Changes to Sustainability Levy

Sustainability Levy in Seychelles: What Visitors Need to Know from January 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Seychelles from January 2026 onwards, there’s good news when it comes to understanding local tourism fees and what you can expect to pay during your stay.

Seychelles is introducing changes to its Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy, a fee designed to ensure that tourism contributes directly to protecting the islands’ unique natural environment.

The updated rules aim to make visiting Seychelles fairer and more transparent for travellers, while continuing to support long-term environmental conservation.

No Sustainability Levy for Small Guesthouses

From 1 January 2026, visitors staying in small accommodation establishments with 24 rooms or fewer will no longer be charged the sustainability levy. 

This includes many popular guesthouses, self-catering apartments, boutique hotels and locally owned lodges found across Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands.

For travellers, this means lower overall accommodation costs when choosing smaller, locally run properties and a wider range of affordable, authentic stay options.

What If You Stay in a Larger Hotel or Resort?

The sustainability levy will still apply to medium and large accommodation providers, as well as island resorts and yachts. If you stay at one of these properties, the levy will be added to your accommodation bill on a per person, per night basis:

• Medium hotels (25–50 rooms): SCR 75 per person, per night
• Large hotels (51 rooms and above): SCR 100 per person, per night
• Island resorts and yachts: SCR 100 per person, per night

These charges will usually be listed separately on your bill and collected directly by your accommodation provider.

Who Is Exempt from the Levy?

Some visitors are automatically exempt from paying the sustainability levy. These exemptions remain unchanged and include:

• Children aged 12 years and under
• Seychelles citizens and residents
• Airline and yacht crew members

Why the Levy Exists

Seychelles is famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, marine life and protected nature reserves. The sustainability levy helps fund environmental management, conservation projects and sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring that future generations of visitors can enjoy the islands just as they are today.

By adjusting the levy structure, Seychelles is supporting small local businesses while ensuring that larger tourism operations continue to contribute toward environmental protection.

What This Means for Your Holiday

For visitors, the 2026 changes provide greater choice and transparency. Choosing a small guesthouse not only offers a more personal island experience but may also reduce additional costs during your stay.

Whether you’re travelling for a luxury resort escape or a laid-back island adventure, Seychelles remains committed to responsible tourism balancing unforgettable experiences with care for its natural environment.