Relevant article on safety in Seychelles for tourists. Learn about the current situation regarding crime on the island, what travelers should be cautious of, and how to ensure safety. It’s not as quiet and peaceful here as many might think, despite the country’s population being less than 100,000. But let’s delve into it step by step.
Safety in Seychelles: General Information
Let’s start by clarifying that this article focuses specifically on safety in Seychelles, particularly on thefts and crime. I often come across concerns from tourists who fear carrying cash when traveling here, thinking they might get robbed. I’ll dispel all myths and legends.
It’s interesting to note:
Within this travel guide, there’s an excellent article highlighting the dangers in the Seychelles for tourists. It’s not just one thing; there, you’ll learn about exotic diseases in the archipelago, shark attacks, buried rays on the beach, sea urchins, sandflies, the UV index, and ultraviolet rays that can knock you out for four days. This article is a must-read for anyone traveling to the Seychelles, with or without kids.
Overall, safety in the Seychelles is significantly higher compared to, for instance, countries in Latin America :). You won’t get mugged on the streets, no one will approach you with a knife in a dark alley to snatch your wallet. It’s safe here at any time, in any district, on any island. However, there are nuances, which I’ll discuss further.
- An interesting article about the Seychelles local people, how they treat tourists, and the nationalities living here. It’ll help you draw your own conclusions.
If we take La Digue Island, popular among tourists, there are only two policemen for the entire island; it’s entirely safe, everyone knows each other, and no one even locks their bicycles. All the information below will apply only to Mahe and Praslin islands.
- A comprehensive overview of La Digue Island: where to stay, beaches, how to get there.
Therefore, looking at the bigger picture, the Seychelles are safe.
But no matter how much I praise it, thefts do happen here, and tourists are the main targets. Below, you’ll learn what could happen.
What should a tourist fear?
I’ll say upfront that these situations don’t happen all the time, but occasionally, local news might report them. Here are the main situations that create a negative perception of safety in the Seychelles.
- Do not leave valuable items unattended on beaches. You go for a swim, someone rushes out of the bushes, grabs your backpack/bag, and runs off. Inside are your money, phone, and rental car keys. This is perhaps the most common situation.
It’s essential to understand:
Beaches in the Seychelles are unlike Rimini resorts. Desolate Seychellois beaches are what draw tourists here. Even on the most popular beach, during peak season, there might not be more than 50 people within a 500-meter stretch. And on remote beaches, you might be the only ones there. There are no water amusements like banana boats and inflatable tubes, no corn vendors or excursions—just you and the ocean. Check out the ranking of the coolest Seychelles beaches.
- If you rent a car (a must for active travelers), hide all belongings from the car’s interior into the trunk. On remote beaches with few people, if something is visible inside the car, someone might break the window. It’s rare, but it happens.
- A fantastic article about renting a car in the Seychelles: traffic rules, police, fines, deposits, and much more, based on personal experience.
- If you’re staying in an unattended villa, keep an eye on your belongings. Lock the doors at night, hide valuable items in a safe or at least in the bedroom. If you’re in a hotel or apartments within a villa where the owners live, it’s safe; thieves don’t target such places.
Overall, these are the situations that might happen to tourists. The principle here is: forewarned is forearmed.
Survival Tips
As with any trip, even in a country entirely safe, adhering to common sense rules reduces the chances of getting into an unpleasant situation to almost zero. Seychelles aren’t like Brazil, where you might get robbed just for entering the wrong neighborhood or have your phone snatched away. That’s impossible here. The rules are simple, follow them, and you’ll be guaranteed safety in Seychelles:
- Don’t show large sums of money.
- Don’t leave belongings unattended on the beach, especially if there aren’t other tourists nearby whom you can ask to watch them.
- Don’t leave anything valuable visible in the car.
- Keep your money in the safe in your room. If you’re staying in a private villa without owners, try to hide valuable items.
- In case of emergencies: the unified emergency services number is 999.
And don’t forget, insurance is mandatory in the Seychelles. A good extended insurance policy covers many unforeseen events during your trip, so don’t neglect it. All about insurance in the Seychelles, types available, how to choose correctly.
In conclusion, tourists have absolutely nothing to fear, just follow common safety measures, and nothing will happen to you. Safety in Seychelles is at a high level. Believe me, it’s safer here than in Paris or New York at any time of the day. There are no beggars, robbers, or antisocial individuals here.
IMPORTANT: essential links to organize your dream trip to the Seychelles:
- FLIGHTS: Aviasales – direct flights and best deals.
- CAR RENTAL: Mahe and Praslin, no deposit required – DiscoverCars.
- TOURS and EXCURSIONS:
- GetYourGuide – 75+ activities on land and water in the Seychelles.
- Viator – 150 + activities in Seychelles.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA.
- HOTELS, VILLAS, APARTMENTS:
- PACKAGES: from budget to luxury – Expedia.
- AIRPORT TRANSFER: Intui.
- INTERNET: eSIM of local telecom operator – Airalo.