Indian passport holders do not need a traditional visa to enter Seychelles. Seychelles grants visa-free entry under a Visitor’s Permit for up to 3 months, but Indians must obtain a mandatory Seychelles Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online via the SEBS portal before departure. The eTA costs from €10 and is typically approved within 24 hours.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Seychelles?
Indian passport holders receive a free Visitor’s Permit on arrival (up to 90 days, extendable to 12 months), but must obtain a mandatory eTA online before travel. This guide was last verified against the Seychelles Department of Immigration and Civil Status portal and the SEBS platform in September 2026. Official sources: and immigration.gov.sc. Immigration rules change frequently – always confirm current Seychelles visa requirements for Indians before booking.
| Entry Method | What It Means | Applies to Indian Passport Holders? |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | No visa required; Visitor’s Permit issued on arrival | Yes – up to 90 days, extendable to 12 months |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Visa issued at the immigration counter | No – Seychelles issues a Visitor’s Permit, not a visa-on-arrival |
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) | Mandatory online pre-travel authorisation via SEBS | Yes – mandatory for all Indian passport holders |
Visitor’s Permit Duration & Extensions
The Visitor’s Permit is free for the initial 3-month (90-day) period, granted for holidays, business, or visiting family. Extensions are available in 3-month increments up to a maximum cumulative stay of 12 months. An extension fee applies for each 3-month period. Submit your extension application online via SEBS or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office, Victoria, Mahé, before your current permit expires. Overstaying is a serious offence under Seychelles immigration law, and border formalities are strictly enforced.
Department of Immigration and Civil Status
Independence House, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Telephone: (+248) 4 293 636 / (+248) 4 293 600
Email: [email protected]
Enforcement Hotline: (+248) 4 303 930
Address change notification: [email protected]
eTA Fees, Processing Times & Validity
The Seychelles eTA costs €10 (standard, within 24 hours), €30 (premium, within 6 hours), or €70 (expedited, approximately 60 minutes) and is valid for a single journey of up to 90 days. Payment is by credit or debit card on SEBS. The eTA expires upon exit – no stamp or label is placed in your passport. Express service is for emergencies only.
How to Apply for a Seychelles eTA: Step-by-Step Guide
Apply up to 30 days before arrival via SEBS , which offers 24/7 live chat in English and a mobile app. Indian travellers report standard-tier approvals often arrive within 6 hours, though the stated window is 24 hours – apply early to avoid stress.
Create an account and select your eTA tier
Create an account on the SEBS portal and select your eTA tier: €10 (standard), €30 (premium), or €70 (expedited).
Enter your personal and passport details
Match names exactly as printed on your Indian passport.
Input your travel details
Enter arrival airport, flight number, and travel dates.
Upload proof of accommodation
Provide a hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter.
Upload a passport-style photograph
Ensure it meets SEBS specifications for size, background colour, and format.
Pay the eTA fee
Pay by credit or debit card.
Download your approved eTA confirmation
Save it from your email to your phone for presentation at immigration.
Documents You Need at Seychelles Immigration
Indian passport holders must present a valid passport, confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds at the immigration counter upon arrival.
- Valid passport – under Seychellois law, valid for the period of intended stay until return to your country of origin or residence. Airlines commonly enforce a 6-month validity safeguard at check-in. One traveller whose passport had only 4 months of validity was denied boarding at Mumbai airport despite Seychelles’ 3-month requirement – maintain this buffer.
- One blank passport page – recommended, as immigration may stamp the Visitor’s Permit.
- eTA approval – printout or digital copy on your phone.
- Return or onward ticket – confirmed booking for the full duration of your visit.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation, invitation letter from friends or relatives, or tour operator voucher.
- Proof of sufficient funds – minimum US$150 per day; bank statements covering at least 3 months recommended.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory only if arriving from a transmission-risk country.
India-Specific Banking Tips
The US$150/day threshold must be met in USD. Visa/Mastercard-branded Forex cards work at Seychelles International Airport ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. RuPay is not accepted internationally – carry USD or EUR cash as backup.
Transit, Health & Entry Conditions for Indian Travellers
Indian citizens transiting through hubs like Dubai or Addis Ababa face different rules and must meet Seychelles health and customs regulations before clearing immigration on arrival.
Transiting via Dubai or Doha: no transit visa needed if you remain airside. Addis Ababa: transit visa required for landside connections. Check each hub’s transit visa policy before booking. Nairobi and Abu Dhabi also serve Indian travellers en route to Seychelles.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory only if arriving from a transmission-risk country. Indian passport holders departing directly from India without transiting through an endemic zone are not subject to this requirement.
You must declare any currency exceeding 50,000 Seychellois rupees (SCR) at the eTA application stage. Upon departure, all Indian passport holders must complete the mandatory Embarkation Information Form, which requires a valid passport, selfie, contact information, and departing flight details.
FAQ: Seychelles Visa Requirements for Indians
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Seychelles in 2026?
No. Seychelles grants Indian citizens a free Visitor’s Permit on arrival valid for up to 3 months. However, you must obtain a mandatory eTA online via the SEBS portal before departure.
Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Seychelles?
Indian citizens receive a Visitor’s Permit on arrival, which functions similarly to a visa-on-arrival but is legally distinct. It is free for an initial 3-month period. You must present your approved eTA, return ticket, accommodation proof, and funds.
How long can Indians stay in Seychelles without a visa?
Up to 3 months (90 days) under the Visitor’s Permit, extendable in 3-month increments to a maximum of 12 months. An extension fee applies. Apply online via SEBS or at the Immigration Office in Victoria before your current permit expires.
How do I apply for a Seychelles eTA as an Indian citizen?
Apply online via SEBS at. Create an account, enter personal and travel details, upload accommodation proof and a passport-style photo, and pay by credit or debit card. Apply up to 30 days before arrival. Approval is sent to your email.
How much does the Seychelles eTA cost for Indian nationals?
The eTA costs €10 (standard, up to 24 hours), €30 (premium, within 6 hours), or €70 (expedited, approximately 60 minutes). Pay online by credit or debit card on the SEBS portal.
What documents do Indians need to enter Seychelles?
A passport valid for the period of intended stay, a confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds (minimum US$150/day), and your approved eTA. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory only if arriving from a transmission-risk country.
Do Indians need a transit visa when flying to Seychelles via Dubai?
Indian passport holders transiting through Dubai do not need a transit visa if they remain airside. If your connection requires passing through landside immigration, check specific UAE transit visa requirements before your journey.
What happens if I overstay my Seychelles Visitor’s Permit?
Overstaying is a serious offence under Seychelles immigration law. Leave before your permit expires or apply for an extension beforehand. Making a false declaration to an immigration officer is also a serious offence. Non-Seychellois cannot work without a Gainful Occupation Permit. Contact the Enforcement Hotline at (+248) 4 303 930 for assistance.
Can I bring a drone to Seychelles from India?
To bring a drone to Seychelles, you must obtain a permit from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) before departure. The application requires your drone’s serial number, model, and proof of liability insurance. Contact the SCAA directly for the current application form and fee schedule. Unauthorised drones are subject to confiscation and fines.
Is Seychelles expensive for Indian tourists? Daily budget breakdown?
Seychelles immigration requires Indian tourists to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds of at least US$150 per day of stay. This is a legal entry requirement, not a daily budget breakdown. Your actual expenses will depend on accommodation, dining, and activities, but you must show you meet the US$150 daily minimum.
