Work and Travel in Seychelles

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN SEYCHELLES FOR TRAVELLERS

Seychelles is a scattering of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. With a mix of Asian and African culture, this is a highly popular location for foreigners to visit. You’ve likely seen travel in Seychelles as a myriad of exotic plants and white, sandy beaches. But this country is about so much more than simply lying on a beach.

If you want to spend more time here, volunteering opportunities in Seychelles can give you the chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Below, take a look at our travel guide to Seychelles to discover more about some of the options available here.

1. Preserve the Coral Reefs of Seychelles

Diving is one of the most popular activities here, and for good reason. It boasts one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Due to tourism and global warming, however, it’s starting to come under threat. Bleaching of the coral reef is perhaps the biggest concern.

That’s why volunteers who want to work in Seychelles can find plenty of positions working on the coral reefs. It could be anything from actively protecting the reef to simply observing its condition and the animals that inhabit it.

Either way, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the water.

2. Protect the Sea Turtles in Seychelles

One of the big reasons to work and travel in Seychelles is to see the sea turtles that migrate through the Indian Ocean. You won’t find these sea turtles anywhere else in the world. Understandably, swimming with turtles is always popular amongst tourists.

But sea turtles are also endangered. Part of this is due to the changing climate and also poachers. Depending on when you’re visiting the country, you’ll have the chance to swim with the turtles and protect the beaches where they lay their eggs.

It’s a spectacular sight to see and you’ll be protecting these sea turtles for future generations to enjoy as you travel in Seychelles.

3. Deliver IT Skills to Businesses in Seychelles

About 90% of the population is centered around the capital of Victoria on the island of Mahe. Many visitors have described Victoria as something of a mess. Despite the luxury hotels you see dotted around the islands, most of the population don’t get to enjoy such luxury.

Businesses in Victoria have yet to take advantage of much of the technology available to them. That’s why smaller charities are dedicated to helping local businesses take advantage of computing. Westerners that know how to use a computer will be able to support the mentoring of local businesses.

This is your chance to connect with local people and see the true side of living here.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR SEYCHELLES

Seychelles is one of the only visa-free countries in the world. That means if you want to work and travel in Seychelles you don’t need a visa and the visitor’s permit is available completely free of charge. For more info click here.

The only country this doesn’t apply to is Kosovo. Seychelles doesn’t recognize the Kosovan passport, so they will be refused entry.

For everyone else, they automatically get 90 days when they land. This can also be extended by a further 90 days for a fee. You can obtain this from the immigration offices whilst you’re there. With the allowed number of extensions, you can conceivably stay and work in Seychelles for 12 months before you have to leave the country.

This makes it one of the easiest countries to volunteer in.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN SEYCHELLES

SPRING WORK

Seychelles is known for its tropical, hot climate the whole year round. But there are different seasons you need into account.

During the spring, you’ll see that this is the shoulder season. The temperatures are relatively cool with lower humidity and less rainfall. This is perhaps the best time to work and travel in Seychelles.

The ideal volunteering opportunities in Seychelles involve working on the coastlines of the islands. It’s a great time to dive and to care for sea turtles, tropical fish, and the coral reefs

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is another great time to travel in the Seychelles because the weather is dry and cooler. This is a result of the southeast trade winds.

As well as the volunteering projects listed above, the summer is an ideal time to work in the forested areas of the country. It’s also when many volunteers decide to go to some of the more remote islands. You won’t need to worry about bad weather and you’ll be able to access some of the rarer species in this country.

It’s also a great time to work in the tourism industry. If you have prior experience, you can apply to work in some of the hotels and guesthouses on the island. But take note that this is a competitive industry, so you should prepare a professional job application and apply well in advance of your arrival.

AUTUMN

The autumn season sees the second shoulder season of the year. The climate is much like spring, so refer back to that section for more information on some of the projects available.

WINTER

Finally, winter sees the wet season. The humidity levels are higher and this is the least desirable time to work in Seychelles.

But there are backpacking jobs available. Consider looking into working with local businesses in Victoria. You can also work in schools and orphanages. This work is typically centered on Victoria since nearly every citizen in the country lives here.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN SEYCHELLES

Seychelles is one of the most welcoming countries in the world. With a mixture of cultures coming as a result of the country’s colonial history, everyone can enter the country with no questions asked. The locals are more than used to a variety of people visiting their country.

Not quite Africa and not quite Asia, the Seychelles straddles an interesting cultural line between the two cultures. The Seychelles rely almost entirely on tourism, so you’ll experience no hostility here.

Do you want to work and travel in the Seychelles?