Last updated: 15 September 2026. This is an informational guide for tourists, not affiliated with the Government of Seychelles. Verify all requirements on the official portal at.
In 2026, UK citizens must obtain a Seychelles eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online via before departure. The application requires a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and a processing fee paid online. A free visitor’s permit for up to 3 months is issued on arrival.
UK citizens do not need a visa for Seychelles but must obtain a Seychelles eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online via before departure. A free visitor’s permit is issued on arrival for up to 3 months, extendable to 12 months. Required: valid UK passport, return ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds (minimum US$150 per day).
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa or eTA for Seychelles in 2026?
British passport holders are visa-exempt but must obtain a mandatory Seychelles eTA before travel – it is a travel authorisation, not a visa.
The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens is an Electronic Travel Authorisation, not a conventional visa. British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Seychelles, but they must obtain this digital permit online prior to departure via. The eTA replaced the paper embarkation form; the previous visa-on-arrival framework no longer applies.
UK travellers apply through the Seychelles Electronic Border System, where the application is processed entirely online in English. The eTA is an electronic record linked to the traveller’s passport – no stamp or label is placed in the passport. Without an approved eTA, airlines may deny boarding.
How to Apply for the Seychelles eTA: Step-by-Step Process, Fees and Processing Times
UK citizens apply for the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens online via up to 30 days before arrival, paying a processing fee with standard or urgent options.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Register an account
Register an account on the portal at.
Enter your personal data
Enter your personal data exactly as shown on your UK passport.
Upload required documents
Upload required documents (passport bio page, return ticket, accommodation proof).
Pay the processing fee
Pay the processing fee online using Visa or Mastercard.
Receive a confirmation email
Receive a confirmation email with your application reference.
Wait for the approval notification
Wait for the approval notification, delivered electronically via email.
Verify all details before submission to avoid rejection. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before departure as a safe buffer.
Seychelles eTA Fee for UK Citizens in 2026
| Option | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Official eTA fee | Payable online (amount displayed during application on ) |
| Standard (third-party) | $38.00 USD |
| Urgent (third-party) | $93.75 USD |
| Visitor’s permit on arrival | Free for first 3 months |
The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens requires an online fee displayed during the application. Third-party indicative prices are for processing assistance, not the government portal. UK cardholders may incur foreign transaction fees.
Processing Times and Urgent Options
No fixed government SLA exists for standard processing. Urgent processing (within 1 day) is available for an extra fee. Last-minute applications risk denied boarding by your airline.
What You Need to Apply: Payment, Photos and Arrival Documents
UK applicants need a valid passport scan, digital photo, and payment card; carry both digital and printed copies of the approved Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa and Mastercard accepted on the portal
- Currency of charge: displayed at checkout
- UK debit/credit cards may incur foreign transaction fees
Digital Passport Photo Requirements
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Background: white
- Recency: taken within 6 months
What to Show at the Airport
Carry both a digital copy on your phone and a paper printout as backup. The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens is delivered electronically via email. Airline check-in staff may request to see it before boarding.
Passport and Document Requirements for UK Travellers
UK passports need only be valid for the duration of stay for the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens – the 6-month validity rule does not apply to Seychelles entry.
Passport Validity – Myth vs. Fact
❌ MYTH: “At least 6 months on entry.”
✅ FACT (gov.uk ★): “Valid for the duration of the intended stay.”
✅ FACT (ics.gov.sc ★): “Valid for the period of the intended stay until arrival back in country of origin or residence.”
The 6-month rule does NOT apply to Seychelles. A minimum of 1 blank passport page is recommended.
Supporting Documents Checklist
- ☐ Valid UK passport (valid for duration of stay)
- ☐ Approved Seychelles eTA (digital or printed)
- ☐ Return or onward flight confirmation
- ☐ Proof of confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- ☐ Evidence of sufficient funds (minimum US$150/day per ics.gov.sc ★)
- ☐ Travel insurance documentation (recommended; may be checked at border per gov.uk ★)
Example: For a 10-day stay, show evidence of at least USD 1,500 (10 days × $150/day) for the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens application. A bank statement or credit card limit confirmation dated within 30 days of travel is acceptable.
Entry, Stay Duration and Extensions for UK Citizens
Seychelles grants UK visitors a free 3-month visitor’s permit on arrival, extendable in 3-month increments up to 12 months total through the Immigration Department. The standard Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens is single-entry and valid for 90 days from approval.
