Emergency Help Abroad – Seychelles

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting The Seychelles — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Seychelles enforces very strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking leads to arrest and long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is illegal.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence, with strict penalties.

• Alcohol consumption is restricted in certain public areas.

• Importing illegal substances results in immediate detention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respect for nature and wildlife is taken seriously — it is a protected-ecosystem nation.

• Littering on beaches, islands or marine parks results in fines.

• Public nudity is illegal except in designated resort areas.

• Respect church etiquette and local customs in rural communities.

• Damaging coral or marine life is a criminal offence.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Seychelles is generally safe, but petty theft can occur in popular tourist areas.

• Avoid quiet beaches or unlit streets late at night.

• Demonstrations are rare; foreigners should avoid any public gatherings if they occur.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Drive on the left; speeding, dangerous driving and ignoring road signs can attract penalties.

• Use licensed taxis or reputable hire-car companies only.

• Ferries and inter-island flights must be booked with authorised operators.

• Overstaying your entry period can result in fines.

• Hiking in protected areas may require registration or guides.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone usage requires permission — many areas, especially nature reserves, restrict flights.

• Do not photograph military sites, airports or sensitive government buildings.

• Some churches and cultural sites may restrict photography — follow signage.

• Always ask permission before photographing local people.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing shells, coral, sand, plants or marine life is strictly illegal.

• Feeding wildlife, including giant tortoises or seabirds, is discouraged unless supervised.

• Swimming during strong currents or monsoon season can be dangerous — follow flags.

• Lighting fires is restricted on many islands due to environmental risk.

• Staying on designated paths in national parks is mandatory.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging protected areas, beaches, coral or conservation sites is a criminal offence.

• Entering sacred or restricted cultural sites without permission is prohibited.

• Removing cultural or historical items is illegal.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is strictly forbidden.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or acceptable in the UK may carry very different cultural or legal implications in The Seychelles.

• Don’t swim at beaches with strong currents, especially Anse Intendance and Grand Anse.

• Don’t touch or step on coral, which is protected and easily damaged.

• Don’t feed fish or marine animals, as this disrupts natural behaviour.

• Don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches, even in quiet coves.

• Don’t collect shells, coral or driftwood, as removal is restricted.

• Don’t ignore sun exposure, which is extremely strong near the equator.

• Don’t swim alone at remote beaches, where there may be no lifeguards.

• Don’t harm or disturb giant tortoises, unless in managed sanctuaries.

• Don’t disregard jellyfish or seasonal warnings, especially after storms.

• Don’t litter on islands or nature reserves, which are sensitive environments.

• Don’t disrespect local churches, and dress modestly when attending services.

• Don’t underestimate steep trekking paths, especially in Morne Seychellois National Park.

• Don’t use drones without permission, as regulations protect privacy and wildlife.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, particularly on smaller islands.

• Don’t fish in protected marine zones, where restrictions apply.

• Don’t swim during rough seas or high swell, which can be dangerous even near shore.

• Don’t wander into private property, especially on islands with mixed land ownership.

• Don’t sleep or camp on remote beaches without checking regulations, as some places restrict overnight stays.

• Don’t underestimate heat and humidity, particularly on long hikes.

• Don’t ignore boat safety advice, particularly during island-hopping.