful in the world Anse Lazzio. The third largest island Silhouette with an area of 20 square kilometres is inhabited by just 135 people, nature is preserved there in a relatively unchanged state and the island is home to the greatest wealth of wildlife in the Indian Ocean.

Another of the inner islands, La Digue, with an area of 10 km2 and a population of around 2 500, is characterised by beautiful white beaches surrounded by coral reefs and is considered one of the cleanest islands. We cannot, of course, overlook the island of Curieuse which, together with the surrounding waters, is the Seychelles' second largest marine national park, home to a population of giant tortoises.

The outer islands are located between 230 and 1150 km from the main island of the Seychelles, Mahe. They are divided into five groups: the Southern Coral Islands, Amirante, Alphonse, Aldabra, and Falkuhar, together they cover an area of 211.3 km2 or 46% of the country and are inhabited by only 2% of the population.

The Seychelles are located in an equatorial climate zone, with average monthly air temperatures of 26-28°C.

In January, February, and March, there is a north-easterly passat wind, temperatures are high and humidity remains high. Rainfall is intense but usually short-lived. In April the high temperatures continue but with less rainfall.

From May to September a south-easterly passat blows in the Seychelles, this is basically the dry season, there is rainfall but at relatively low levels, so it is still warm and humid.

In October the temperatures drop minimally, but with the north-westerly passat blowing in early November and December the temperatures and rainfall and therefore humidity increase.

Very importantly, cyclones do not reach the Seychelles, making it a safe and basically year-round sailing area.

In the Seychelles, the Seychelles Rupee ( SCR or SR for short) is the currency of choice. US dollars and Euroes can be exchanged without any problem at numerous exchange points. The average selling rate for the Euro is 14,8 SRC and for the US dollar it is 13,6 SRC.

The time difference from Central European Time is 2 hours ahead, meaning a European 8am is already 10am in the Seychelles.

The international airport is located on the eastside of the island of Mahe, with connections to most destinations around the world available there. Emirates flights with a connecting flight in Dubai are considered very popular and comfortable. A flight from central Europe takes an average of 5.5 hours to Dubai, and from Dubai to Seychelles about 4.5 hours.

There is a local airport on the island of Praslin where Air Seychelles offers flights from Mahe to the islands of Praslin, Fregate, Desroches, Bird, and Denis.

On Mahe and Praslin you can rent a car, there are taxis and city buses. On La Digue you can rent a taxi but the main mode of transport are bicycles, which can be rented at every turn and is a great way to explore the island.

Driving is on the left. A valid EU or international driving licence is required.

Ferries run only during the day in the morning and afternoon, between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.

For details, see https://seychelles.govtas.com

You can apply for an entry permit online at the website listed above. There you will find all the up-to-date information on the documents needed to apply and information on the permit process.

Up-to-date information on required or recommended vaccinations can be found here https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/194/seychelles

It is advisable to purchase international health insurance before departure.

If you want to charge your phone and use your own hairdryer 😊 Sockets in the Seychelles come in the UK version (two elongated horizontal holes and one elongated vertical hole) and might require adaptors.