The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens is delivered electronically (no passport stamp), but the visitor’s permit is stamped at border control. Overstaying without an approved extension is a legal offence, and false declarations to immigration officers are classified as a serious offence under Seychelles law (ics.gov.sc ★).
How to Extend Your Stay in Seychelles
Apply online or in person
Apply online before expiry via, or visit the Immigration Office in Victoria.
Pay the extension fee
Pay the extension fee for each 3-month increment.
Await confirmation
Await confirmation before your initial permit lapses.
Tel: (+248) 4 293636 / (+248) 4 293600
Email: [email protected]
For specific extension queries, contact the office directly or use the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens portal’s 24/7 Live Chat for guidance.
Health, Insurance and Vaccination Requirements for UK Visitors
The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens does not require proof of vaccinations, but a yellow fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk (gov.uk ★).
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens, but it is strongly recommended and may be requested at border control. COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted entirely: no vaccination certificate or negative test has been required since 1 December 2022. Carry your yellow fever certificate if transiting through a risk country.
Arrival, Immigration and Transit in Seychelles
UK citizens complete immigration procedures at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), Mahé, by presenting the approved Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens, valid passport, and supporting documents to border officers.
The correct residential address or accommodation must be provided during your stay. Any changes must be promptly reported to the Department of Immigration and Civil Status (phones: 4293611, 4293600).
Transit Through Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
All travellers to Seychelles must complete the Travel Authorisation prior to departure ( ★). UK citizens transiting through SEZ should verify airside transit requirements via the portal’s 24/7 Live Chat. The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens does not exempt transit passengers from this rule.
Customs, Duty-Free Allowances and Business Travel Restrictions
Duty-Free Allowances for UK Arrivals
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Spirits | 1 litre |
| Wine | 2 litres |
| Cigarettes | 200 |
| Perfume | 50 ml |
| Cash declaration threshold | SCR 50,000 or more |
| Declaration channel | Travel authorisation application |
Inbound cash of SCR 50,000 or more must be declared through the travel authorisation form, per gov.uk guidance.
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) Warning
Non-Seychellois cannot work full time or part time without a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), as confirmed by the Department of Immigration and Civil Status (ics.gov.sc). This applies to all holders of the Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens, including remote freelancers and unpaid interns. Contact the Department of Immigration and Civil Status for GOP applications.
Seychelles vs. Maldives eTA for UK Citizens
The Seychelles eVisa for UK citizens differs from the Maldives equivalent in fee structure, processing timeline and permitted stay duration.
Seychelles eVisa for UK Citizens: FAQ
Do UK citizens need an eVisa or eTA to enter Seychelles?
UK passport holders are visa-exempt but must obtain a mandatory Seychelles eTA via the official portal before departure. The eTA is a travel authorisation, not a visa.
How much does the Seychelles eTA cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The official fee is displayed during the application on. Third-party services indicate $38.00 USD for standard processing and $93.75 USD for urgent processing. The visitor’s permit issued on arrival is free for the first 3 months.
How long does the Seychelles eTA take to process?
No fixed government SLA exists for standard processing. Urgent processing is available within 1 day for an extra fee. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before departure.
Can I correct my eTA application after submission?
Contact the 24/7 Live Chat support on for assistance. Significant errors such as wrong passport numbers may require submitting a new application.
Does my UK passport need 6 months validity for Seychelles?
No. UK passports need only be valid for the duration of your intended stay. The 6-month rule does not apply.
Is the Seychelles eTA valid for multiple entries?
No, the standard eTA is single-entry and valid for 90 days from approval. If you plan to leave and re-enter Seychelles, you will need to apply for a new Travel Authorisation before your next visit.
Can I extend my stay in Seychelles beyond 3 months?
Yes. The free visitor’s permit is initially valid for 3 months and can be extended in 3-month increments up to 12 months. Apply online before your permit expires or in person at the Immigration Office in Victoria, Mahe.
Can I work in Seychelles with a UK eTA?
No. The eTA does not authorise any paid or unpaid employment. All foreign workers must obtain a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) from the Seychelles Immigration Department.
Travelling with children – what documents are needed?
Consent letter from non-travelling parent, unabridged birth certificate, and copy of non-travelling parent’s passport recommended. See FCDO guidance on gov.uk.
Can I bring my pet or guide dog?
Consult the Seychelles Department of Agriculture for quarantine, microchipping, and veterinary import permit requirements before travel.
