Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/SEYCHELL.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 4KB | 77 lines

Seychelles - Consular Information Sheet
June 23, 1994

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 [phone].

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.  Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has
proven 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 [phone].

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.

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) 225-256.

No. 94-102

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to
indicate the unavailability of medical services and the physical isolation
of the outer islands.