What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
The system.
System: Public healthcare is free for citizens and subsidized for visitors. Seychelles Victoria Hospital is the main facility. Private options are limited on a small island nation. Good basic care for the region. Trilingual (English, French, Seychellois Creole).
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Healthcare is reasonably good for a small island nation. Victoria Hospital on Mahé is well-equipped for basic and moderate conditions. English-speaking doctors and nurses. For complex surgeries or specialized care, patients travel to South Africa, India, or Mauritius. Outer islands (Praslin, La Digue) have clinics but limited capacity.
Seychelles is not a medical tourism destination. It is a luxury beach tourism destination with adequate healthcare for visitors.
Where to actually go.
Main hospital. Well-equipped for a small island nation. 24/7 emergency department. English, French, and Creole-speaking staff.
District hospital on the south side of Mahé. Closer to many beach resorts. Basic emergency care.
Health clinic on Praslin. Handles basic medical needs. Serious cases transferred to Mahé by boat or helicopter.
Small hospital on La Digue. Basic care only. Serious emergencies require transfer to Mahé.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Pharmacies in Victoria open 8:30am-5pm weekdays, 8:30am-12pm Saturdays. Hospital pharmacy open extended hours. Very limited pharmacy access on Praslin and La Digue.
Prescription rules: Prescription system exists and is generally enforced. Pharmacists can assist with minor ailments and recommend OTC treatments. Antibiotics require a prescription.
Pharmacies are reasonably stocked with European and Indian medications. Pharmacists speak English, French, and Creole. Bring specialized medications from home as selection is limited on a small island. Behram's Pharmacy in Victoria is the most established.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- oral rehydration salts
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- anti-diarrheals
- seasickness medication
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Mon bezwen medikaman pour douler latet
- Mon ganny douler vant
- Mon ganny allerzi
- Kot farmasi pli pros?
- Mon bezwen en dokter
Chains you'll see
- Behram's Pharmacy — Behram's signage (Victoria, Mahé)
- George Pharmacy — George Pharmacy signage (Victoria, Mahé)
- Hospital Pharmacy — Inside Seychelles Hospital (Victoria, Mahé)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol / Panadol / Doliprane
Widely available. Both English and French brand names used. - ibuprofen → Ibuprofen / Nurofen / Brufen
Available at pharmacies on Mahé. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium / Loperamide
Available at pharmacies. Useful to carry when island-hopping.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications. English documentation is accepted (English is an official language). Keep medications in original packaging. Seychelles has strict drug laws — proper documentation is important.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Opioids
Strictly illegal. Seychelles has strict drug laws with severe penalties.
Carry a doctor's letter and original prescription. Strict drug enforcement.
Carry documentation. Original packaging required.
If something breaks.
Availability: Limited but available on Mahé. Victoria Hospital has a dental department. A few private dentists.
Cost range: $30-120
Dental care is available for basic procedures on Mahé. Limited options on Praslin and La Digue. Quality is reasonable.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is important. While basic care is good, complex conditions require evacuation to South Africa or India. Ensure coverage for water sports and diving activities. DAN insurance recommended for divers.
Filing a claim
Victoria Hospital and private clinics provide English-language receipts. Pay at point of service and claim reimbursement. Some hotels can assist with insurance coordination. Keep all receipts and medical documentation.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $30-60 |
| ER visit | $50-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $80-300 |
| Ambulance | $20-50 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs. Payment in Seychellois rupee. Public hospital charges reduced fees. Seychelles is an expensive destination overall.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Nairobi, Kenya or Johannesburg, South Africa
Secondary destination: Mumbai or New Delhi, India
Typical cost band: $20,000-55,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS, AMREF Flying Doctors
Medical evacuation needed for complex surgeries, major trauma, or specialized care. AMREF Flying Doctors operates in the Indian Ocean region. Evacuation from outer islands to Mahé first, then international.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow Fever (required if arriving from an endemic country)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccinations (measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio)
Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. Seychelles is malaria-free. No special tropical disease risks. Standard travel vaccines recommended.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Tap water on Mahé is treated and generally considered safe, but bottled water is recommended for visitors. Water on Praslin and La Digue may be less reliably treated. Bottled water is widely available at hotels and shops.
Food safety
Food safety standards are generally good, especially at hotels and restaurants. Fresh seafood is a highlight — eat at reputable restaurants. Creole cuisine is freshly prepared. Exercise normal caution with street food and raw shellfish.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: +1-202-461-4357 (SAMHSA International)
English-speaking therapists: Very limited. Some counselors available through the hospital.
Mental health services are limited on a small island nation. English-speaking counselors available but scarce. Hotels may be able to assist with referrals. Telehealth from your home country is the best option.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is limited. Many paths and beaches are not wheelchair-accessible. Newer luxury resorts tend to have better accessibility.
Hospital accessibility: Victoria Hospital has basic wheelchair access.
Accessible transport: Public buses are not wheelchair-accessible. Taxis and hotel transfers are the best option.
Contact resorts in advance about accessibility needs. Some luxury resorts offer accessible rooms and facilities. Beach access is generally challenging. La Digue (mostly bicycles and ox-carts) is particularly difficult for mobility-impaired travelers.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates in place.
Testing availability: COVID testing available at Victoria Hospital.
Seychelles was one of the first countries to achieve high vaccination rates. All restrictions lifted. Tourism is fully operational.
Seychelles travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO Seychelles
- UK Foreign Travel Advice
- Seychelles Ministry of Health