What documents are required for a Seychelles eVisa? UK travellers must prepare a passport bio page scan, a digital passport photo (minimum 600×600 px), a confirmed flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. These files must be uploaded as PDF, JPG, or PNG, with a 5 MB limit for documents and 2 MB for photos.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. Visa policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the EBS portal at before applying.
Applicants submit these files via the Seychelles Electronic Border System (EBS) at before departure. The Travel Authorisation costs €10 per person and is typically processed within up to 24 hours, after which the approved document is delivered as a PDF via email.
While the Seychelles government requires passport validity only for the duration of stay, airlines like British Airways often enforce a six-month validity rule at check-in. Upon arrival at Mahé, immigration stamps a free Visitor’s Permit valid for three months.
Seychelles eVisa Overview & Complete Document Checklist
UK passport holders must obtain a Travel Authorisation via the Electronic Border System (EBS) before boarding, requiring four core documents (plus two conditional items) uploaded as PDF, JPG, or PNG files.
The standard government fee is €10 per person, with processing taking up to 24 hours. Approval arrives as a PDF via email. Strict adherence to file-format and size limits prevents rejection by the EBS portal when you apply for your Seychelles eVisa.
| Document | Accepted Format | Max Size | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio page scan | PDF / JPG / PNG | 5 MB | Full colour, all four corners visible |
| Digital passport photo | JPG / PNG | 2 MB | Min 600×600 px, white background |
| Flight itinerary (return/onward) | PDF / JPG | 5 MB | Full name, flight numbers, dates |
| Accommodation confirmation | 5 MB | Guest name, dates, property name | |
| Proof of funds (if requested) | PDF / JPG | 5 MB | Min US$150/day; bank statement or stamped letter |
| Yellow fever certificate (conditional) | PDF / JPG | 2 MB | Only if arriving from an endemic area |
Apply through the EBS portal at Cross-check the portal for the latest requirements before submitting your Seychelles eVisa application.
Passport Requirements: Bio Page, Validity & Photo Specifications
The Seychelles government requires passport validity for the duration of stay, but airlines like British Airways often enforce a six-month rule.
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay (gov.uk, ics.gov.sc). Airlines may demand six months at check-in as a carrier policy, not a Seychelles rule.
- Bio page scan: Full colour, all four corners visible, no glare. Accepted as PDF, JPG, or PNG; max 5 MB.
- Photo specs: Minimum 600×600 px, 3:4 aspect ratio preferred, plain white background, even natural lighting, no glasses or headwear. JPG or PNG; max 2 MB. A mobile phone passport selfie is acceptable for the Seychelles eVisa.
How to Scan Your Passport Bio Page Using Your Phone
Place your passport on a dark, flat surface in natural light. Hold your phone directly above. Use Notes (iPhone) or Google Drive scan (Android). Aim for 1500 to 2000 px on the longest side. Avoid flash to prevent glare.
What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected?
The EBS portal flags photo issues before submission. If approved but poor, immigration at Mahé may request a new photo on arrival. You can resubmit without restarting the application.
Flight Itinerary & Accommodation Proof
A confirmed booking for both the inbound flight to Mahé and the return or onward leg is required, plus accommodation proof covering the entire stay for your Seychelles eVisa.
Every flight itinerary must display the applicant’s full name (matching the passport), airline name, flight numbers, and departure/arrival dates. Accepted uploads include e-ticket PDFs and booking confirmation emails, with a maximum file size of 5 MB in PDF or JPG format.
Accommodation proof may be a hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or invitation letter from a host. The confirmation must show the guest’s name, check-in and check-out dates, property name, and booking reference, covering the full trip duration.
Flying with Connecting Flights? Multi-Leg Itinerary Rules
UK routes typically connect via Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. If all legs are on one PNR, upload the full itinerary. If on separate tickets, upload both booking confirmations separately. Boarding passes are not required at the application stage.
What Your Booking Confirmation Must Show
- Guest full name(s) matching passport
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Property name and location
- Booking reference number
Conditional Documents: Proof of Funds & Yellow Fever
Immigration officers may request two conditional items when processing your Seychelles eVisa: proof of sufficient funds and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Proof of funds: Applicants must demonstrate at least US$150 per day of stay, per the Department of Immigration and Civil Status (ics.gov.sc). Accepted formats include electronic bank statements exported as PDF from online banking (three months’ history recommended), a stamped bank letter on letterhead, or a credit card statement showing available credit. Banking app screenshots may not suffice; a PDF export is safest. Max file size: 5 MB (PDF or JPG).
