Last updated: 15 September 2026. How to apply for a Seychelles eVisa in 2026? Visit , create a free account, fill in the online Travel Authorisation form with your passport and travel details, upload a passport scan and photo, and pay the €10 fee by card. Most applications are approved within 24 hours.
Do You Need a Travel Authorisation for Seychelles?
All UK passport holders must obtain a mandatory Travel Authorisation via the govtas portal before departure, as it is not a traditional visa. Seychelles remains visa-exempt for British citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and BN(O) holders, but entry requires this digital pre-departure approval managed through . According to the gov.uk FCDO travel advice page, the Seychelles eVisa application process on the govtas portal replaces the former stamp-based system. This Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for all visitors regardless of nationality.
Two distinct documents apply. The Travel Authorisation is obtained online before you travel and is valid for a single entry. On arrival at the Seychelles border, immigration issues a free Visitor’s Permit valid for up to 3 months (90 days), extendable in 3-month increments to a maximum cumulative stay of 12 months.
Seychelles eVisa Requirements and Document Preparation
UK travellers need a passport valid for the entire duration of their intended stay until the return journey, not the commonly cited six months. You must also provide a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds (minimum US$150 per day), and a digital passport-style photograph taken within the last six months. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country (from age 1+, transit exempt if under 12 hours). Proof of travel insurance covering potential health costs may be requested at border control. Applications can be submitted up to 30 days before arrival. For entry requirement enquiries, UK travellers can also contact the Seychelles High Commission in London.
| Document | Requirement | Format/Details | Common Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for duration of stay until return; 1 blank visa page | Clear scan of bio-data page (JPEG/PNG/PDF) | Assuming a 6-month validity rule that does not apply to Seychelles tourism |
| Return/onward ticket | Valid booking confirmation | Flight itinerary or e-ticket copy | Hold tickets that don’t match stated arrival date |
| Accommodation | Confirmed hotel, Airbnb, or invitation letter | Booking reference or host’s full address | Missing host address for private stays |
| Sufficient funds | Minimum US$150 per day | Bank statement or card confirmation | Underestimating the daily minimum |
| Yellow fever certificate | Only if arriving from endemic country (age 1+) | Vaccination card; transit exempt if under 12 hours | Not checking whether transit country triggers the requirement |
Passport Photo Requirements
When completing the Seychelles eVisa application process on the govtas portal, your uploaded photo must meet standard biometric criteria: plain white or light-coloured background, neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open, even lighting without shadows, and no spectacles if avoidable. The image must be recent, taken within the last 6 months, with no filters or heavy cropping of your head and shoulders. Use a standard passport photo ratio to avoid rejection at the upload stage.
Creating Your GoVTAS Account
The process begins with a free account registration on the govtas portal, operated by Travizory Border Security SA. The portal, part of the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS), is accessible at and supports English with 24/7 live chat support.
Create Account
Navigate to the portal and select “Create Account”
Enter Your Details
Email address, full legal name, and password
Verify Email
Click the confirmation link sent to your inbox
Log In
Begin the application with your new credentials
Save your login details in a password manager as you will need them to track your status later.
Alternative: Using the E-Border Mobile App
If you experience browser issues during the Seychelles eVisa application process on the govtas portal, the E-Border app is available on iOS and Android, offering the same form and payment flow. The desktop portal remains preferable for easier document uploads.
Filling Out the Seychelles eVisa Application Form
The application form on the govtas portal is divided into several sections:
Personal Details
Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, gender, email, phone
Passport Details
Passport number, issue/expiry date (DD/MM/YYYY), country of issue
Travel Details
Arrival date, departure date, port of entry, flight number
Accommodation
Hotel name, full address, booking reference, or host details
The most common mistake is a name mismatch between passport and form. Have your passport open beside you and transcribe every character exactly before proceeding.
Uploading Documents and Technical Specs
The final upload stage requires:
| Document | Accepted Format | Max Size | Rules | Common Error |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio-data page scan | JPEG, PNG, PDF | 2-5 MB | Minimum 300 DPI; all corners visible; no glare or shadows | Blurry or cut-off scan; file too large |
| Passport-style photo | JPEG, PNG | 2-5 MB | Taken within last 6 months; plain white or light background; neutral expression; no glasses if avoidable | Wrong background; heavy cropping; filters applied |
Compress images using a free online tool before uploading if your file exceeds the limit. The govtas portal does not accept other file extensions, so verify the format before attempting an upload.
