Seychelles eVisa Requirements

Seychelles eVisa Requirements – Documents and Eligibility Guide

Understanding the Seychelles eVisa requirements is essential for a smooth entry into this island nation. The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system requires specific documents and eligibility criteria that all travelers must meet before departure. This guide details every requirement so you can prepare your application without surprises.

Overview of Seychelles Entry Requirements

Seychelles maintains a visa-free policy for all nationalities except Kosovo passport holders. However, every traveler must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) through the official government portal before arrival. The eTA is not a visa but a mandatory digital travel permit.

The core requirements fall into three categories: identity verification, travel documentation, and financial sufficiency. Meeting all three ensures your application is processed without delays.

Passport Requirements

Your passport is the primary document for the Seychelles eVisa application. The requirements are:

Unlike many destinations that require six months of passport validity beyond your stay, Seychelles only requires your passport to remain valid through your planned departure date. However, having additional validity is always advisable in case of unexpected travel changes.

Passport Exceptions

• Kosovo passport holders – Entry to Seychelles is not permitted as the country does not recognize the State of Kosovo
• Emergency travel documents – May be accepted in exceptional circumstances but require prior approval from Seychelles immigration
• Diplomatic and official passports – Subject to the same eTA requirements unless covered by bilateral agreements

Travel Authorization Application Documents

When applying for the Seychelles eTA, you must provide the following digital documents:

1. Passport Bio Page Scan

Upload a clear scan or photograph of your passport’s biographical page. Requirements:

• All text must be legible
• No glare, shadows, or obstructions
• Include the entire page with all four corners visible
• Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, or PDF
• Maximum file size: 5 MB (check portal for current limits)

2. Passport-Style Photograph

A recent digital photograph meeting these specifications:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• White or light-colored background
• Face occupying 70-80% of the frame
• Neutral expression with eyes open
• No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings (religious head coverings are permitted)
• Sharp focus with no red-eye or filters

3. Proof of Accommodation

You must demonstrate confirmed accommodation in Seychelles. Acceptable documents include:

The accommodation proof must cover your entire stay in Seychelles. If you are island-hopping between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, provide booking confirmations for each location.

4. Return or Onward Travel Ticket

You must hold a confirmed ticket leaving Seychelles. This can be:

• A return flight to your origin country
• An onward flight to your next destination
• A confirmed ferry booking (if traveling to nearby islands before departing)

The ticket must show your name matching your passport, the departure date from Seychelles, and the flight or travel number.

Financial Requirements

Seychelles requires proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. The minimum threshold is:

The requirement of USD 150 per day is a government-mandated minimum. You can demonstrate sufficient funds through:

• Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
• Credit card statements showing available credit
• Travel money cards with loaded balance
• Cash (declared upon arrival)

While financial proof is not always requested during the eTA application, immigration officers may ask to see evidence of funds upon arrival. Having documentation ready is strongly recommended.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

As of the current travel guidelines:

Travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies even if you are transiting through a risk country for more than 12 hours.

Check the latest health requirements on the official Seychelles immigration website (ics.gov.sc) before your trip, as health protocols can change with short notice.

Eligibility Criteria

Beyond document requirements, you must meet these eligibility conditions to receive a Visitor Permit upon arrival:

Not a prohibited immigrant – You must not have a ban or exclusion order against you in Seychelles

No existing residence permit – If you hold a valid Seychelles residence permit, you enter under that permit, not the eTA system

Genuine purpose of visit – Tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or transit

No intention to work – The Visitor Permit does not authorize employment. Working in Seychelles requires a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)

Compliance with immigration law – No prior immigration violations in Seychelles

Special Requirements for Minors

Children and infants traveling to Seychelles have the same eTA requirements as adults:

• Each child needs their own individual eTA
• Each child needs their own valid passport
• A passport photo is required for each child
• The standard eTA fee applies per child

Additionally, minors traveling with one parent or a guardian should carry:

• A notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s)
• The child’s birth certificate (to prove relationship)
• Contact details for the non-traveling parent

These documents are not part of the eTA application but may be requested at immigration, particularly for single-parent travel.

Requirements for Business Travelers

Business visitors follow the same eTA application process but should also prepare:

• An invitation letter from the Seychelles-based company
• Details of business meetings or conferences
• Proof of accommodation and return travel (same as tourists)

The Visitor Permit issued for business purposes does not authorize paid employment. If you plan to work, conduct paid performances, or engage in commercial activities, you need a separate work permit.

Island-Specific Entry Considerations

While the eTA covers entry to all Seychelles islands, some practical considerations apply:

Your eTA is valid for entry through any approved port of entry. Most international arrivals come through Mahe, but charter flights may land at Praslin or other airstrips.

Document Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready:

• [ ] Valid passport (covering entire stay)
• [ ] Digital passport photo (recent, white background)
• [ ] Passport bio page scan (clear, all corners visible)
• [ ] Flight booking confirmation (arrival and departure)
• [ ] Accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• [ ] Bank statement or proof of funds (USD 150/day minimum)
• [ ] Credit or debit card for eTA fee payment
• [ ] Active email address for receiving authorization
• [ ] Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from risk country)
• [ ] Consent letter for minors (if traveling with children as single parent)

Having all these documents organized before starting your application ensures a quick submission and fast approval. Most travelers complete the entire process in under 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meeting the Seychelles eVisa requirements is straightforward when you prepare your documents in advance. The key is ensuring your passport is valid, your accommodation is confirmed, and you have proof of sufficient funds for your stay.