Seychelles: Current Travel and Safety Advice for Tourists (September 2026)

On September 4, 2026, the Federal Foreign Office updated its travel and safety advice for the Seychelles. These updates are primarily editorial in nature; however, the basic assessment of the situation remains unchanged: The domestic political situation is considered calm, but isolated demonstrations cannot be completely ruled out. For travelers planning a stay in the Seychelles, the information on crime, natural hazards, and current entry requirements is particularly relevant.

With regard to crime, particular attention is drawn to petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching, which occur primarily on busy stretches of beach such as Côte d’Or Beach on Praslin. There have also been reports of car break-ins and isolated muggings on hiking trails. Travelers are advised not to leave valuables in their cars, to pay by card, and to keep important documents such as passports and driver’s licenses in a safe place—ideally with a digital copy as a backup. Anyone who loses their travel documents or has them stolen should keep in mind that there is no German embassy on the island; the German mission in Nairobi, Kenya, is responsible, with an honorary consul in Victoria on Mahé serving as the local point of contact in emergencies.

Natural hazards play a greater role in the Seychelles than in many other travel destinations. The rainy season from December through March can lead to heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, which can temporarily render roads and bridges impassable. In addition, travelers are warned about dangerous currents along several stretches of coastline, as well as rare but possible shark attacks—particularly off the coast of Praslin. Anyone hiking in the densely forested interior of the islands should exercise particular caution due to hidden holes in the ground and ravines and, if possible, hire a guide familiar with the area.

The risk of piracy on the high seas also remains a concern: off the coasts of the Seychelles and particularly off Somalia, there is a persistent risk of attacks and hijackings; despite international efforts, complete protection cannot be guaranteed. This primarily affects private boat captains traveling in the affected waters, rather than traditional package tour or independent travelers arriving by plane.

To enter the country, travelers generally need an electronic travel authorization. We’ll handle this type of visa for you: The eTA for the Seychelles can be easily applied for online without the need to visit government offices in person. We verify your information, compile the application correctly, and ensure that your travel authorization is available in time before your departure.

Given the security and natural risks mentioned above, it’s advisable to prepare well for your trip: adequate travel health insurance coverage, caution on secluded beaches after dark, and exercising restraint when hiking without local knowledge are sensible precautions. If you’d like an overview of all the formalities, you’ll find all the relevant information on requirements and processing times in our visa overview for the Seychelles, while the current fees for the travel authorization can be found under “Costs for the Seychelles.”

Anyone deciding to travel to the Seychelles should use the current safety advisories as a guide without letting them deter you: the vast majority of trips go off without a hitch. The key is to follow standard safety precautions, familiarize yourself with local conditions before going on hikes or participating in water sports, and sort out entry formalities well in advance so your vacation can begin without any unpleasant surprises.