In short: Seychelles’ tourist and tax balance sheet
Key figures for tourism and environmental tax in Seychelles are based on revised government tax scales and data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
- Environmental tax: From 0 SCR for small establishments (1-24 rooms) and children under 12 to 100 SCR per person per night for structures with more than 50 rooms and yachts.
- Arrivals volume: 245,179 visitors accumulated until the 37th week of the year 2026, posting a decrease compared to the 266,968 recorded over the same period the previous year.
- Duration of stay: A stable average of 9 nights per stay, recorded during the 4th quarter.
- Overall revenue: An annual total of 18,645.81 million SCRs generated by the sector, or 51.22 million SCR per day on average.
Official scale of the environmental tax in Seychelles in 2026
The tourist environmental tax applies directly to overnight stays on the archipelago. The Seychelles Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade applies progressive pricing based on the size of the accommodation structure, while introducing targeted exemptions.
For small family structures and guest houses with 1 to 24 rooms, the government has validated a total exemption from the environmental tax, set at 0 SCR per person per night (compared to 25 SCRs previously). This measure aims to preserve the competitiveness of the small local accommodation. Conversely, staying in a medium-sized establishment (25 to 50 rooms) involves a levy of 75 SCR per person per night. For large complexes with more than 50 rooms, as well as for accommodation on island resorts and on board yachts, the tax amounts to 100 SCR per person per night.
The exemption conditions are strictly regulated by Tourism Seychelles:
- children aged 12 and under: Total exemption (0 SCR).
- Citizens and residents of Seychelles: Total exemption (0 SCR).
- Crew members: Total exemption (0 SCR) for professional passengers in airplanes and yachts.
Key figures for tourist traffic and economy
According to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles (NBS), tourist attendance has measurable fluctuations between the latest consolidated balance sheets and the current financial year.
| Tourist indicator | official value | Institutional source |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative arrivals (until week 37, 2026) | 245,179 visitors | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Arrivals on week 37 (2026) | 6,753 visitors | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Cumulative arrivals (same period, previous year) | 266,968 visitors | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Total annual arrivals (complete previous year) | 392,497 visitors | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Arrivals in the 4th quarter (previous year) | 115,551 visitors (+17.6% vs previous T4) | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Share of air arrivals (T4) | 98.5% | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Average length of stay (T4) | 9 nights | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Average daily revenue generated | 51.22 million SCR/day | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
| Total annual sector revenue | 18,645.81 million SCR | National Bureau of Statistics Seychelles |
How is the evolution of attendance in Seychelles explained?
The comparative analysis of attendance data shows an inflection of the overall trajectory. The decline recorded during the 37th week of 2026 (245,179 visitors) compared to the 266,968 visitors recorded at the same stage the previous year marked a deceleration compared to the peaks observed previously.
This dynamic contrasts with the performance of the previous 4th quarter, during which 115,551 visitors had been welcomed, an increase of 17.6% compared to the 98,237 visitors in the 4th quarter of the previous year. The airway remains the ultra-dominant vector of the route of travelers to the archipelago, accounting for 98.5% of all arrivals recorded over this high period.
Economically, tourism generates a central financial contribution to the country. The total annual revenue totaled 18,645.81 million SCR, which is equivalent to an average daily flow of 51.22 million SCRs injected into the local economy by international visitors.
What is the stay profile of international visitors?
Statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics confirms the stability of travel habits within the archipelago. Travelers favor long stays, with an average duration of 9 nights over the last quarter analyzed.
The European market, and particularly French-speaking travelers, retains a prominent place in the Seychellois tourist landscape. Although the exact distribution evolves over the quarters, the flow from France is consistently among the main resignation basins of visitors to Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Entrance formalities and travel logistics for 2026
To plan a stay in Seychelles, mastering administrative procedures and transport time is essential to anticipate the impact of taxes and logistics costs.
Visas and travel authorizations
No visa is required to enter Seychelles, regardless of the traveler’s nationality. Nevertheless, an electronic travel authorization (TA – Travel Authorization) must be requested online before departure. The file requires the presentation of a valid passport, return tickets, accommodation confirmations and proof of financial means.
Transport and inter-island connections
The journey time to connect Mahé to Praslin is 15 minutes by light plane via the national company, or 45 minutes by fast ferry. To reach the dyke from Praslin, the boat crossing takes about 15 minutes. Taking into account the exemption scale of the environmental tax (0 SCR for accommodation with less than 25 rooms) makes it possible to reduce the overall cost of nights during multi-island circuits in small gites.
frequently asked questions
What is the amount of the environmental tax in Seychelles in 2026?
The tax varies according to accommodation: 0 SCR for structures from 1 to 24 rooms, 75 SCR per person per night for 25 to 50 rooms, and 100 SCR for more than 50 rooms, island resorts and yachts.
Who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Seychelles?
Children aged 12 and under, citizens and residents of Seychelles, as well as airplane and yacht crew members enjoy a total exemption set at 0 SCR.
How many tourists visit the Seychelles on average?
Seychelles counted 392,497 visitors in a full year. For the year 2026, the accumulation at the 37th week amounts to 245,179 arrivals recorded by the National Bureau of Statistics.
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