If you are traveling to Seychelles in 2026 or later, you will be able to understand the tourism fees applicable in the country.
Seychelles is reviewing its Tourism Environment Sustainability Levy, which is essentially an amount that ensures tourism always supports environmental conservation in the Seychelles islands. This new measure is all about ensuring fairness as far as travelers are concerned. It always supports environmental conservation.
No Sustainability Levy for Small Guesthouses
Under new rules, from 1st January 2026, tourists who stay in accommodation premises with 24 rooms or fewer will be exempted from the sustainability levy.
This is true for many of the popular guest houses, apartments, boutique hotels, and locally owned lodges found on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and the surrounding islands.
For tourists, it means there will be more budget-friendly lodging choices and the ability to select smaller locally run establishments for an authentic island experience.
Staying at Medium and Large Hotels and Resorts
The sustainability levy will continue to apply for medium and large accommodation providers, as well as for island resorts and yachts. In these circumstances, and if you are a guest at such a venue, you will be charged per person and per night as set out below:
Medium hotels (25-50 rooms): SCR 75 per person, per night
Large hotels with over 51 rooms: SCR 100 per person per night
Island resorts and Yachts - SCR 100 per person, per night
Such costs are often reflected as a separate expense and paid directly to the accommodation provider.
Who Is Exempt From the Payment of the Levy
These visitors are exempt from the sustainability levy:
Under the age of 12 years
Seychelles citizens and residents
Crew members in airlines and yachts
Why the Sustainability Levy is Important
Seychelles is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and nature reserves. The sustainability charge is a key source of funding for environmental management and sustainability tourism projects.
Through a revision of the levy system, Seychelles is ensuring that small local businesses are supported while also making contributions to the conservation of the country's heritage by larger tourist operations.
This Has Implications for Your Holiday
Changes in 2026 allow visitors even greater choice and flexibility when planning their stay. Selecting to stay at a small guesthouse may have the effect of making the visit even more enjoyable and help keep the cost of accommodations down.
No matter if Seychelles has in store for its visitors a luxury resort vacation or a leisure island escape, it has always remained committed to the cause of responsible tourism while preserving its incredible natural surroundings.
