The Republic of Seychelles comprises over 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 square kilometers (517,400 square miles) in the western Indian Ocean, between 480 kilometers and 1,600 kilometers from the east coast of Africa. Forty-one of these islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. Praslin is the second largest island in the archipelago.
Destination Highlights
Airports: Seychelles International, Mahe Island; Iles de Palmes Airport, Praslin Island
Area Code: 248
Entry Requirements: Visas are not required for most visitors to Seychelles. A one-month visitor’s permit is issued on arrival and can be extended. Visitors must carry valid passports, have an onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for length of stay. For further details, check the latest travel requirements from the Seychelles Embassy closest to you.
Time Zone: 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+4). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Banking and Currency: Most banks are only open in the mornings, but some also in the afternoon. The banks at the airport open for international plane arrivals and departures. Eurocheques are only accepted by Barclays Bank or Banque Francaise. Most hotels will also exchange money. When exchanging money back upon departure, not all currencies are available so you might have to accept US dollars. Seychelles currency is the rupee (SCR), subdivided into 100 cents.
Exchange Rate: As of April 2007, the official SCR/USD is 6.1 rupees per US dollar.
Geography: Praslin is 2.5 miles (4 km) wide and 7 miles (11 km) long, has an area of 16 square miles. It is one of 39 granitic islands in the archipelago. Praslin features one of the world’s top 10 beaches, Anse Lazio. Known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush primeval forests with unique ecologies.
Getting Around: Roads are rough, left hand drive like is done in the United Kingdom, with speed limits of 25 mph in towns and 40 mph elsewhere
Government: Multi-party Republic. President: James Michel
Hospitals: Praslin has two clinics and in most of the large hotels a sister is on duty. The central hospital is situated in Victoria. Medical treatment for Seychellois is free, but tourists must pay.
Independence Day: from Great Britain, June 29, 1976
Languages: English, French
Location: Seychelles extends between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator.
Latitude (DMS): 4° 19' 0 S
Longitude (DMS): 55° 43' 60 E
Total area: 455 sq km (177 sq mi)
Population: 80,000; Praslin, 6,500. People: Seychellois (Natives of African, Indian and European origins)
Taxes: There is a $20 airport departure tax, but it is usually included in airfare.