Country Introduction
An archipelago of some 155 granite islands, coral atolls and islets situated in
the Indian Ocean off the East African coast. Gleaming waters, white coral sand beaches
shaded by coconut palms and fringing coral reefs make this a perfect 'get away from
it all' destination. Ideally suited to island hopping, an easy and popular way to
enhance your holiday experience.
Country Information
A TASTE OF THE SEYCHELLES
WHAT TO EXPECT - Not for connoisseurs of sophisticated entertainment and snappy
service. The pace of life is slow and gets slower the smaller the island. Mahe,
the main island, has many hotels and is more commercialised but so far this has
not affected the smaller islands. The islands are wonderfully picturesque with most
hotels providing access to a variety of watersports.
* During the summer months (June-September) the winds and tides change direction
and this can cause a build up of seaweed on some beaches. During this period the
beaches especially those facing south-east may experience some erosion.
FOOD & DRINK - Mahe boasts restaurants serving most international cuisines.
You can choose from Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Indian or French. Alternatively
you can try the local Creole cuisine which blends together a mixture of fruit, fish,
fresh vegetables and spices and is well favoured amongst the islanders. Fish as
you might expect is superb in the Seychelles. Sailfish and Red Snapper are particular
favourites but the range of fish is varied and if you are partial to fish you are
in for a treat.
* A fermented fruit juice made from young coconut is a speciality on the islands.
RELIGION - The Seychelles are predominantly Christian, 88% of the population are
Roman Catholic and 7% of the population are Church of England. The remainder are
Muslims, Hindus or belong to minority religious groups.
LANGUAGE - The official languages are Creole, English and French.
CLIMATE - Due to the annual rainfall of 90 inches, most of which falls during the
months of November, December and January, these granite islands are covered in lush
green vegetation. As the islands lie outside the cyclone belt, high winds and thunder
storms are rare.
* Broadly speaking there are two seasons which are influenced by the trade winds.
The north-east trade winds blow from November to April and this period is hot and
slightly more humid than the remaining months of the year. The south-east trade
winds can make the sea somewhat rough from May to October but the slight drop in
temperature and the cool accompanying winds make a pleasant change.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
1st January - New Years Day * March/April - Good Friday * March/April - Easter
Monday * 1st May - Labour Day * 5th June - Liberation Day * 10th June
- Corpus Christi * 29th June - Independence Day * 15th August - Assumption
Day/La Digue Festival * October - Creole Week * 1st November - All Saints Day
* 8th December - Feast of the Immaculate Conception * 25th December - Christmas
Day
WHILST IN THE SEYCHELLES
SHOPPING - Most visitors like to purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs and gifts.
Basket ware, batik, woodwork and ceramics are among the preferred mementoes. The
coco-de-mer is an unique purchase and the nuts may be in their natural state or
highly polished. Most have hollow centres to avoid problems with excess baggage
and some are halved to make salad or fruit bowls.
* The shops are open Monday to Friday 0800-1700 and Saturdays 0800-1200.
CAR HIRE / TAXIS - To hire a car one must present a valid driving licence and be
over 21. Most cars are hired on third party insurance. For fully comprehensive insurance
an additional fee has to be paid. The islanders drive on the left hand side of the
road.
* Taxis are available from major hotels and the airport. If taxis do not have a
meter, there will usually be a mileage tariff displayed in the car.
CURRENCY - The currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SR). This is
divided into 100 cents. There are no currency restrictions. However, it can be difficult
to reconvert the local currency and so travellers are recommended to take a few
small denomination travellers cheques so that they are not left with large amounts
of foreign currency at the end of their stay.
CREDIT CARDS - AMEX, Visa, are widely used. Diners and MasterCard have more limited
use.
BANKS - All banks are open Monday to Friday from 0830-1430. Some banks provide an
afternoon and Saturday morning service. The banks at Mahe Airport always open for
arrivals and departures of international flights.
TIPPING - The going rate for porters at the airport and at the hotel is 2 Rupees
per piece of luggage. The usual rate for taxis is 10 % of the fare. Otherwise 10%
of the bill is the most appropriate amount to leave, but as always the giving of
gratuities is at the discretion of the individual.
ELECTRICITY - 240 volts AC, 50 cycles. Three pin plugs are available.
* Power cuts: on the smaller islands occasional power cuts occur for short durations.
Whilst we consider such cuts unlikely, if we are made aware of any major cuts that
would affect your holiday we will endeavour to advise you prior to your departure.
TIME - The Seychelles are 4 hours ahead of GMT.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
High Commission for the Republic of the Seychelles Tel 020 7224 1660
2nd Floor, Eros House Fax : 020 7487 5767
111 Baker Street, London W1M 1FE
Seychelles Tourist Office Tel : 020 8741 6086
36 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9EU
Useful Information
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
PASSPORT - Required.
VISA - Visas are not required for British passport holders, a visitor's permit valid
for one month is issued on arrival.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - There are no compulsory vaccinations needed if
you arrive directly from Britain. However, if you arrive from an infected or endemic
area e.g. Kenya or Tanzania you will need to have a valid certificate of vaccination
against yellow fever.
