The paradise archipelago of the Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean and is made up of 115 islands. While the destination is renowned for its dream beaches and crystal-clear waters, it also offers the chance to carry out voluntary work on the spot.
Volunteering visas in the Seychelles allow humanitarian workers to take part in humanitarian activities. local projects and help the population or the environment. In this article, we will explain in detail the various opportunities for volunteering in Seychelles and the conditions required to obtain a visa of this type.
Enjoy a unique and enriching experience thanks to volunteer missions in Seychelles
Participate in a volunteer mission in the Seychelles is without doubt an unforgettable experience. By choosing this option, volunteers have the opportunity to discover a country whose natural beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while giving their time and energy to a cause close to their hearts. In this way, they can contribute to well-being of local communitiesthe safeguarding the environmentt or the country's development.
Traditional volunteering
The first category of volunteering programmes involves helping local populations, mainly in the areas of education and health. Volunteers can be offered cultural or sporting activities, training or educational support for young Seychellois from disadvantaged backgrounds, or care in local medical facilities.
Ecovolunteering
The second type of programme focuses on protecting the environment and preserving local ecosystems. The Seychelles are home to unique flora and fauna that deserve to be preserved. Visit eco-volunteers are called on to carry out inventories, monitor animal populations, restore natural habitats, monitor the reproduction of endangered species or raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among the local population.
To apply, you will need a specific visa: the volunteer visa.
To volunteer in the Seychelles, it's not enough simply to sign up with an association or organisation; you also need to obtain the authorisation required to work in the country as a volunteer. This takes the form of a volunteer visawhich is subject to a number of conditions.
What you need to know before applying for a volunteer visa
Before moving to Seychelles, you should be aware that applying for a visa can take some time. The procedure can take up to 3 months before the visa is granted. During this time, you can start looking for a job and preparing to settle in Seychelles. First of all, volunteers must be at least 18 years old to apply for this type of visa. They must also provide certain documents required by the Seychelles authorities, in particular :
- proof of involvement with an approved local association or body
- a contract detailing the nature and duration of their assignment in Seychelles
- copies of their passports and return air tickets
- proof that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay
The process for obtaining a volunteer visa in Seychelles
Once these documents have been collected, volunteer applicants must send their applications to visa application at the embassy or to Seychelles consulate in their country of residence. They will also have to pay an application fee, the amount of which varies according to the applicant's nationality. It should be noted that volunteer visas in Seychelles are not always available free of charge. The cost depends on the length of stay and the type of programme chosen. You should therefore check with the host organisation and plan a budget to cover these costs.
Insurance and responsibilities of volunteers
As in any foreign country, humanitarian workers in the Seychelles must take certain precautions in terms of health and safety. We strongly advise you to take out a specific travel insurance for volunteersThis covers not only medical care, but also the volunteer's civil liability to third parties. This insurance must be taken out before departure, as it may be required when entering Seychelles. In addition, it is essential to respect local rules and customs as well as the instructions given by the host organisation and the Seychelles authorities. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of the visa and the forced repatriation of the volunteer.
An agency service 