Seychelles
Travel Destination – Seychelles
Turquoise waters, coral reefs, and granite islands make Seychelles one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after tropical escapes. This island nation offers pristine beaches, lush nature reserves, and a relaxed pace of life, with popular islands including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Travellers can enjoy snorkelling, hiking through national parks, and exploring Creole culture and cuisine.
Seychelles has a relatively well-developed healthcare system compared to many tropical destinations, particularly on the main islands, and overall travel risks are lower than in many parts of Africa. However, as with any international travel, preparation is important. Health risks in Seychelles are generally related to mosquito-borne illnesses, food and water exposure, and other infectious diseases.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Planning ahead for your trip to Seychelles should include a visit to a travel health professional. During this consultation, your vaccination records can be reviewed, routine immunisations updated, and destination-specific advice provided based on your travel plans and activities. Whether your itinerary includes relaxing on the beach, exploring multiple islands, or taking part in outdoor adventures like hiking or snorkelling, tailored medical guidance can help reduce potential health risks while abroad.
It is best to arrange this appointment around six to eight weeks before departure so there is enough time to complete any recommended vaccinations. If your trip is coming up sooner, a late consultation is still worthwhile to ensure you are protected and well prepared. In addition, travellers should organise comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for overseas medical treatment and emergency evacuation if needed.
Insect avoidance
Mosquitoes are present in Seychelles and can transmit infections such as dengue and chikungunya. These mosquitoes are most active during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, and are commonly found in urban and coastal environments. Outbreaks of chikungunya can occur and the continued circulation of the Zika virus also warrants insect prevention measures.
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, travellers should use insect repellent on exposed skin and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Staying in accommodation with air conditioning or screened windows can help limit exposure, and extra care is advised when spending time in shaded or humid areas. Preventing mosquito bites is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Food and water hygiene
Seychelles offers a vibrant mix of Creole cuisine, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices forming the foundation of many dishes. While food safety standards are generally good, travellers should still take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of gastroenteritis.
Practising good hand hygiene before eating is important, particularly when dining in informal settings or outdoors. Food should be freshly prepared and served hot, and care should be taken with buffets or food that has been left at room temperature. Drinking bottled or treated water is recommended and ice should be avoided in settings where water safety is unclear.
Rabies prevention
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites, scratches, or when saliva comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth.
The rabies virus is present in Seychelles, although the risk to travellers is generally low. Dogs are not the main source of infection. Instead, bats are considered the primary carriers, which means even minor or unnoticed exposures can pose a risk. Travellers should avoid contact with all animals, including bats and unfamiliar domestic animals, even if they appear healthy.
A travel doctor may recommend pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travellers who plan to spend extended time outdoors, work with animals, explore caves, or travel to areas where access to medical care may be limited. If you are bitten, scratched, or exposed to animal saliva, you should seek urgent medical care immediately, as prompt treatment can prevent the disease from developing.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Seychelles?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that spreads through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Hepatitis A is relatively common in many travel destinations, and vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Seychelles, particularly those who have not previously been immunised. The vaccine is highly effective and usually given as a two-dose course.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. While the risk in Seychelles is lower than in some developing countries, vaccination may be recommended for travellers who plan to eat in informal settings, stay for extended periods, or visit less developed areas. Safe food and water practices remain essential.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This can occur through unprotected sex, medical or dental procedures, tattoos, piercings, or sharing personal items such as razors. Many Australians are vaccinated in childhood, but some adults may not be protected. Vaccination is recommended for travellers who are not immune, particularly those staying long-term or who may have higher-risk exposures.
Routine vaccinations
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Routine vaccinations are an important part of travel health preparation. Diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and pertussis are well controlled in Australia but continue to circulate internationally.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air, causing fever, cough, and a widespread rash, and can lead to serious complications. Travellers born during or after 1966 should ensure they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
In addition to measles, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A travel health consultation can help identify whether booster doses are required and ensure optimal protection before travel.
Seychelles
Other health risks in Seychelles
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often referred to as traveller's diarrhoea, can occur in Seychelles, although the risk is generally lower than in many developing destinations due to relatively good food safety standards. It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites spread through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. Symptoms typically include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever, usually developing within one to three days after exposure.
Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days. The most important treatment is maintaining hydration, ideally with oral rehydration solutions. Medical care should be sought if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with dehydration. Practising good hand hygiene and making careful food and drink choices can significantly reduce the risk.
Rabies
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Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites, scratches, or when saliva comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth.
The rabies virus is present in Seychelles, although the risk to travellers is generally low. Dogs are not the main source of infection. Instead, bats are considered the primary carriers, which means even minor or unnoticed exposures can pose a risk. Travellers should avoid contact with all animals, including bats and unfamiliar domestic animals, even if they appear healthy.
A travel doctor may recommend pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travellers who plan to spend extended time outdoors, work with animals, explore caves, or travel to areas where access to medical care may be limited. If you are bitten, scratched, or exposed to animal saliva, you should seek immediate medical care immediately, as prompt treatment can prevent the disease from developing.
Dengue and chikungunya
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Dengue and chikungunya are mosquito-borne viral infections that have been reported in Seychelles. Both are spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the daytime, particularly in urban and coastal areas.
Dengue infection can cause high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and occasionally more severe complications such as bleeding or organ impairment. Chikungunya typically presents with fever and significant joint pain, which can persist for weeks or even months in some individuals.
There are no specific antiviral treatments for either infection, making prevention essential. Reducing mosquito exposure through the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and appropriate accommodation is the most effective way to lower risk.
Tuberculosis
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While Seychelles has a relatively low incidence compared to many countries, TB remains present.
The risk for most short-term travellers is low, but it may be higher for those spending extended periods in the country, working in healthcare settings, or having close contact with local populations in crowded environments. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Travellers who develop these symptoms during or after travel should seek medical assessment.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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There are lower levels of crime in Seychelles compared to many other countries. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing, theft, and opportunistic burglary can occur, particularly in tourist areas, beaches, and urban centres. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and take standard precautions when out at night.
Refer to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice before and during travel. While serious unrest is uncommon, it is advisable to avoid demonstrations and follow instructions from local authorities if any disruptions occur.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Travelling to Seychelles from Australia typically involves long-haul flights, which can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, due to prolonged periods of immobility.
To reduce the risk, travellers should move regularly during flights, perform simple leg exercises while seated, and stay well hydrated. Travellers with additional risk factors, such as a history of clotting disorders, recent surgery, or pregnancy, may benefit from wearing compression stockings and seeking personalised advice from a healthcare professional before travel.