What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
United Nations Agreements on Road Traffic
Three international treaties control foreign driving permits: the Paris International Convention relating to Motor Traffic of 1926, the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949, and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968. When a state is bound by more than one convention, the oldest convention terminates and supersedes the others.
The International Driving Permit allows the bearer to drive outside their home country of residence, translating the national driving license into ten other languages. It is granted in exchange for their national driving license and accordance with their driving category. Seychelles nationals and residents with a valid International Driving Permit are permitted to operate automobiles in other foreign countries due to Seychelles’s signing of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
Benefits of Carrying an IDP in Seychelles
Functionality as an ID
IDPs are a convenient travel document as it doubles as identification documents. This is advantageous if you want to keep your passport under lock and key due to security considerations. An IDP can be used instead of a national ID card, especially if it is in a language that is not internationally used.
Quicker traffic authority stops.
Traffic police may have trouble deciphering your driver’s information on your license during a routine traffic stop. Having an IDP ensures that officers can quickly note down your particulars and send you on your way. This may be especially handy during the unfortunate event of an emergency or motor misfortunes.
Car rental companies
Car rental companies worldwide require you to have an International Driving Permit and a valid driving license to rent a car. This is due to the United Nations recognizing an IDP as a valid driving permit. Having an IDP will ensure that your valuable vacation time isn’t wasted on trying to convince a conservative car rental agency of the validity of your foreign driver’s license.
Driving Requirements for Non-Citizens in Seychelles
Anyone with a current passport and driving license can apply for an international driving permit. The licensing authority maintains the right to refuse applications if the applicant does not provide the required paperwork per the rules. Ensure the address listed on your passport and driver’s license matches the place you are applying. IDPs are only good for a year after they are issued.
Car rental in Seychelles
It is vital to book inexpensive car rentals in Seychelles in advance, especially during the busiest months when businesses may run out of automobiles.
You should shop around in advance to locate the best deals on Seychelles vehicle rentals and take your time reading the small print because you won’t want to start your vacation with a job you don’t want.
Only a few global brands, including Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, have vehicle rental locations in Seychelles. Local organizations are trustworthy and well-regulated. Once settled in, you can arrange pickup at your hotel or the airport.
When you compare the lowest Seychelles car rental prices, you’ll discover that a small hatchback often costs between £35 and £45 per day, including theft and collision damage waiver. The costs are around £5 to £10 higher on Praslin.
In Seychelles, a driver must be at least 23 years old.
Tips for hiring a car in Seychelles
In Seychelles, automobiles are left-hand-drive, and the urban speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). Outside of town, the speed limit is 65 km/h (40 mph), and on the dual carriageway between Victoria and the airport, the speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph). 40 km/h is the maximum allowed speed limit on Praslin (25 mph).
Every six weeks, the fuel must be imported; as a result, it is fairly expensive. The fuel price is the same everywhere, and all gas stations are serviced. On Praslin, there are just two gas stations. Avoid parking beneath a coconut tree. One might do a lot of damage to the car if it falls on it!
Formalities for renting a car in Seychelles
In Seychelles, you must be above 22 and have held your license for at least two years to rent a car. The best choice would be to reserve a vehicle before arriving in the nation so that you can pick it up at the airport immediately. To locate your lodging, you can easily use Google Maps, or if you dare, try using an accurate map.
Driving and Safety in Seychelles
Remember to always abide by the traffic laws and regulations when driving in Seychelles to prevent collisions and run-ins with the law. Your journey will be more relaxing as a result.
The most crucial driving laws in Seychelles are:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Seychelles
- Roads can be relatively narrow and tend to wind. In some locations, the edge of the road is also just a drop.
- The speed limit in Seychelles is 60 km/h on open roads and highways and 40 km/h in urban areas and places with considerable pedestrian traffic.
- Avoid driving at night when possible
- Be sure to carry your license, passport, IDP, and insurance information with you
Top 9 Places to Visit in Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago made up of 116 islands and is situated on the eastern coast of Africa. Beautiful white sand beaches, verdant landscapes, and a long history are all present across the nation. By requesting a Seychelles international driving permit right away, you’ll be able to travel freely throughout this stunning nation and take advantage of all that Seychelles has to offer. Here is a list of the top places in Seychelles that you should drive to on your next excursion.
Anse Intendance
Anse Intendance is a tiny stretch of sand punctuated by palm trees which is ideal for a trip. The beach is not the best location to practice swimming. However, the beach is perfect for activities like surfing, tanning, and photography. This beach’s powder-white sand wonderfully complements the ocean’s glimmering waves, making it a nice place to relax and have some quiet time to reflect. Then why not?
Morne Seychelles National Park
Morne Seychelles National Park is among the most popular tourist attractions in Seychelles. This national park can be found in Mahé and covers 20% of the island’s surface area. It provides a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, surfing, and diving. In Morne, Seychelles, there are a wide variety of routes with varying lengths and levels of difficulty.
