Last updated: September 2026. UK citizens travelling to Seychelles in 2026 must obtain a Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure via . The eVisa Seychelles system is not a traditional visa; Seychelles remains a visa-free country, but the electronic pre-arrival clearance is mandatory for all travellers.
Standard processing takes 24 to 72 hours and requires a valid passport, proof of confirmed accommodation, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of at least US$150 per day in funds for the duration of stay. Applications can be submitted up to 30 days before arrival. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation must be obtained via, with the fee displayed at checkout during the payment step.
What Is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation (eVisa/eTA)?
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation is a mandatory pre-arrival electronic clearance system introduced in 2021 and maintained as a permanent border control mechanism. Seychelles remains a visa-free country; the Travel Authorisation does not replace that status. The legal permission to stay is granted separately via a Visitor’s Permit stamped on arrival. The system runs on the Electronic Border System platform, operated by Travizory Border Security SA, and is accessible at . The Seychelles Travel Authorisation replaces the traditional visa-on-arrival process with a digitised, pre-departure verification step.
eVisa vs eTA – What’s the Difference?
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation issues two distinct document types depending on nationality. The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) applies to visa-exempt nationals, including UK passport holders, and serves as pre-arrival verification at a lower cost tier. The eVisa targets nationalities that normally require a visa and functions as a digital tourist visa at a higher fee. British citizens apply for the eTA, not the eVisa.
| Feature | eTA | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies | Visa-exempt nationals (incl. UK) | Visa-required nationalities |
| Cost tier | Lower | Higher |
| Processing | Standard 24-72 hours | Standard 24-72 hours |
| Required for UK citizens? | Yes | No |
Who Needs a Seychelles Travel Authorisation in 2026?
Every traveller entering Seychelles in 2026 must hold an approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation before departure, regardless of nationality. The system routes applicants by visa status: citizens of visa-exempt countries apply for the eTA, while nationals of visa-required countries apply for the eVisa variant. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation thus functions as a universal pre-arrival gate, not a selective screening tool.
Seychelles Travel Authorisation for UK Citizens
British citizens holding a full “British citizen” passport qualify for visa exemption and therefore apply for the eTA, not the eVisa. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation for UK travellers is confirmed by the FCDO’s Seychelles travel advice on gov.uk, which states that Seychelles remains visa-free but requires mandatory online clearance (Source: gov.uk).
Dual nationals must enter Seychelles on the British passport that qualifies for visa exemption. Return to the UK requires either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement. For entry requirement inquiries, UK travellers can contact the Seychelles High Commission in the UK, referenced by gov.uk as the designated contact institution.
Seychelles Travel Authorisation Requirements Checklist 2026
Each applicant must upload a passport valid for the entire stay (six-month margin recommended), confirmed accommodation, and proof of at least US$150 per day. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation requires every applicant to meet all Seychelles eVisa requirements listed below.
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for the entire planned stay until return to country of origin or residence | Six-month margin recommended (Source: ics.gov.sc) |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking, apartment reservation, or host invitation | Confirmed booking required |
| Return or onward ticket | Confirmed flight or cruise booking | Mandatory application document |
| Sufficient funds | Minimum US$150 per day or equivalent | Per ics.gov.sc |
| Digital photograph | Passport-style photo upload | See upload specifications |
| Travel insurance | Optional but may be requested at border control | Per gov.uk |
| Eligibility status | Must not be a prohibited immigrant; must not hold an existing residency permit | Per ics.gov.sc |
Passport Validity
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation system requires a passport valid for the full duration of the intended stay until arrival back in the holder’s country of origin or residence (Source: ics.gov.sc). A six-month validity margin beyond the return date is strongly recommended. A passport reported lost or stolen will result in denied entry (Source: gov.uk).
Proof of Accommodation
Applicants must upload confirmed accommodation evidence. Hotel bookings, apartment reservations, or host invitation letters are all accepted by the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online system.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation mandates proof of at least US$150 per day or equivalent for the duration of stay (Source: ics.gov.sc). This threshold is verified during application review.
Photo, Document Upload & Health Requirements
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation portal accepts JPEG, PNG, and PDF files up to 5 MB, requiring a passport-style photo with white background and neutral expression.
