Seychelles customs rules & duty-free allowances
Last reviewed July 2, 2026
Seychelles allows duty-free imports of 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and personal goods up to SCR 3,000 (approx. USD 220). Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, certain meats, and coconut/palm products are strictly prohibited. These rules apply in 2026.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18 or older.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$220
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is SCR 3,000 (approx. USD 220). Items exceeding this value are subject to duty and 15% VAT on the excess.
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, etc.)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior authorization from the Seychelles Police)
- Pornographic materials (including digital content)
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Endangered species and products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, coral) under CITES
- Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu (unless accompanied by a valid veterinary certificate)
- Coconuts, palm leaves, and any palm-related products (without a permit, due to red palm weevil risk)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine) – require a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products – require a phytosanitary certificate from the Seychelles Agricultural Agency
- Pets (dogs, cats) – require an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles – require a permit from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority
- Satellite phones and radio communication equipment – require a license from the Department of Information and Communications Technology
Rules worth knowing
Currency declaration for SCR
There is no limit on importing Seychellois rupees, but amounts exceeding SCR 10,000 must be declared. Export of SCR is limited to SCR 2,000 per person.
Temporary import of vehicles
Vehicles (including motorcycles) may be temporarily imported for up to 6 months with a carnet de passage or a bank guarantee. A permit from the Seychelles Licensing Authority is required.
Frequently asked questions
No. The duty-free alcohol allowance is only available to travellers aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, you cannot import alcohol duty-free.
You must declare the excess value. Duty and VAT (15%) will be charged on the amount above SCR 3,000. For example, if goods are valued at SCR 5,000, duty applies to SCR 2,000.
Yes, if they contain controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives). Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition and dosage. For large quantities (more than 3 months' supply), you need prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
No. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and most plant materials are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Dried or processed plant products may be allowed if they are commercially packaged and declared.
There is no limit, but any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Yes, but you must obtain a permit from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) before arrival. Drones are restricted to certain areas and must not be flown near airports, government buildings, or wildlife reserves without permission.