Living in Seychelles as a French National: Advantages, Drawbacks and Formalities

The archipelago, made up of granitic islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette) and coral islands, appeals for its setting, its low level of extreme poverty and an unemployment rate of 2.6% according to the World Bank. Bank cards are widely accepted on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, movement is free on the main islands and fuel is available (France Diplomatie).

The points of caution are documented. The economy depends on tourism and fishing, and visitor arrivals are sensitive to air disruptions, according to the World Bank. Small size, remoteness, an ageing population and skills shortages also hold back growth. France Diplomatie reminds travellers that the French embassy in Seychelles has a limited capacity to help in a crisis and that specialist care, notably after an accident, often requires medical evacuation.

• Travel authorisation: a paid online procedure, before boarding, on the official portal. It requires a valid passport, a hotel booking or an accommodation certificate covering the whole stay, a return or onward ticket and sufficient resources. The authorisation received by email is presented at boarding and on arrival at Mahé.
• Visitor permit: valid for up to three months and free on first issue; extensions are made in three-month periods up to twelve months in total, for SCR 5,000 per period or part period. France Diplomatie presents an extension of up to three months and indicates that beyond that a residence permit is needed: confirm the rule that applies to your case with the immigration service.
• Residence permit: SCR 1,000 filing fee, SCR 150,000 for five years for the main holder, SCR 75,000 for the spouse and SCR 25,000 per child; bank guarantee of at least SCR 20,000 and proof of financial situation with bank confirmation; presence of at least five days per twelve-month period. The permit does not authorise work and gives no right to free care or to the benefits of the 1987 social security act.
• Yellow fever: certificate required of travellers coming from at-risk countries; an exemption exists for transit of less than 12 hours without leaving the terminal.

The immigration service (+248 4 293636, info@immigration.gov.sc) publishes the fee scales and forms. See working in Seychelles and retiring in Seychelles.

• Mahé: main island, with Victoria, the international airport, the French embassy (Mont Fleuri) and the only reference hospital; crime there is mostly petty theft, notably after nightfall.
• Praslin and La Digue: tourist islands served by taxis on Praslin, normal vigilance; shark attacks have taken place on Praslin, the last recorded on 28 December 2019, hence advice to be careful when swimming.
• Silhouette and the outer islands: the area from the south-west of Mahé to Aldabra and Farquhar is classed under reinforced vigilance because of illicit trafficking; the waters north of the archipelago are formally advised against because of piracy.

Boaters notify the MSCIO maritime safety centre before departure and on arrival, and request entry authorisation at the health authority’s dedicated address. Solo or night crossings should be avoided in inner waters.

None of the official sources consulted publishes an average rent or a typical expat budget. The World Bank describes contained inflation. The currency is the Seychelles rupee; it is exchanged in banks, at the airport, with authorised operators and in hotels. Visa cards work at cash machines on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue; Mastercard cards work only at Mauritius Commercial Bank cash machines. The “Economic benchmarks” block above displays the up-to-date indicators.

For a lease, ask about the duration, the security deposit and how the building stands up to heavy rain. Taxis on Mahé and Praslin have no meter: the price is agreed before getting in, with a minimum of SCR 35.

• Petty crime: thefts and burglaries, sometimes in hotels, on the rise; keep valuables and documents in the safe.
• Climate: the archipelago has been spared by cyclones so far, but heavy rain, wind, landslides and falling trees should be anticipated; dengue and chikungunya outbreaks occur during the rainy season, from December to February.
• Sea and hiking: drownings every year, due to currents, reefs and marine fauna; limited rescue capacity; respect swimming bans; hikers should be well prepared, with a phone and an itinerary left at reception.
• Driving: on the left, roads often narrow and winding, with no hard shoulder; French or international licence recognised.
• Narcotics: heavy penalties, up to 30 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 rupees.

The French embassy in Victoria (+248 422 55 13 or 55 16 during the day; +248 251 35 00 outside office hours) issues neither identity documents nor travel documents: after a lost passport, Seychelles immigration can issue a temporary travel document. Other procedures are handled by the French embassy in Mauritius (+230 20 20 100 outside office hours).

No school of the French agency for teaching abroad (the AEFE network) was identified in Seychelles in the sources consulted: the French embassy remains the contact for schooling options (local or international schools, distance learning). Families can consult the family and expatriation guide and the expat family insurance page. France Diplomatie advises checking that the insurance covers care and evacuation and having sufficient funds.

France Diplomatie describes as essential an assistance contract or insurance covering all medical costs, surgery, hospitalisation and repatriation: without it, care may be unavailable, even in a life-threatening emergency, and the embassy cannot pay for it. CLEISS lists no social security agreement with Seychelles. The detail is in the pages on the Seychelles healthcare system and healthcare reimbursement in Seychelles, and in the expat health insurance guide; Expavy helps you compare offers.