Seychelles is one of the most open countries in the world. Visa-free for every nationality. What it does require is a short Travel Authorisation form filed online before you fly. Without it, the airline will not let you board.

The Seychelles Travel Authorisation

Every visitor must file the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) Travel Authorisation at seychelles.govtas.com. It costs around EUR 10, takes 24–48 hours to process, and asks for:

  • Passport details and a scan
  • Arrival and departure dates
  • Address of your first night’s stay (hotel name + booking confirmation)
  • Return / onward flight
  • Travel medical insurance details

File at least 72 hours before flying. Without an approved authorisation, the airline does not board you. This is the most common reason travellers get stuck at the departure gate.

On arrival

You are granted a one-month visitor’s permit automatically. No application, no fee. The permit is extendable on the islands at the Immigration office in Victoria up to a total of three months, with proof of funds and accommodation. Long-stay residency requires a separate process.

What you need at the immigration desk

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation for at least your first few nights.
  • Travel Authorisation reference number (printed or on phone).
  • Sufficient funds (rarely checked; SCR 1,500 per day or equivalent is the official guideline).

Customs

Standard duty-free allowances. No restrictions on bringing in foreign currency in any amount. Do not bring: shells, coral, or sea-turtle products (illegal to remove from Seychelles, illegal to import to most home countries). Drones must be declared and are restricted around airports, naval areas and government buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a vaccination to enter Seychelles?

Only if you’ve recently been in a yellow-fever-risk country, in which case you’ll need to show a yellow fever certificate. Otherwise no mandatory vaccinations.

How long can I stay as a tourist?

One month on arrival, extendable up to three months on the islands. Longer stays need a permit through the Immigration office.

Can I work remotely from Seychelles as a tourist?

Remote work for a foreign employer is tolerated on a tourist permit. No formal digital nomad visa, but practiced quietly. Working for a Seychelles employer requires a Gainful Occupation Permit.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes. The Travel Authorisation form requires you to confirm you have travel medical insurance valid for the duration of your stay. This is checked, not just declared.