Seychelles customs rules & duty-free allowances
Seychelles enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, and animal products must be declared on arrival, with fines up to SCR 50,000 for non-compliance. The cash declaration threshold is low (SCR 10,000), and duty-free allowances are per person, not per family.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior approval)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit goods and pirated items
- Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items, e.g., turtle shell, ivory)
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from the Seychelles Pharmacy Council)
- Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit)
- Pets (require import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate)
- Drones (require a permit from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority)
- Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Seychelles Telecommunications Authority)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, proceed to Customs. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits. Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare, cash over SCR 10,000, or restricted items. Complete the Customs Declaration Form (provided on the plane or at the airport) and present it to the officer.
Bringing medication
Personal medications allowed for up to 3 months' supply with a doctor's prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-based painkillers require prior approval from the Seychelles Pharmacy Council. Cannabis is illegal without prior written approval.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and animal products must be declared. Banned items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, and soil. Failure to declare can result in fines up to SCR 50,000 (approx. USD 3,675) or prosecution.
Rules worth knowing
Biosecurity Declaration is Mandatory
Every arriving traveller must complete a Biosecurity Declaration form, even if carrying no food or plants. Failure to declare restricted items can lead to fines up to SCR 50,000 (approx. USD 3,675).
Cash Declaration Threshold is Low
You must declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding SCR 10,000 (approx. USD 735). Non-declaration can result in seizure and penalties.
Duty-Free Allowance is Per Person, Not Per Family
Each adult traveller has their own duty-free allowance. Families cannot pool allowances. Children under 18 have reduced or no allowances for alcohol and tobacco.
No VAT Refund for Tourists
Seychelles does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. Goods purchased locally are final sale.