WHAT TO TAKE - Remember to take protection against the sun i.e. sunglasses, sun
block and a sun hat. Insect repellent will also be useful.
WHAT TO WEAR - Lightweight cotton clothing is standard all year round. Dress requirements
are very casual and for the most part T-shirts, shorts, cotton dresses and swimwear
are the order of the day. Some hotels and restaurants may require men to wear long
trousers in the evening. A pair of training or lightweight walking shoes will be
useful if you intended to explore the mountains.
LUGGAGE IF ISLAND HOPPING - Clients continuing on to the islands from Mahe are subject
to luggage allowance restrictions of between 10 and 15 kgs per person, depending
on the route and type of aircraft used. Additional luggage may be carried subject
to the availability of space at the time of flight departure and a surcharge may
be payable. Alternatively it is possible to leave excess luggage at Mahe airport
in secure lockers.
RECOMMENDED READING
Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles a Travel Survival Kit - published by Lonely
Planet.
East Africa Handbook - published by Trade & Travel Handbooks.
History of the Indian Ocean - published by Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Useful Information
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
PASSPORT - Required. Must be valid for 6 months from the date of your return from
Dubai.
VISA - British passport holders do not require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), and therefore Dubai, for stays under 30 days.
FOLLOWING NATIONALITIES GET TOURIST VISA FREE OF CHARGE ON ARRIVAL AT ANY UAE AIRPORT:
A. WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium,
Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece,
Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein
B. OTHER COUNTRIES U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore,
Malaysia, Hong Kong & Korea.
FOLLOWING NATIONALITIES GET TOURIST VISA PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, At Kitts-Navis, Azerbaijan,
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzeg,, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Daghystan, Dominican, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Estonia, French Guinea, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,
Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kargezia, Kazakhstan, Kingston, Kyrghyz Rep., Kyrgyz, Latvia,
Lithuania, Martinique, Mexico, Moldavia, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Palau, Peru,
Poland, Puerto Rico, Rep. of Macedonia, Republic Of Belarus, Romania, Russia, Saint
Lucia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Soviet Union, St Helena, St. Vincent,
Suriname, Tajikistan, The Hellenic Rep, Trinidad, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Yurkey.
ALL OTHER NATIONALITIES NOT MENTIONED ABOVE GET TRANSIT VISA PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - No compulsory vaccinations are needed but you should
consult your doctor or travel clinic about the relevant health requirements before
you travel. Certificates of vaccination for cholera and yellow-fever are mandatory
if travelling from an infected area.
* Whilst malaria is not considered to be a risk in Dubai itself there is some risk
in other parts of the United Arab Emirates and if you intend to travel around you
should take medical advice as to whether you will need protection.
WHAT TO TAKE - It is essential to take some protection against the sun and so sun
block, sunglasses and a sun hat will be particularly useful.
WHAT TO WEAR - Light weight cotton or tropical clothing as well as swimwear and
beach shoes. Smart casual wear is usual although jackets and ties for gentlemen
may be expected in some of the more exclusive restaurants and clubs. A sweater may
be needed in the evenings during the months December to April.
* The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and as such certain customs regarding
dress should be respected. For example swimwear should be confined to the beach
or pool areas. Topless or nude bathing is prohibited. When walking around town gentlemen
should wear trousers and ladies should wear dresses that cover the knees.
RECOMMENDED READING
Oman and the United Arab Emirates - published by Lonely Planet.
Dubai: Tourist & Business Guide - published by Dubai Municipality.
Visa Application
VISA APPLICATION FORM
(TO BE TYPED IN BLOCK CAPITALS ONLY)
ARRIVAL DATE: ______________FLIGHT NO. : ____________ ARRI. FRM : ____________________
DEPARTURE DATE: _____________FLIGHT NO. : ____________ DEP. TO : ____________________
FULL NAME (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) : -
________________________________________________________________
FATHER'S NAME: __________________________________________________________
MOTHER'S NAME : _______________________________________________________________
PLACE OF BIRTH : _______________________ DATE OF BIRTH : _________________________
NATIONALITY : _________________________ PROFESSION : _____________________________
PASSPORT NO. : __________________________ PLACE OF ISSUE : _____________________
DATE OF ISSUE : __________________________ DATE OF EXPIRY : _________________________
ACCOMPANIED BY (CHILD/DOB) : ____________________________________________________
NAME : ________________________________ ADDRESS : _____________________________
PLEASE NOTE :-
Ø THIS FORM IS PER VISA, PER PERSON ONLY.
Ø THIS FORM SHOULD BE RECEIVED MINIMUM 07 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
Ø PLEASE ATTACH A CLEAR COPY OF PASSPORT ALONG WITH THIS FORM.
Ø VISAS ONCE APPLIED FOR ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. 100% CHARGES (CANCELLATION FEES)
APPLY ONCE APPLICATION SUBMITTED.
NET TOURS USE ONLY VISA DEPT.
REF.NO. REMARKS :
SIGN : DATE : DATE :
* PLEASE NOTE THAT VISA APPLICATION SHOULD BE TYPED WRITTEN
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