Last fact-checked: 14 September 2026. Written by the editorial team at this travel information portal and reviewed for accuracy against UK FCDO guidance (gov.uk) and the Seychelles Electronic Border System ( This article is not affiliated with any government agency or commercial visa service. All third-party prices are examples observed in September 2026; we do not receive commission from any agency.
Yes, UK citizens can travel to Seychelles without a visa. The country operates a fully visa-free policy for British passport holders. However, you must obtain a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before departure via the Seychelles Electronic Border System at Airlines at UK departure airports verify your eTA status at check-in and may deny boarding without an approved authorisation. The eTA is not a visa but a digital pre-screening requirement. Seychelles does not offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens; the only entry document issued at the border is a free Visitor’s Permit valid for three months.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Seychelles?
The Seychelles visa-free policy eliminates the need for an embassy-issued visa, a passport stamp, or a consulate application for UK passport holders, as confirmed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/seychelles/entry-requirements). However, it does not waive the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which must be obtained online before departure. Seychelles does not offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens – no VOA process or VOA fee exists. Upon landing, immigration issues a free Visitor’s Permit valid for 3 months.
| Visa-free | eTA required | Visa on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Why Is a Travel Authorisation Mandatory and How to Apply?
The Seychelles eTA is a digital pre-screening mechanism processed via the Seychelles Electronic Border System (operated by Travizory Border Security SA on behalf of the Government of Seychelles). No stamp or label is placed in your passport. Airlines at UK departure airports verify eTA status at check-in, and you risk being denied boarding without an approved authorisation. Arriving in Seychelles without one also risks a penalty fee upon arrival; the exact amount is not published in accessible sources but is determined by border authorities at the time of arrival.
Apply via the Seychelles Electronic Border System up to 30 days before arrival; we recommend applying at least one week before travel. Standard processing takes up to 24 hours. An express option is available for emergencies with an additional fee. Live Chat support is available 24/7 on the portal. Passengers remaining in the transit zone at Seychelles International Airport (Mahé) without clearing immigration generally do not need an eTA; if leaving the airport, even briefly, the eTA is required.
Create an account
Create an account on the portal.
Enter your passport details
Passport must be valid for the duration of stay.
Provide flight and accommodation details
Enter your flight information and confirmed accommodation details.
Upload supporting documents
Upload proof of return/onward ticket and sufficient funds.
Pay the administration fee
Pay the administration fee online (in EUR).
Receive confirmation
Receive confirmation via email with a QR code.
How Much Does the Seychelles Travel Authorisation Cost?
The Seychelles eTA requires UK travelers to pay a government administration fee, payable in EUR online during the application process via the Seychelles Electronic Border System. As of September 2026, the exact base fee is displayed on the portal at the time of application; gov.uk confirms a fee applies but does not publish the specific amount externally. Express processing for emergencies incurs an additional fee, also shown during the process.
Third-party agencies charge bundled prices of approximately $38 USD (standard) and $93.75 USD (urgent) that include commission markup on top of the government fee. Applying directly through the Seychelles Electronic Border System avoids this intermediary surcharge.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government base fee (portal: | Payable in EUR (amount displayed during application) |
| Third-party standard processing | $38 USD (includes agency commission) |
| Third-party urgent processing | $93.75 USD (includes agency commission) |
| Visitor’s Permit on arrival | Free for the first 3 months |
Border Control, Visitor’s Permit & Health Requirements
A free Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival in Seychelles, valid for 3 months. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from a WHO-listed risk country.
- At the border, present: approved eTA, passport valid for the duration of stay, proof of confirmed accommodation, return or onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds.
- Visitor’s Permit: issued automatically upon arrival – free for the first 3 months. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments (fee applies per extension), up to a maximum total stay of 12 months. Apply online via the Electronic Border System or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office in Victoria, Mahé, before the current permit expires.
- Yellow fever certificate: mandatory if arriving from or transiting through a WHO-listed yellow fever transmission risk country.
- Travel insurance: not legally required, but border officials in Seychelles may request proof of insurance. Medical facilities are limited outside Mahé, making comprehensive cover with medical evacuation essential. Dengue and chikungunya are prevalent; insect repellent is advised. Refer to TravelHealthPro for UK-specific vaccination guidance.
Seychelles Entry Requirements FAQ
Can UK citizens travel to Seychelles without a visa?
Yes, UK passport holders qualify for visa-free entry to Seychelles. You do not need an embassy-issued visa. However, a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) must be obtained online before departure via the Seychelles Electronic Border System at
Do you need a visa on arrival for Seychelles?
No, Seychelles does not offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens. Upon arrival with an approved eTA, immigration issues a free Visitor’s Permit valid for three months. This permit is extendable up to a maximum stay of 12 months with successive paid extensions.
Why is the Seychelles eTA mandatory if the country is visa-free?
“Visa-free” means no embassy visa is required. The eTA is a separate digital pre-screening authorisation that confirms your eligibility before departure. It enables advance passenger verification and border security, which airlines check at UK airports before allowing you to board your flight.
How much does the Seychelles Travel Authorisation cost?
A government administration fee applies, payable online in EUR via the Seychelles Electronic Border System at Third-party agencies charge bundled prices of approximately $38 USD for standard processing and $93.75 USD for urgent processing, which include commercial commission on top of the base fee.
Can I be denied boarding without a Seychelles eTA?
Yes. Airlines at UK departure airports verify your eTA status at check-in. Without a confirmed authorisation, you risk being denied boarding entirely. An express eTA option is available for emergencies, with processing taking up to 24 hours for an additional fee.
What happens if I arrive in Seychelles without a Travel Authorisation?
You risk a penalty fee upon arrival at the border. The Seychelles government requires strict eTA compliance for all travellers. The exact financial penalty amount is not published in accessible sources; it is determined by border authorities at the time of arrival.
Do children and infants need a separate Travel Authorisation?
Yes. Every traveller regardless of age requires an individual eTA to enter Seychelles. Each child’s passport must be registered separately in the Electronic Border System, and the standard government administration fee applies per person. There are no exemptions for infants.
Can I show my Travel Authorisation on my phone?
The eTA is issued digitally with a QR code via email. The Seychelles system is digital-first, so displaying the QR code on your phone screen should be accepted at check-in and border control. Carrying a printed backup copy is recommended as a precaution.
How do I check whether my Seychelles eTA has been approved?
You can log in to your account on the Seychelles Electronic Border System portal at to check your application status at any time. The system also sends an email confirmation directly to you when your travel authorisation is approved and ready for travel.
What are the penalties for overstaying my Visitor’s Permit?
Overstaying the three-month Visitor’s Permit or any approved extension can result in fines, detention, or future entry difficulties. You must apply for extensions before your current permit expires, either online via the Electronic Border System or in person at the Immigration and Civil Status Office in Victoria, Mahé.