Photo & Document Upload Specifications
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation requires a digital photograph with a white background, no headwear, neutral expression, face filling 70-80% of the frame, and no glasses glare. Passport data page scans must meet a minimum 300 DPI resolution.
| Format | Max Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG | 5 MB | Preferred for photos |
| PNG | 5 MB | Accepted for photos and scans |
| 5 MB | Accepted for document scans |
Health & Vaccination Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a WHO-listed risk country (Source: gov.uk). A layover of 12 hours or more in a risk country also triggers this requirement. For more details on vaccination requirements for Seychelles, note that other vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory for Seychelles Travel Authorisation approval.
How to Apply – Step by Step (2026)
The Seychelles eVisa application is submitted on , where you must create an account with email and password, then complete the form with passport data, flight details, and Seychelles address.
Create your account
Register using an email address and password on the Electronic Border System platform at.
Complete the application form
Enter personal details matching your passport exactly, flight details, your Seychelles address, and passport data. A single passport number error invalidates the submission.
Upload your documents
Provide a clear scan of your passport data page (minimum 300 DPI) and a passport-style digital photograph.
Pay the fee online
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation portal accepts Visa and Mastercard for payment. An instant receipt is generated upon completion.
Receive your approval
The approved document arrives by email containing a QR code or barcode. Present this printed copy or digital screen at immigration.
Timing, Processing & Payment Methods
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation can be submitted up to 30 days before arrival. UK travellers should apply at least 7 days before departure for standard processing, or at least 1 day before travel if using express processing, depending on the Seychelles eVisa processing time. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation portal accepts payment by Visa and Mastercard; other methods may appear on the checkout page. The receipt is required for any follow-up inquiries; store it until after your trip.
When to Apply – Timing Rules
The 30-day application window opens 30 days before your arrival date in Seychelles (Source: gov.uk). Submitting earlier risks the authorisation expiring before travel. For standard processing, allow a minimum of 7 days; for express, the submission deadline is at least 1 day before departure.
Standard vs Express Processing
| Processing Type | Timeframe | Extra Cost | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24-72 hours (informational estimate) | No surcharge | Apply 7+ days before departure |
| Express | Most approved within 1 day | Additional government fee | Last-minute travel, at least 1 day before departure |
Costs & Fees: Government Portal vs Third-Party Services
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation fee is paid directly on the government portal at during the checkout step. To understand how much the Seychelles eVisa costs, note that the exact government amount is displayed at the payment stage and is not published externally by UK or Seychellois authorities (Source: gov.uk, ).
Third-party services such as Sherpa charge bundled prices that include a service markup on top of the government fee: $38.00 USD for standard processing and $93.75 USD for urgent processing. These are commercial prices, not the government rate. Beware of fraudulent websites posing as the Seychelles application portal. The only legitimate government portal is .
| Cost Component | Government Portal | Third-Party Service (e.g., Sherpa) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | Displayed at checkout | $38.00 (standard) / $93.75 (urgent) |
| Service markup | None | Included in bundled price |
| Express surcharge | Additional government fee at checkout | Included in urgent bundle |
On arrival in Seychelles, the Visitor’s Permit is issued free of charge for the first 3 months (Source: gov.uk). Each subsequent 3-month extension carries a fee, with a maximum total stay of 12 months. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation itself does not guarantee entry; the Visitor’s Permit is the legal permission stamped at border control.
Arriving in Seychelles & Extending Your Stay
At the border, present your approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation (printed copy or on a device screen) alongside your passport. Border control officers issue a Visitor’s Permit on arrival – free for the first 3 months and valid for holiday, business, or visiting friends and family (Source: gov.uk, ics.gov.sc). You must declare your residential address or accommodation in Seychelles; any change of address must be reported promptly to the Department of Immigration and Civil Status at (+248) 4 293 611 or (+248) 4 293 600 (Source: ics.gov.sc). Cash imports of 50,000 Seychellois rupees or more must be declared during your Seychelles Travel Authorisation application (Source: gov.uk).