- Yellow fever certificate: Required only if arriving from a transmission-risk country (e.g., Ethiopia, parts of South America). UK travellers departing directly from the UK do not need it. Transit through an endemic country is exempt if under 12 hours without leaving the airport; exceeding 12 hours makes the certificate mandatory. Minimum age: 1 year. Refer to TravelHealthPro’s Seychelles guide via GOV.UK for country lists. Max file size: 2 MB (PDF or JPG).
- Travel insurance: Not formally required for the Seychelles eVisa application, but border officers may request proof at entry. Strongly recommended to cover potential health costs.
How to Upload Documents & What Happens at the Border
Every applicant must upload supporting files to the Electronic Border System (EBS) before departure; upon arrival, immigration at Mahé issues a free Visitor’s Permit valid for three months for your Seychelles eVisa.
Visit and select “Apply for Travel Authorisation.”
Create an account using your email address.
Fill in personal details: name, passport number, nationality, travel dates.
Upload each document to its designated slot (passport bio page, photo, flight itinerary, accommodation confirmation).
Pay the €10 standard government fee per person.
Receive your approved authorisation as a PDF via email within up to 24 hours.
At Mahé immigration, present the approved authorisation printed or on your phone to receive a free Visitor’s Permit valid for 3 months. Before departing Seychelles, complete the mandatory Digital Embarkation Information Form via the same EBS portal; non-compliance may result in a penalty fee under the Immigration Act.
Travelling with Children & Managing Document Rejections
Families travelling with minors must provide additional documentation for the Seychelles eVisa, and applicants should know how to resubmit files if the EBS portal flags an upload.
Every accompanying minor must hold their own Travel Authorisation at the standard €10 government fee per child. Parents must upload an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names and, if one parent is not travelling, a consent letter from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
The EBS portal auto-validates each file against format and size limits (5 MB for documents, 2 MB for photos), displaying an immediate error message if a file exceeds these thresholds. Applicants can resubmit a corrected photo or document without restarting the entire application process.
Seychelles eVisa Document Checklist FAQ
What documents are required for a Seychelles eVisa in 2026?
UK travellers need four core documents: a passport bio page scan, a digital passport photo meeting specific resolution requirements, a confirmed return or onward flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. If arriving from a transmission-risk country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required. All files must meet strict PDF, JPG, or PNG format and size limits.
Do British citizens need a visa for Seychelles?
British citizens do not need a traditional visa but must obtain a mandatory Travel Authorisation via the Electronic Border System before travel. Upon arrival, immigration issues a free Visitor’s Permit valid for three months for holiday or business purposes, which can be extended in three-month increments up to a maximum of 12 months.
How long does a Seychelles eVisa take to process?
The standard processing time for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation is up to 24 hours. It is recommended to apply up to 30 days before your arrival. Commercial intermediaries offer express services with private markups, but the standard government processing remains efficient and costs €10 per person.
Can I take my Seychelles eVisa photo with my phone?
Yes, the Seychelles EBS portal accepts a passport photo selfie taken with a mobile phone. The image must have a minimum resolution of 600×600 px, a 3:4 aspect ratio, a plain white or light grey background, and even natural lighting without shadows. The file must be JPG or PNG and under 2 MB.
What file formats does the Seychelles eVisa portal accept?
The Electronic Border System accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. Documents such as the passport bio page, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation must not exceed 5 MB. The digital passport photo has a stricter limit of 2 MB. The portal auto-validates these parameters and flags files that exceed the limits.
Is there a fee for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
The standard government fee for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation is €10 per person, which must be paid online via credit card during the application. Third-party services may charge higher fees, such as $38 USD or $93.75 USD for express processing, but these include private markups and are not government rates.
Do I need to print my approved Seychelles eVisa?
You can present your approved Travel Authorisation either printed or saved on your mobile phone at Mahé International Airport. However, it is strongly recommended to carry a printed PDF copy as airlines may check the document during check-in. The approval is delivered to your email as a PDF file.
What happens if my document is rejected by the system?
The EBS portal auto-validates file formats and sizes, displaying an error message immediately if a file exceeds limits or is in the wrong format. If a photo is approved but deemed poor quality upon arrival, immigration may request a new one. You can resubmit a corrected photo without restarting the entire application.
Do I need travel insurance for the Seychelles eVisa?
Travel insurance is not formally required for the Travel Authorisation application. However, border officers may request proof of insurance at entry, and it is strongly recommended to cover potential health costs. Proof of sufficient funds, minimum US$150 per day, may also be requested by immigration.
How do I leave Seychelles – is there a departure form?
Yes, all travellers must complete a Digital Embarkation Information Form via the EBS portal before departing Seychelles. This mandatory form requires your departing flight information and contact details. Failure to submit this form prior to departure may result in a penalty fee under the Immigration Act.