One of the numerous well-known and stunning beaches in Seychelles is accessible by following the Anse Major trail, which would require a 45-minute hike. In Anse Major, swimming is free, but a few small stores nearby rent out snorkeling equipment. The Mission Ruins are another attraction located inside the national park. Mission Ruins, today regarded as a significant cultural monument for Seychelles, operated as a school for Seychellois children in the 1870s.
Beau Vallon
With its long beaches, calm, shallow waves, and stunning white sand, Beau Vallon is frequently hailed as the most well-known beach in Seychelles. On Beau Vallon, you may go diving, jet skiing, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, or you can rest by the dunes. Due to the soft, shallow waves and the constant presence of lifeguards, this beach is also safe for kids. Nevertheless, you should proceed with caution and watch the kids as they play.
Due to the Wednesday night markets close to the ocean, Beau Vallon is also one of the most excellent spots to eat fresh seafood. Additionally, there are small merchants at the ends of the beach that sell everyone fresh coconuts and fruits. Because there are hotels nearby, this beach is frequently visited by newlyweds.
Vallée de Mai National Park
Located near Praslin, Vallée de Mai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With almost 4,000 enormous Coco de Mer fruit palms, unusual birds, and native reptiles, this national park is bursting with life. It is stated that Vallée de Mai’s beauty is unmatched, and the park has earned the moniker “Garden of Eden” due to its natural splendor.
While touring the national park inside, you can discover more about the significance of Coco de Mer to Seychelles. There are several excursions available, depending on the route you select and the amount of time you have to explore Vallée de Mai. The endangered black parrot and the rare Seychelles bulbul can be seen while birding.
Curieuse Island
Near Praslin is the fascinating island of Curieuse. The entire island is a national park and home to a tortoise nursery where you can see the hatchlings grow and be released. There are also more than 300 enormous Aldabra tortoises on the island, some of which are over 180 years old. They will allow you to feed the tortoises and even touch them if you take a guided tour.
The Doctor’s House, a national institution, is also located on Curieuse Island. The Doctor’s House, which is now an essential part of Seychelle’s history, is where you may learn about the island’s tragic past as a place of quarantine for those who had leprosy. You can find out more about the history of the island by going visiting the nearby leprosarium ruins.
Domaine de Val des Prés
Craft Village, formerly called Domaine de Val des Prés, was previously a plantation mansion during the era of slavery. All 12 of the artisan cottages of Craft Village are currently displaying traditional Creole arts, crafts, and cultural memorabilia. In addition, you can take in the architecture, eat a filling lunch at the well-known Pomme Cannelle restaurant, and purchase lovely and uncommon gifts.
Given that it was formerly a location of misery for the Seychellois, Domaine de Val des Prés is a potent and important landmark in Seychelles. Nevertheless, they were able to make the site a celebration of Seychelles culture. Even after renovation, the structures still display the ancient way of life and housing of the early Seychellois, who were enslaved.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Six nearby islands off the coast of Mahé make up the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. The travelers are taken on a glass-bottom boat tour of the coral reefs in the park, where there is a variety of marine life. The national park is among the most extraordinary locations in Seychelles because of its highlights like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Seychelles Natural History Museum
The National History Museum in Victoria city, one of the most important tourist destinations in Seychelles, displays the archipelago’s flora, wildlife, and geological history. The museum also raises awareness of the leading environmental issues to preserve the natural legacy.
Rita’s Art Studio And Gallery
For art enthusiasts, one of the top destinations in Seychelles is the art studio/gallery. Here, beautiful artworks available for purchase depict Seychelles’ breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. So, when you’re exploring this peaceful country, be sure to check out these attractions!
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
Since it originally opened in 1840, the crowded and vibrant market in Victoria, the capital of the island of Mahé, has been the best place to go shopping in Seychelles. Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and spices can all be purchased. The appeal of the bustling marketplace is further enhanced by the abundance of stores selling trinkets, apparel, and regional artwork.
FAQs
Why would I need An international driving permit in Seychelles?
You require an IDP for several reasons. You’ll need an IDP to rent a car if you wish to explore a new country at your own pace. Particularly in European nations, many rental agencies will ask for an IDP and won’t release the keys until they receive them.
Additionally, having one will make any interaction with a police officer easier than it would be without one. If you get pulled over, it will save everyone a lot of time. Many locations worldwide demand that you carry identification with you at all times, which is a little safer than having a passport.
What happens if I lose my IDP in Seychelles?
IDPs have unique serial numbers; thus, it is sadly not possible to reprint a lost or damaged IDP; nevertheless, a new IDP will be supplied upon request and payment of the fee.
What are gas prices in Seychelles?
When you rent a car in Seychelles, you will discover that the average cost of gasoline is 19.11 SCR (1.40 USD) per liter, which is comparable to 5.29 USD per gallon. Several Seychelles Petroleum gas stations can be found in Mahé; however, there are only two on Praslin. Many remain open until 11 p.m.