UK passport holders need no traditional visa for either Seychelles or the Maldives in 2026. However, Seychelles requires a pre-departure Travel Authorisation costing approximately €15 via the Seychelles Electronic Border System, while the Maldives issues a free 30-day visa on arrival and requires a mandatory IMUGA Traveller Declaration submitted within 96 hours before your flight. The Seychelles eVisa vs Maldives visa comparison hinges on three factors: cost, processing time, and stay duration. The Seychelles allows a 90-day stay but requires mandatory travel insurance evidence (mfa.gov.sc). The Maldives provides faster, last-minute processing with no pre-approval but only recommends insurance.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. Entry requirements verified against and mfa.gov.sc as of this date. Entry requirements can change at short notice; always confirm the latest rules on the Seychelles Department of Immigration or Maldives Immigration websites before booking your trip.
Seychelles Travel Authorisation: Application & Costs
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation, often referred to colloquially as an “eVisa,” is a mandatory digital entry permit that UK travellers must obtain online before departure. Although UK passport holders remain visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, every traveller must hold a valid Travel Authorisation to enter the country .
Applications are submitted through the Seychelles Electronic Border System at, where travellers upload a passport with sufficient validity, a confirmed return or onward ticket, accommodation confirmation, evidence of travel and medical insurance, and a recent passport photo (mfa.gov.sc). The standard processing fee is approximately €15, with expedited processing available at a higher fee. Customer support is available 24/7 via Live Chat on the portal .
The Seychelles Travel Authorisation also triggers an environmental sustainability levy: a per-night charge collected by accommodations, separate from the application fee. Travellers should confirm the current nightly rate with their booking provider before departure.
Maldives Visa on Arrival: IMUGA & Requirements
The Maldives visa on arrival grants UK passport holders a free 30-day tourist stay with no pre-approval needed, issued by Maldives Immigration directly at the port of entry. The only mandatory pre-travel requirement is the IMUGA Traveller Declaration: a free online self-declaration submitted within 96 hours before arrival via the Maldives Immigration portal. The IMUGA declaration is not an ETA or eVisa and does not replace the on-arrival visa issuance .
UK travellers must present a machine-readable (MRZ) passport valid for at least 1 month from entry, the legal minimum set by Maldives Immigration. However, airlines typically enforce 6 months validity at check-in, so UK travellers should ensure at least 6 months to board their flight. Extended-validity passports are not accepted . Additional required documents include a confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of prepaid registered accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for the stay.
Seychelles eVisa vs Maldives Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Seychelles | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Entry authorisation | Travel Authorisation (pre-departure, online) | Visa on arrival (free) |
| Cost | ~€15 TA fee + environmental sustainability levy (per night) | Free visa + free IMUGA + green tax (per night) |
| When to apply | Before departure via | IMUGA: within 96 hours before arrival |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | 30 days (standard) |
| Passport validity | Valid for duration of stay | Legal min 1 month; airlines enforce 6 months |
| Documents needed | Passport, return ticket, accommodation, insurance, photo | Passport (MRZ), return ticket, accommodation, sufficient funds |
| Extension | In-person, Department of Immigration | Online system available since March 2026 |
What You Can and Can’t Bring: Customs Differences
The Maldives strictly prohibits personal alcohol import, while Seychelles permits standard duty-free allowances. UK travellers packing spirits or wine for the Maldives should leave them at home: confiscated items are not returned. Both destinations require yellow-fever vaccination certificates for arrivals from endemic zones (mfa.gov.sc, ).
Extensions, Health & Other Indian Ocean Islands
As of 2026, neither Seychelles nor Maldives requires COVID-19 vaccination or testing. Yellow-fever vaccination certificates remain mandatory for both destinations if arriving from endemic zones (mfa.gov.sc, ). Seychelles Travel Authorisation approval requires evidence of medical or travel insurance; the Maldives does not mandate insurance but strongly recommends medical coverage.
To extend a stay, Seychelles Travel Authorisation holders must apply in person at the Department of Immigration before their current authorisation expires. The Maldives introduced an online extension system in March 2026, allowing visitors to apply digitally before their 30-day grant expires . A bilateral 30-day visa waiver between Seychelles and Maldives, effective 15 May 2026, applies to citizens of both countries but does not directly affect UK passport holders .
UK travellers weighing other Indian Ocean options face varied entry rules. Mauritius grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days with no pre-approval. Sri Lanka requires an ETA costing approximately $50 for a 30-day stay. Réunion, as a French overseas territory, applies Schengen entry rules with a 90-day allowance.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for the Maldives from the UK in 2026?
No. UK passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival; submit the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival.
How much does a Seychelles Travel Authorisation cost?
Approximately €15 for standard processing, plus a per-night environmental sustainability levy collected by your accommodation provider.
Is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation the same as an eVisa?
The document is called a Travel Authorisation, though “eVisa” is used colloquially; it is mandatory for all travellers entering Seychelles, including visa-free UK nationals.
Can I extend my stay in the Maldives or Seychelles?
Seychelles requires an in-person visit to the Department of Immigration before your 90-day limit expires; the Maldives introduced an online extension system in March 2026.
What are the passport validity rules for Seychelles and Maldives?
Seychelles requires validity for the duration of stay; the Maldives legally requires 1 month but airlines typically enforce 6 months.
Is travel insurance mandatory for both destinations?
Yes for Seychelles: evidence of medical or travel insurance is required for Travel Authorisation approval; no for Maldives but strongly recommended.
Can I bring alcohol into the Maldives or Seychelles?
Strictly prohibited in the Maldives; Seychelles allows standard duty-free alcohol allowances.
How do other Indian Ocean islands compare for UK travellers?
Mauritius: visa-free 90 days, no pre-approval; Sri Lanka: ETA ~$50 for 30 days; Réunion: Schengen rules, 90 days.
