Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Seychelles
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1993 20:14:06 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Seychelles
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Seychelles - Consular Information Sheet
 October 18, 1993

Country Description:  Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian 
Ocean off the east coast of Africa.  The principal island of Mahe 
has a population of about 50,000.  The two other islands, with 
significant permanent populations, are Praslin and La Digue.  
Facilities for tourism are generally well developed.

Entry Requirements:  With a passport, onward/return ticket and 
proof of sufficient funds for the required visit, a visa to enter 
Seychelles can be issued to the visitor upon arrival and is valid 
for a stay of one month.  There is no charge.  The visa may be 
extended for a period of up to one year.  For further information, 
the traveler may consult the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the 
United Nations, 820 Second Avenue, Suite 203, New York, N.Y. 10017.  
The telephone number is (212) 922-9177.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited.  
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health 
services.  Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the 
United States.    Supplemental medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Seychelles has a 
healthy, although hot, humid climate.  There is no malaria or rabies 
in Seychelles, although there are occasional outbreaks of dengue 
fever.  This rarely affects tourists.  Information on health matters 
can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime occurs, although violent crime 
against tourists is considered to be rare.  Travelers who keep 
valuables in hotel safes and who close and lock hotel windows at 
night, even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at 
risk.  It is dangerous, particularly for women, to swim alone at 
isolated beaches.  Boats left unlocked while in Victoria Harbor may 
be targeted by thieves.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or 
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in 
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use 
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders 
can expect jail sentences and fines.

Import Prohibitions:  Firearms and spearfishing equipment cannot be 
imported into Seychelles.  Fruits and vegetables cannot be imported 
by casual travelers.  Dogs must undergo a minimum quarantine of six 
months, which is strictly enforced, before being allowed entry into 
Seychelles.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Victoria may obtain updated information on travel and security in 
Seychelles and vicinity.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on the fourth floor 
of Victoria House, in the capital city of Victoria.  The mailing 
address from the United States is Box 148, Unit 62501, APO AE 09815. 
 The international mailing address is Victoria House, Box 251, 
Victoria Mahe, Seychelles.  The telephone number is (248) 25256.

 No. 93-291

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 
1992, to provide information on reporting the loss or theft abroad 
of a U.S. passport.