US and Canadian passport holders need a Seychelles eTA for Americans in 2026 to travel visa-free. Apply online at before departure. The standard administrative fee is EUR 10.90 (~$11.90 USD), with approval delivered by email within 24 hours.
Published 2026. This informational guide is not affiliated with the government of Seychelles. Verify current requirements on the Department of Immigration portal before travel.
Seychelles Entry Requirements for US and Canadian Citizens
US and Canadian citizens are visa-exempt but must obtain a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. The Seychelles eTA for Americans applies to all arrivals by air and sea, including cruise passengers since February 2024. A visa is not required; the eTA is a separate pre-departure clearance document. The eTA covers tourism, business, visiting family, and transit purposes.
- Passport validity: must be valid for the entire duration of stay. No 6-month remainder rule applies.
- Mandatory eTA: every traveller, including infants, needs an individual Seychelles eTA for Americans before departure.
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or a host invitation letter with full host details.
- Return or onward ticket: airline booking confirmation showing departure dates is required.
- Sufficient funds: immigration practice suggests approximately $150-200 USD per day as an advisory benchmark (no published regulatory figure).
- Single-entry eTA: valid for 90 days from approval; re-entering Seychelles requires a new application.
- Dual US/Seychellois citizens: must enter on their Seychellois passport and are exempt from the eTA; they must complete an Embarkation Information Form per the Immigration Act.
How to Apply for the Seychelles eTA: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete the online application at by uploading a passport scan, digital photo, and accommodation proof, then pay the EUR 10.90 fee. The Seychelles eTA for Americans is obtained entirely online in six steps.
Access the portal
Avoid third-party sites.
Create an account
With email verification.
Complete the form
Enter your US 9-digit passport number, ZIP code, arrival date, and airline details. A health declaration is included within the eTA form.
Upload documents
Colour passport scan (all corners visible), passport-style selfie (white background, no glasses), and accommodation booking confirmation (Airbnb accepted).
Pay the fee
EUR 10.90 (~$11.90 USD) via Visa or Mastercard.
Receive approval
The PDF eTA arrives by email within 24 hours. Apply up to 30 days before travel; allow at least 48-72 hours for processing.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid US or Canadian passport (colour scan, all corners visible; 1-2 blank pages recommended)
- Passport-style selfie (white background, no glasses)
- Accommodation confirmation (hotel, Airbnb, or invitation letter)
- Return flight booking
- Visa or Mastercard
Using the Seychelles E-Border Mobile App
The Seychelles E-Border app (iOS and Android) offers the same form and document upload. Approval arrives by email as a PDF attachment.
Cruise Ship Passengers
Since February 2024, the Seychelles eTA for Americans is mandatory for all sea arrivals, including cruise ships and private vessels. Apply before embarkation and present the eTA at the port checkpoint on arrival.
Seychelles eTA Cost, Processing Time, and Payment
The standard government processing fee is EUR 10.90 (~$11.90 USD / ~C$16.25 CAD) for 24-hour processing; Premium is EUR 30 for 6 hours; Expedited is EUR 70 for 60 minutes.
| Processing Tier | Time | EUR | USD | CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24 hours | EUR 10.90 | ~$11.90 | ~C$16.25 |
| Premium | 6 hours | EUR 30 | ~$32.70 | ~C$44.70 |
| Expedited (express application) | 60 minutes | EUR 70 | ~$76.30 | ~C$104.30 |
Only Visa and Mastercard are confirmed as accepted payment methods; Amex and Discover are not accepted. Use a Visa or Mastercard to pay.
Third-party aggregator sites charge $38 to $93.75 for the same application that costs EUR 10.90 through the government portal at – a markup of 250% to 760%. Submit directly to avoid these surcharges. If denied, reapply with corrected details – the fee is non-refundable.
Arrival, Visitor’s Permit, and Health Rules for 2026
The approved eTA grants a free 3-month Visitor’s Permit on arrival. Yellow fever certificates are required only for specific transits.
The 90-day eTA grants a free 3-month Visitor’s Permit on arrival. Present the eTA (digital or printed) with your passport at border control. Extensions cost SCR 5,000 (~$345 USD) per additional 3-month period, up to a maximum of 12 months total. Apply online at permits.ics.gov.sc before the current permit expires, or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office, Independence House, Victoria, Mahé (tel: (+248) 4 293 636).
The Seychelles eTA does not require COVID-19 vaccination or testing in 2026. Yellow fever certificates are mandatory only for travellers arriving from or transiting through an endemic country for more than 12 hours, applicable from 1 year of age. Proof of travel insurance may be requested at the border; US Medicare and Medicaid provide zero coverage abroad – carry a policy with a minimum of $100,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
US and Canadian driving licences are accepted for short-term tourist car rental (left-hand traffic). Travellers carrying prescription medication should bring the original prescription and a doctor’s letter in English; verify controlled-substance rules via the enforcement hotline at (+248) 4 303 930. A customs declaration is required when carrying SCR 50,000 or more in cash.
FAQ
Do children need their own Seychelles eTA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own valid passport and an individual Seychelles eTA. The EUR 10.90 fee and process are the same for all ages.
Can I apply for the Seychelles eTA from the UK?
Yes. The application is entirely online at, accessible from anywhere. Approval is delivered via email as a PDF attachment.
What happens if my eTA application is denied?
Reapply with corrected passport details, photo, and accommodation booking. The fee is non-refundable – double-check all data before resubmitting.
Is the Seychelles eTA valid for multiple entries?
No, the Seychelles eTA is valid for single entry only. Re-entering requires a new eTA. The approved eTA remains valid for 90 days from the date of approval.
How much money should I bring to Seychelles?
No published regulatory minimum exists. Immigration practice suggests approximately $150 to $200 USD per day. Acceptable evidence includes a recent bank statement or a credit card statement.
Can I use an Airbnb booking as proof of accommodation?
Yes. A confirmed Airbnb or VRBO booking email is accepted. The confirmation must display your name, travel dates, and the property address. For private stays, a letter of invitation from your host is required.
Do I need travel insurance for Seychelles?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the eTA but proof may be requested at the border. US Medicare and Medicaid provide zero coverage abroad. A policy with a minimum of $100,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation is recommended.
What credit cards are accepted for the eTA fee?
Visa and Mastercard are confirmed. Amex and Discover are not accepted. Use a Visa or Mastercard as your primary payment method.
