UK citizens must obtain a Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before departure in 2026. The application costs €10 via and typically processes within 24 hours. No traditional visa is required for tourism stays of up to 3 months. Key Seychelles eVisa requirements: a passport valid for the full duration of your stay, a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, proof of booked accommodation, and sufficient funds of US $150 per day.
All information in this article was last verified against official sources (gov.uk, ics.gov.sc) in September 2026. This is an independent travel information portal; we do not sell visas, charge processing fees, or receive commissions from third-party agencies. All recommendations to apply directly via are based on cost analysis, not commercial partnerships.
What Is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation is a mandatory electronic entry permit applied for online at up to 30 days before arrival, required for all nationalities including UK citizens. British passport holders do not need an entry visa for Seychelles, but the Seychelles Travel Authorisation is mandatory and must be obtained before departure.
The Travel Authorisation is distinct from the free Visitor’s Permit issued on arrival, valid 3 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation serves as pre-approval to travel, while the Visitor’s Permit is the actual immigration stamp granted at the border.
Passport Validity Requirements for UK Travellers
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation requires a UK passport valid for the full duration of the stay in Seychelles. The common 6-month validity rule does not apply. According to gov.uk and the Immigration and Civil Status Office (ics.gov.sc), your passport must remain valid until your return to your country of origin or residence.
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation also requires at least 1 blank visa page in your passport. Entry will be denied if your passport has been reported lost or stolen. The 6-month rule cited by agencies is a generic safeguard, not Seychelles policy.
Dual British-Seychellois citizens must hold a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to re-enter the UK after their stay.
Required Documents for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation – Full Checklist
UK applicants for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation must upload a passport bio-page scan, a return or onward flight ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation, a digital passport photo, and evidence of sufficient funds. Each item must meet specific technical specifications to avoid rejection.
- Passport bio-page scan – colour PDF or JPG, maximum 5 MB, minimum 600 dpi; the passport must be signed and valid for the full duration of your stay.
- Digital passport photo – JPG or PNG, maximum 5 MB, taken within the last 6 months; white or light background, no sunglasses.
- Return or onward ticket – airline booking confirmation PDF detailing both departure and arrival dates.
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking confirmation PDF including the full address, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family; liveaboard or yacht charter confirmations are also accepted.
- Filename rule – no special characters in any uploaded filename; use letters, numbers, and underscores only.
The portal rejects oversized or unsupported files; verify each upload before submitting the Seychelles Travel Authorisation application.
Financial Requirements – Proof of Sufficient Funds
Seychelles immigration requires proof of a minimum US $150 per day of stay for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation. Acceptable documents include:
- A recent bank statement issued within 30 days
- A credit card with visible limit
- Cash on hand
- A prepaid hotel confirmation as partial proof
The US $150 per day threshold applies per applicant. Enforcement varies at the border, but immigration officers may request evidence at any time. Ensure your proof of sufficient funds is accessible when presenting your Seychelles Travel Authorisation at border control.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Citizens
UK citizens must obtain the Seychelles Travel Authorisation and meet all financial and document requirements. The applicant must not be classified as a prohibited immigrant and must not hold a valid residence permit entitling them to reside in Seychelles.
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation is mandatory for all visitors, including British passport holders, travelling for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings. No entry visa is required for UK citizens.
Each child travelling to Seychelles requires their own Seychelles Travel Authorisation. An unabridged birth certificate is recommended, and a parental consent letter is advised when only one parent accompanies the child. A separate Gainful Occupation Permit is required for any paid or unpaid work; the Travel Authorisation does not permit employment.
Cash amounts of SCR 50,000 or more must be declared within the Seychelles Travel Authorisation application form. False declarations are classified as a serious offence under Seychelles immigration law.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide for UK Travellers
UK travellers apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation via by creating an account, selecting “United Kingdom” as nationality, uploading documents, paying the €10 government fee, and receiving the approved PDF by email. The application window opens up to 30 days before your planned arrival.
Create an account
at using a valid email address.
Enter personal details
and select “United Kingdom” as your nationality. Ensure the name matches your passport exactly.
Upload documents
passport bio-page scan, digital passport photo, flight booking confirmation, and accommodation booking confirmation.
Pay the €10 fee
Visa and Mastercard are accepted on the portal.
Receive your approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation
as a PDF attachment by email, typically within 24 hours (up to 72 hours during peak periods).
Common application pitfalls that cause rejection or delay of the Seychelles Travel Authorisation:
- Selecting the wrong nationality instead of “United Kingdom”
- Uploading blurry or dark passport scans that fail verification
- Name mismatch between the passport and the flight or accommodation booking
To check your application status, log back in at using your reference number.
