Landing in paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare if you choose the wrong customs channel. The anxiety of deciding between the "Red Channel" and "Green Channel" is completely justified when facing strict border enforcement. Knowing exactly what is allowed in your suitcase will save you from intense questioning, unexpected taxes, and heavy penalties at the airport.
Red Channel vs. Green Channel
Upon arriving at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in Mahé, which handles all international arrivals, you must clear immigration and collect your luggage before declaring your baggage status.
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Green Channel (Nothing to Declare): Proceed through this exit only if your items fall strictly within the passenger allowances and you possess zero restricted or prohibited goods.
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Red Channel (Goods to Declare): You must enter this lane if you exceed your limits, carry commercial items, or possess any restricted goods requiring permits.
Customs officers conduct frequent, randomized X-ray checks in the Green Channel. Claiming ignorance is not accepted as an excuse if you are caught carrying excess or banned items.
Customs Limits & Allowances
Travelers aged 18 and older are entitled to the following maximum quantities.
| Item | Limit (Per Person) | Notes |
| Cigarettes / Tobacco | 200 cigarettes OR 250g of tobacco | strictly for passengers 18+. |
| Low-Alcohol Drinks | 2 Liters | Wine, beer, or sparkling wine (16% alcohol or less). |
| High-Alcohol Drinks | 2 Liters | Spirits, liquor, or any beverage with more than 16% alcohol. |
| Perfume | 200 ml | Applicable to all ages. |
| Other Goods | SR 5,000 (approx. $360 USD) | SR 3,000 limit for passengers under 18. Must be for personal use. |
⚠️ STRICT WARNING: NO FAMILY POOLING > Seychelles customs regulations mandate that tax-free allowances are strictly per passenger and completely non-transferable. You cannot combine allowances with family members to bring in a larger single item or consolidate excess alcohol into one suitcase. Passengers under 18 have zero allowance for alcohol or tobacco products.
The "Big Ban": The Camouflage Trap
The most unexpected trap for tourists traveling to Seychelles is the strict ban on camouflage clothing. It is illegal for any civilian to wear, import, or possess any clothing, material, or accessories featuring a military or camouflage print. If you arrive wearing camo pants or have a camo-patterned bag in your luggage, customs will immediately confiscate the items, and you will face severe delays, interrogations, and potential fines. Leave all military-style clothing at home.
Banned & Restricted Items List
Do not attempt to bring the following items into Seychelles without prior authorization.
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Camouflage clothing or military uniforms.
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Narcotics and illicit drugs.
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Spearguns, mace, knuckledusters, and similar weapons.
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Firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials (including fireworks).
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Counterfeit currency and counterfeit goods.
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Pornographic, obscene, or seditious materials.
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Non-tobacco products designed to resemble tobacco (e.g., sweet cigarettes).
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Fresh meat, plants, and uncertified animal products (requires explicit biosecurity permits).
For the official list, refer to the Seychelles Revenue Commission.
Fines & Payment
If you carry goods exceeding your duty-free allowance, you must declare them in the Red Channel. You will be required to pay a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) plus any applicable import duties on the excess amount.
Failure to declare excess items or attempting to smuggle restricted goods through the Green Channel is a serious offense. Penalties include immediate confiscation of the undeclared goods, heavy spot fines, and potential criminal prosecution. Taxes and fines are payable on the spot, usually in cash (Seychelles Rupees) or via credit card at the customs desk.
Instant Internet at Customs
You need reliable internet the moment you land to load digital booking confirmations, access banking apps to pay unexpected customs duties, or translate documents if requested by border officials. Relying on slow, insecure airport Wi-Fi during a high-stress customs check can cause massive delays.
Secure your connection before you even board your flight. Roafly covers this destination with reliable data, ensuring your digital documents are ready when the customs officer asks for them. Grab your Seychelles eSIM to stay connected.
