Entering by boat: Seychelles

Before you arrive

• Notify the authorities 2 hours before arrival.

The steps

1. Call Victoria Port Control on VHF 16 (or 12) at least 2 h before arrival.
2. Anchor in the designated waiting area off Victoria harbour.
3. Immigration boards (disembarkation cards, passports), then Customs.
4. To leave: Immigration, Harbour Master then Customs; depart within one hour of the Coast Guard visit.

Papers to have on board

• Passports for the whole crew
• Crew list
• Boat papers (registration certificate)
• Outward clearance from the previous country
• Ship’s stores declaration

Good to know

• Port Victoria (Mahé) is the only entry and exit port; after clearing out you may not stop at another island except in an emergency.
• Call the Harbour Master on VHF 16 at least 2 h before arrival.
• Crew changes must be notified to Immigration in writing in advance.
• Somali piracy: threat level raised in April 2026 in the Somali Basin; report to UKMTO.
• Thefts reported at anchor and in marinas: lock the boat and dinghy.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

Sources

• ics.gov.sc/visa-and-travel/visiting-yacht
• noonsite.com/place/seychelles/
• cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Seychelles
• citizen.digital/article/ships-seized-as-somali-pirate-attacks-surge-monitors-n381642

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.