Paying the Seychelles eVisa Fee
The Seychelles eVisa application process on the govtas portal requires a standard fee of €10 per person, payable by Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. The GBP equivalent varies with the exchange rate on the day of payment.
| Fee Type | EUR Amount | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | €10 | Up to 24 hours | Base fee per person |
| Premium | €30 | Within 6 hours | Faster processing |
| Expedited | €70 | ~60 minutes | Emergency option |
The fee is non-refundable if your application is refused or cancelled. Mobile wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is not confirmed on the portal.
Completing the Payment Screen
The payment screen on the govtas portal requests your card number, expiry date, CVV, cardholder name, and a billing address. After you click “Pay Now,” a confirmation page displays a receipt summary. Do not close the browser tab until the confirmation appears.
Submission, Tracking, and Processing Times
Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation reference in the format TAE-XXXXXX (e.g., TAE-ABC123). Standard processing takes up to 24 hours, though approvals frequently arrive sooner. Premium processing delivers approval within 6 hours (€30), and expedited processing within approximately 60 minutes (€70). To check progress, log in to and use the “Check Status” feature with your reference number and registered email. Possible statuses include Pending, Approved, or Refused.
Post-submission corrections are not possible. Any error requires submitting a new application and paying the fee again. Common mistakes that delay approval include name mismatches against the passport, blurry document scans, incorrect date formats, and failing to check the spam folder for the confirmation email. For complex issues, contact the Immigration Department at [email protected] or call (+248) 4 293 600.
Arrival in Seychelles and Customs Allowances
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation process concludes at the border, where you present your approved PDF on your phone screen or as a printed copy alongside your passport. Immigration officers issue a free Visitor’s Permit valid for up to 3 months (90 days), extendable in 3-month increments (fee charged per extension) to a maximum cumulative stay of 12 months. Extensions are processed in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office, Independence House, Victoria, Mahé, or online via before your current permit expires. Proof of travel insurance covering potential health costs may be requested at border control.
Customs duty-free limits for arriving travellers include 2 litres of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes (or 250g of tobacco), and 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette. Cash amounts of SCR 50,000 or more must be declared when applying for your Travel Authorisation on the govtas portal. E-cigarettes and vaporizers are subject to special import regulations and may be confiscated upon arrival.
FAQ
How do I apply for a Seychelles eVisa from the UK?
Visit , create a free account, fill in the Travel Authorisation form, upload a passport scan and photo, and pay the €10 fee by Visa or Mastercard. Approval is emailed within 24 hours. Each traveller, including children, must submit a separate application.
How much does a Seychelles Travel Authorisation cost for UK citizens?
Standard: €10 per person. Premium: €30 (within 6 hours). Expedited: €70 (~60 minutes). GBP equivalent varies with exchange rate. Non-refundable if refused or cancelled.
What documents do I need for a Seychelles eVisa application?
Passport valid until return, bio-data scan, onward ticket, accommodation proof, funds (US$150/day), recent photo (6 months). Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
How long does the Seychelles eVisa take to process?
Standard: up to 24 h. Premium: 6 h (€30). Expedited: ~60 min (€70). Apply at least 7 days ahead; submissions open 30 days before arrival.
Can I apply for a Seychelles eVisa on arrival?
No. The Travel Authorisation must be obtained before departure via . The Visitor’s Permit is issued free at the border (up to 3 months, extendable to 12 months) but requires a pre-approved Travel Authorisation.
Is the Seychelles eVisa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The fee is non-refundable. Errors cannot be edited after submission; a new application with a new fee is required. Contact [email protected] for complex issues.
What payment methods does the govtas portal accept?
Visa/Mastercard debit or credit only. Apple Pay/Google Pay not confirmed. EUR fee; GBP varies.
Can I apply for a Seychelles eVisa for my whole family at once?
No. Each traveller, including children, must submit a separate application with its own documents and €10 fee. Group or family batch submissions are not supported.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace government sources. Always verify requirements on the govtas portal at before applying. For official travel advice, consult gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/seychelles/entry-requirements or ics.gov.sc.
