Packing list for the Seychelles, travel insurance for the Seychelles and taking your belongings

What to take to the Seychelles: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. For the Seychelles, you must apply for a digital Travel Authorization before departure. Additionally, you usually need to show proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds. The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR), and euros are accepted in many places. You can withdraw cash on the larger islands, on smaller islands or at local businesses, cash is sometimes handy. Make sure there is enough money in your account, as the country is known for its luxury prices.
• Clothing: swimwear, of course, and light, airy clothing for the tropical climate. Extra light long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are pleasant for protection against the sun and mosquitoes in the evening. Some hotels and restaurants have a strict dress code requiring men to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
• Shoes: flip-flops or sandals for the beach and villages, water shoes for the coral, sea urchins, sharp rocks, and dead coral, and good trail shoes when you go hiking on Mahé or Praslin, for example in national parks or to remote beaches.
• Personal care and hygiene: reef-safe sunscreen with a high protection factor and lip balm with UV protection. Sun, sea, and wind dry out your skin faster than you think. 
• Packing and protection: a waterproof bag or dry bag for boat trips between the islands. A rain cover or waterproof bag for your backpack is handy during tropical downpours in rainy season.
• Insects and animals: a mosquito repellent (preferably with DEET or picaridine).
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a basic first-aid kit with plasters, blister plasters, ORS, painkillers, and travel sickness tablets for the boat.
• Outdoor gear and practicals: a daypack with sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a quick-drying towel, and a good sun hat or cap. 
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for a Type G socket (British model) or a travel adapter.

To consider

• A snorkel set; in many places, you can snorkel directly from the beach.
• UV-protective swimwear or a rashguard for long days of snorkeling or at the beach.
• A waterproof phone case or underwater camera.
• A lightweight raincoat for the wet season.
• A refillable water bottle with a filter if you are on the go a lot.

Are there mosquitoes in the Seychelles?

• Mosquitoes are found on all the larger islands, especially in lush, densely vegetated areas, around gardens, forests, and stagnant water.
• Numbers can increase significantly after rainfall. Most travelers suffer mainly from itchy bites during the evening hours and around sunrise.
• Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue occur in the Seychelles. These mosquitoes bite during the day. In addition, there have been outbreaks of chikungunya in the past.
• Protection against mosquitoes is therefore wise, even though for most travelers they are primarily a source of irritation.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in the Seychelles?

• Sandflies occur on some beaches and in sheltered coastal areas; they are small enough to be almost invisible, but their bites can itch for days.
• They are particularly active around sunrise, sunset, and on windless days.
• The flies love beaches with plenty of washed-up seaweed, vegetation, or mangrove areas. They find a strong sea breeze less appealing.
• An insect repellent containing DEET or picaridine can help, as can clothing during peak hours.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in the Seychelles?

• On Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, insect repellents are available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and some hotels. The selection is considerably more limited, however, and prices are often high.
• If you want a specific brand or product, it is wise to bring it from home.

Can you buy a joint or weed, or bring it to the Seychelles?

• Cannabis is not fully legal in the Seychelles. Medicinal cannabis is permitted under certain conditions, but recreational use remains strictly prohibited.
• Although legislation has relaxed somewhat in recent years and you might occasionally smell weed here and there, smoking, use, and importing are still strictly prohibited. Especially for foreigners. Border controls are strict and penalties are severe.