Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:833 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!cutter From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Seychelles Message-ID: <950919133448_76702.1202_CHN57-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: cutter@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 19 Sep 1995 13:34:49 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 90 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Seychelles ============================================================ Seychelles - Consular Information Sheet September 18, 1995 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 intended visit, travelers can obtain a Seychelles entry visa valid for a one-month stay upon arrival. There is no charge and the visa may be extended for a period of up to one year. An airport tax must be paid upon departure. 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) 687-9766. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outer islands, where doctors are often unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention'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. Other Information: The outer islands of Seychelles are extremely isolated, and travel by ship to these areas, including for rescue attempts, may be impossible in stormy weather. The outer islands often have no airstrips for accommodating air traffic. 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. Embassy Location/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. 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, Unit 62501, Box 148, APO AE 09815. The international mailing address is Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles. The telephone number is (248) 225-256; the fax number is (248) 225-189. No. 95-115 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 23, 1994 to amend the sections on entry requirements, medical facilities, and embassy location. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories