Yes, you can extend your Seychelles visitor’s permit beyond the initial 3-month period. UK citizens must apply through the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status (ICS) division at least 5 working days before expiry, pay a SCR 5,000 fee per 3-month extension or part thereof, and provide proof of sufficient funds. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments up to a strict 12-month maximum stay. The first 3 months are free. Information verified against the ICS portal (ics.gov.sc) and UK government travel advice (gov.uk) on 15 September 2026.
What Is a Seychelles Visitor’s Permit and How to Extend It
UK passport holders receive a free 3-month Seychelles visitor’s permit on arrival, extendable in successive 3-month increments. This permit is distinct from the electronic travel authorisation (eTA), a single-journey, pre-travel clearance that cannot be extended and expires upon exit from the country.
Arrive
Arrive in Seychelles and receive a free Seychelles visitor’s permit valid for up to 3 months.
Gather documents
Gather documents (see checklist in the Documents section below).
Apply online
Apply online at permits.ics.gov.sc or in person at Independence House, Victoria, Mahé.
Pay the SCR 5,000 fee
Pay the SCR 5,000 fee per additional 3-month period or part thereof by credit or debit card.
Receive a decision
Receive a decision within up to 5 business days of submission. Check status via the permits.ics.gov.sc portal.
If your decision is delayed past your permit expiry date, contact ICS at [email protected] or (+248) 4 293 636 immediately. Carry proof of your submitted application to present at departure if questioned.
Apply at Least 5 Working Days Before Expiry for Your Seychelles Visitor’s Permit
The Seychelles visitor’s permit extension process requires submission at least 5 working days before the current permit expires. If your permit expires on 1 October, apply by 24 September at the latest. The ICS division will not process late applications, and overstaying incurs penalties regardless of pending applications.
Seychelles Visitor’s Permit Extension Fees and the 12-Month Rule
Each 3-month Seychelles visitor’s permit extension costs SCR 5,000 (approximately £280 based on September 2026 exchange rates), payable by card online or at Independence House, Victoria. The 12-month maximum stay rule caps total time in the country regardless of how many extensions are granted. No visitor may remain beyond 12 months total and must depart before reaching this limit.
| Duration | Extensions | Total Fee (SCR) | Approx. Total Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months (initial) | 0 | SCR 0 | £0 (free) |
| 6 months | 1 | SCR 5,000 | ~£280 |
| 9 months | 2 | SCR 10,000 | ~£560 |
| 12 months (maximum) | 3 | SCR 15,000 | ~£840 |
GBP conversions are approximate based on September 2026 rates; verify the live exchange rate before paying.
Your First 3 Months – Free of Charge
The initial Seychelles visitor’s permit is issued free for the first 3 months upon arrival. The SCR 5,000 fee applies only to each subsequent 3-month extension period or part thereof.
Documents and Eligibility for Your Seychelles Visitor’s Permit Extension
Eligibility for a Seychelles visitor’s permit extension: the applicant must qualify as a non-prohibited immigrant and must not engage in local employment, paid or unpaid, during the extended stay. Required documents:
- Valid passport (valid for entire extended stay)
- Passport biodata page copy (submitted with application)
- Valid return or onward ticket confirming departure from Seychelles
- Confirmed accommodation (licensed hotels, guesthouses, or private rentals; a host declaration letter is advisable for private host stays)
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, credit card statements, or sponsor letters)
- SCR 5,000 fee receipt (from online payment at the permits.ics.gov.sc portal)
Proof of Sufficient Funds – What Counts?
The Seychelles government does not publish a fixed daily minimum for the sufficient funds requirement of a Seychelles visitor’s permit extension. Accepted proof includes recent bank statements, credit card statements, or sponsor letters. Immigration officers expect evidence that you can sustain yourself for the full duration of the extended stay, with a balance reasonable relative to confirmed accommodation and daily costs in Seychelles.
Overstaying and Emergencies: Seychelles Visitor’s Permit Rules
Overstaying a Seychelles visitor’s permit results in on-the-spot fines issued at departure, potential travel bans, and future entry restrictions. ICS does not publish fixed penalty amounts; travellers report fines assessed at the border upon exit. Remaining beyond your authorised departure date, including beyond the 12-month maximum stay, constitutes overstaying under Seychelles immigration law.
The Seychelles visitor’s permit extension process may refuse applications for several reasons: insufficient evidence of funds, prior overstay history, prohibited immigrant status, or a criminal record. Because the SCR 5,000 extension fee is non-refundable, applicants who are denied do not recover the payment. ICS does not publish an explicit refund policy, so confirm eligibility before submitting payment.
In emergencies near permit expiry, contact the ICS Enforcement Section at (+248) 4 303 930 or [email protected]. In-person assistance is available at Independence House, Victoria, Mahé. Additional guidance is on the ICS information page at ics.gov.sc/permits/visitors-permit. UK travellers can also consult gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/seychelles/entry-requirements.
FAQ: Seychelles Visitor Permit Extensions
Can UK citizens enter Seychelles without a visa?
Yes, UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Seychelles. You receive a free Seychelles visitor’s permit on arrival for up to 3 months. Requirements: valid passport, sufficient funds, confirmed accommodation, return ticket, and a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before departure.
Can I extend my Seychelles eTA instead of a visitor’s permit?
No, you cannot extend a Seychelles eTA. The electronic travel authorisation is valid for one journey only, expires upon exit, and cannot be extended. You must extend the Seychelles visitor’s permit itself, granted on arrival and extendable in successive 3-month periods up to a 12-month maximum stay.
How many times can I extend my Seychelles visitor’s permit?
You can renew your Seychelles visitor’s permit multiple times through successive periods of up to 3 months each. However, you must comply with the 12-month maximum stay rule. You may never extend beyond 12 months total and must depart Seychelles before the 12-month limit is reached.
Can I work in Seychelles while on an extended visitor permit?
No, you cannot work on a Seychelles visitor’s permit. Non-Seychellois citizens cannot work full time, part time, paid or unpaid without a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP). A visitor’s permit is strictly for tourism or visiting friends and family. Apply for a GOP if you intend to work.
What documents do I need to extend my Seychelles visitor permit?
To extend a Seychelles visitor’s permit, provide: valid passport (valid for entire extended stay), passport biodata page copy, valid return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation proof, proof of sufficient funds (bank or credit card statements), and the SCR 5,000 fee receipt from the online portal.
How long does it take to process a Seychelles visitor permit extension?
Processing a Seychelles visitor’s permit extension takes up to 5 business days. Submit your application at least 5 working days before your current permit expires. Check your extension status via the permits.ics.gov.sc portal. Apply early to avoid overstay penalties if your application is delayed.
Can I extend a permit for my children separately?
The ICS division does not explicitly publish separate fee rules or requirements for minors under 18 regarding Seychelles visitor’s permit extensions. For specific guidance, contact ICS directly at [email protected] or call (+248) 4 293 636.
Can I leave Seychelles temporarily and return on my extended permit?
The ICS division does not explicitly address whether an extended Seychelles visitor’s permit remains valid for re-entry after temporary departure. Before leaving Seychelles and attempting to return on an extended permit, confirm multi-entry conditions with ICS at [email protected] to avoid entry denial.
