The Seychelles eTA rules changes 2026 introduce tiered fees (€10.90 to €70), replacing the flat ~€10 rate charged from 2020 through 2025. All travellers, including UK citizens and children, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation via before departure. Maritime arrivals now also require an eTA, and new document prerequisites apply.
UK travellers planning a trip to Seychelles must apply through the official portal up to 30 days before arrival. The Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival, provided all conditions are met.
Seychelles eTA 2026: Key Changes and Eligibility
The 2026 changes introduce a tiered fee structure (€10.90 to €70) and require every traveller, including infants, to hold an individual Seychelles eTA before departure. Visa-free entry is retained, with a Visitor’s Permit issued on arrival.
| Year | Change Introduced | Impact on Travellers |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | eTA system launched | All visitors required digital pre-screening before departure |
| 2020-2022 | COVID-19 era relaxations | No vaccination or test requirements retained in 2026 |
| Nov 2024 | Maritime arrivals mandate | Cruise ships, yachts, and private vessels now require eTA |
| 2026 | Tiered fee structure introduced | Standard €10.90 / 24h, Premium €30 / 6h, Expedited €70 / 60min |
Only three categories are exempt from the Seychelles eTA: diplomatic passport holders, airline crew, and airside transit passengers. Expatriate workers must obtain a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) separately, as non-Seychellois are prohibited from working without it.
2026 eTA Fees and Application Workflow
| Period | Standard Fee | Premium | Expedited |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2025 | ~€10 | – | – |
| 2026 | €10.90 (24h) | €30 (6h) | €70 (60min) |
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.sc), the standard Seychelles eTA fee is €10.90 with approval within 24 hours. Premium costs €30 with a 6-hour turnaround, and Expedited costs €70 with approval in 60 minutes. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard confirmed); digital wallets are not confirmed on the portal.
Fast-Track and Expedited Processing in 2026
Premium (€30/6h) and Expedited (€70/60min) tiers are recommended for last-minute bookings. Both are available 24/7 via or the Seychelles E-Border mobile app.
The 2026 rules require applicants to complete the following steps via the Electronic Border System:
Create an account
Register on the portal or via the E-Border mobile app.
Fill in the application form
Provide all trip details in the online form.
Upload required documents
Passport, selfie, flight and accommodation confirmations.
Pay the fee
By credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard confirmed).
Receive approval
Delivered by email as a PDF attachment.
Applications open up to 30 days before arrival. Submitting at least 72 hours before departure is recommended to allow for standard processing. In our testing of the Standard tier via the official portal, approval arrived within 24 hours as stated.
Entry, Health, and Maritime Requirements
The 2026 rules require a passport valid for the entire stay (airlines commonly advise six months). They also mandate a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation booking, and proof of funds totalling a minimum of US$150 per day of stay. UK citizens can verify entry requirements 48 hours before travel via the UK government travel advice page.
No COVID-19 vaccination or test is required in 2026, but a yellow fever certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from or transiting more than 12 hours through an endemic zone (applies from age 1). Transit under 12 hours without leaving the airport is exempt.
Customs Allowances and Prohibited Items
| Item | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food | €200 (SCR 3,000) | Duty-free |
| Spirits | 2 litres | Duty-free |
| Wine | 2 litres | Duty-free |
| Cigarettes | 200 | Duty-free |
| Tobacco | 250g | Duty-free |
| E-cigarettes/vaporizers | – | Subject to confiscation without special permit |
Since November 2024, maritime arrivals require a Seychelles eTA. Cruise ships, private yachts, sailing boats, and ferries arriving from international ports must hold an approved eTA before embarkation. Domestic inter-island ferries between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue do not require a separate declaration, as a single eTA covers the entire visit. Further guidance is available via the Department of Immigration and Civil Status (ics.gov.sc).
Border Presentation and eTA Denials
Travellers must present the Seychelles eTA as a PDF on a phone or as a printed copy. Border officers verify it via an internal portal and accept a QR code on a phone screen. Carrying both a backup is recommended.
If an application is denied, the Seychelles eTA rules changes 2026 provide no formal appeal mechanism. Applicants must submit a new application with corrected documents and pay the fee again. Details cannot be edited after submission, so any error requires a fresh application and a new fee. Common rejection reasons include mismatched passport numbers, insufficient funds proof (under US$150/day), and incomplete hotel confirmation.
For assistance with a denied application, contact the Department of Immigration and Civil Status directly at
Independence House, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, by phone at (+248) 4 293636, or by email at [email protected]. The enforcement hotline is (+248) 4 303 930.
This article was last reviewed on 15 September 2026. We verify all details with the Seychelles Department of Immigration every quarter. If you spot an error, contact us.
Seychelles eTA 2026 FAQ
Do UK citizens still need an eTA in 2026, or is it visa-free?
Visa-free entry is maintained, but the eTA is mandatory for all visitors, including UK citizens. Apply via before departure.
How much does the Seychelles eTA cost in 2026?
The standard fee is €10.90 (24h), Premium is €30 (6h), and Expedited is €70 (60min). Payment is accepted via credit or debit card.
Can my child travel without a separate eTA?
No. Every traveller, including infants, requires an individual eTA. Solo parents may need a notarised consent document and the child’s birth certificate.
What if my eTA application is rejected?
There is no formal appeal process. Applicants must reapply with corrected documents and pay the fee again. Contact the Department of Immigration at [email protected] or the enforcement hotline at (+248) 4 303 930.
Do transit passengers need an eTA?
Airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration are generally exempt. If you clear immigration, you must obtain one. Confirm with your airline or the Department of Immigration before travelling.
Are cruise ship passengers required to have an eTA?
Yes. Since November 2024, all maritime arrivals, including cruise ships, private yachts, sailing boats, and ferries from international ports, must hold a valid eTA before embarkation.
Can I edit my application after submitting?
No. Details cannot be modified after submission. You must submit a new application and pay the fee again. Ensure all details are accurate before finalising payment.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Seychelles?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining the eTA or entering Seychelles, but it is strongly recommended. No COVID-19 vaccination or test requirement is in place.
How should I present my eTA at the border?
Present the eTA as a PDF on a mobile phone or as a printed copy. Border officers verify the status via an internal portal and accept QR codes on phones. Carry both a printout and a mobile backup.
What are the customs duty-free limits for Seychelles?
Duty-free limits include food up to €200, spirits and wine up to 2 litres each, cigarettes up to 200, and tobacco up to 250g. E-cigarettes and vaporizers are subject to special import regulations and may be confiscated without a special permit.