Application Cost Breakdown – Direct vs Third-Party
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation costs only €10 via; third-party agencies charge £30-£87 due to service fees, VAT, and express processing surcharges for the same document.
| Channel | Total Price | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| (direct) | €10 (~£9) | Government fee only | Best value – apply directly |
| SeyVillas | €10 | Government fee passthrough | No additional markup |
| Sherpa (standard) | $38 (~£30) | Government fee + service markup | ~3× the direct cost |
| Sherpa (urgent) | $93.75 (~£74) | Government fee + express + service | ~9× the direct cost |
| VisaHQ | £87 | Embassy fee £9 + service £65 + VAT £13 (20%) | ~9× the direct cost |
Third-party agencies charge 3-9× the direct cost for the same Seychelles Travel Authorisation. The €10 government fee is non-refundable. Express processing is available for an additional fee in emergencies.
Processing Time & What to Expect at Border Control
Standard Seychelles Travel Authorisation processing takes typically under 24 hours, up to 72 hours during peak periods. Approval arrives as a PDF sent to your email; print a copy or save it on your mobile device.
At border control, present your passport, the approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation PDF, your return or onward ticket, and your accommodation confirmation. Immigration officers may also request proof of travel insurance. A free Visitor’s Permit valid for 3 months is issued on arrival, renewable in 3-month increments up to 12 months total (extension fee applies).
Warning: False declarations on the Seychelles Travel Authorisation constitute a serious offence. If your accommodation changes during your stay, notify the Department of Immigration and Civil Status promptly at 4293611 or 4293600.
Health, Vaccinations & Extending Your Stay in Seychelles
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation only when arriving from or transiting 12+ hours through a yellow-fever-endemic country; as of 2026, no COVID-19 restrictions apply. Proof of travel insurance covering potential health costs may be requested at the border. UK travellers can consult the TravelHealthPro Seychelles guide for medical entry guidance.
Transit under 12 hours airside in an endemic country exempts from the certificate; over 12 hours requires it. The Seychelles Travel Authorisation does not require health declarations beyond the yellow fever rule.
UK visitors may extend their Visitor’s Permit in 3-month increments, up to a maximum of 12 months total. A fee applies per extension. Apply online before your current permit expires or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office, Independence House, Victoria, Mahé. Contact: (+248) 4 293636 or 4293600; email [email protected]; enforcement hotline (+248) 4 303 930.
Duty-free: 2 L spirits, 2 L wine, 200 cigarettes, 250 g tobacco, 200 ml perfume, food up to €200 / SCR 3,000. E-cigarettes need a special permit or are confiscated.
Seychelles E-Border Mobile App – Apply on the Go
The Seychelles E-Border mobile app on iOS offers the same €10 fee and processing times as the web portal for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation. It is available on the App Store and serves as a practical alternative when browser compatibility issues arise with.
- Same fee: €10 government charge, identical to the web portal
- Same processing: typically within 24 hours, up to 72 hours during peak periods
- Same document requirements: passport scan, photo, flight and accommodation confirmations
- Available on the App Store for iOS devices
Seychelles eVisa Requirements FAQ
What happens if I arrive without a return or onward ticket?
Entry will be denied. A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation application and at border control.
Can I bring my vape or e-cigarette to Seychelles?
A special permit is required to import e-cigarettes or vapes into Seychelles. Without this specific permit, your e-cigarettes and vapes will be confiscated at customs upon arrival. Ensure you secure the necessary permit before travelling if you intend to bring these devices into the country.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination if transiting through Ethiopia for 8 hours?
No, you do not need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for an 8-hour transit. Airside transit under 12 hours in a yellow-fever-endemic country is exempt. However, if your transit exceeds 12 hours, a yellow fever vaccination certificate becomes mandatory for entry into Seychelles.
What if my flight dates change after my Travel Authorisation is approved?
Minor date changes may not affect your approved Seychelles Travel Authorisation. However, significant itinerary changes likely require submitting a new application and paying a new €10 government fee. It is advisable to check the status of your authorisation if your travel plans alter substantially before departure.
Can my family apply for a Travel Authorisation together?
Each family member, including infants, must submit a separate application for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation. However, a parent can complete and submit the applications on behalf of their children. Ensure each child has their own valid passport and required documents ready for upload.
Do children need extra documentation when travelling to Seychelles?
Yes, each child needs their own Seychelles Travel Authorisation. If travelling with only one parent, a parental consent letter is required. Additionally, carrying an unabridged birth certificate is recommended to prevent any potential issues with immigration officers at border control upon arrival.
What is the cash declaration threshold for Seychelles?
Any amount of SCR 50,000 or more must be declared within the Seychelles Travel Authorisation application form and again at customs upon arrival.
What happens if I change hotels during my stay?
You must notify the Department of Immigration and Civil Status promptly by calling 4293611 or 4293600. Reporting an address change during your stay is a legal obligation in Seychelles. Failure to do so can result in complications regarding your Visitor’s Permit status.
Do I need a separate visa for business meetings in Seychelles?
No, you do not need a separate visa for business meetings. The Tourist Travel Authorisation covers business meetings and conferences. However, if you intend to engage in paid or unpaid work, you must obtain a Gainful Occupation Permit from the relevant authorities.
Does airside transit at Seychelles International Airport require a Travel Authorisation?
No, transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass through immigration do not need a Seychelles Travel Authorisation. Only passengers entering Seychelles and passing through border control must obtain the approved Travel Authorisation before their flight to the islands.