Extending Your Visitor’s Permit
Extensions are granted in 3-month increments, up to a maximum 12 months total, with a fee charged per extension (Source: gov.uk). You must apply before your current permit expires – either online or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office, Independence House, Victoria, Mahe, if you wish to extend your Seychelles Visitor’s Permit. Extensions are not processed by Seychellois embassies or consulates abroad.
Independence House, Victoria, Mahe, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4 293 636 / (+248) 4 293 600
Email: [email protected]
Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Seychelles Travel Authorisation
Rejections of the Seychelles Travel Authorisation are caused by passport data mismatches, poor-quality photos, and applying outside the 30-day application window.
- Wrong passport number or expiry date: Data must match the passport 100%.
- Poor-quality photo: Low-resolution images or incorrect backgrounds are the most common reason for processing delays.
- Mismatched dates: Flight dates, arrival dates, and stay dates must align perfectly in the application.
- Forgetting proof of accommodation: The application will not proceed without confirmed lodging details.
- Applying too early: Submitting before the 30-day window may result in the authorisation expiring before arrival.
- Using third-party sites with inflated fees: Travellers can apply directly on the government portal at without intermediary markup.
- Incorrect address in Seychelles: Providing false declarations is a serious offence under Seychelles immigration law (Source: ics.gov.sc).
- Not declaring cash of 50,000 Seychellois rupees or more: This declaration is required during the Seychelles Travel Authorisation application process (Source: gov.uk).
Key Requirements Summary for UK Travellers (2026)
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation is a mandatory pre-arrival electronic clearance for every UK citizen visiting Seychelles in 2026. British passport holders apply for the eTA variant via the government portal at , not a traditional eVisa Seychelles.
Key requirements: a passport valid for the full duration of stay, proof of confirmed accommodation, a valid return or onward ticket, and minimum funds of US$150 per day. Standard processing typically takes 24-72 hours; apply no earlier than 30 days before arrival.
The Visitor’s Permit is issued free on arrival for the first 3 months, extendable in 3-month increments up to a maximum of 12 months total. For entry-requirement inquiries, contact the Seychelles High Commission in the UK.
FAQ: Seychelles Travel Authorisation
Do infants and children need their own Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
Yes. Infants and children need their own Travel Authorisation. Listing on a parent’s passport does not cover them, and each child must have an individual application submitted and approved before travel.
Can I work remotely in Seychelles while on a Visitor’s Permit?
No. Remote work constitutes gainful occupation and violates the Visitor’s Permit. A Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) is required for any work, paid or unpaid (Source: ics.gov.sc).
Do I need travel insurance for Seychelles?
Travel insurance is not formally required for Seychelles Travel Authorisation approval, but proof covering potential health costs may be requested at border control (Source: gov.uk). It is strongly recommended.
Do transit passengers through Seychelles need a Travel Authorisation?
If you remain airside in the transit zone at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) without clearing border control, no Seychelles Travel Authorisation is required. If you clear border control, a valid Travel Authorisation is mandatory.
How do I correct a mistake on my approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
The portal at generally does not allow editing of an approved document. A new application with full payment is typically required. Always double-check passport numbers and dates before submitting.
What payment methods are accepted on ?
Visa and Mastercard are confirmed as accepted on the Seychelles Travel Authorisation government portal. Other methods may be available. Check the checkout page for current options before starting your application.
Do cruise ship passengers arriving at Port Victoria need a Travel Authorisation?
Yes. Passengers disembarking at Port Victoria must hold an approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation before arrival. Declaration timing may vary by cruise line, so confirm with your operator.
Is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation the same as a visa?
No. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation is an electronic pre-arrival clearance, not a visa. Seychelles remains visa-free for UK citizens. The legal permission to stay is granted via a Visitor’s Permit stamped on arrival.
What is the maximum stay allowed in Seychelles on a Visitor’s Permit?
The initial Visitor’s Permit is valid for 3 months and is free. Extensions of 3 months each are available up to a maximum total of 12 months, with a fee per extension (Source: gov.uk).
Can I apply with a dual passport as a UK citizen?
Yes, but you must enter Seychelles on the passport qualifying for visa-free entry (your British passport). Return to the UK requires a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Carry both passports when travelling.
