Seychelles is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, located off the east coast of Africa. It is a popular destination for beach holidays, nature tourism, and short leisure stays. The country follows a visa‑free entry policy for most travellers, including Indian citizens.
You do not need to apply for a traditional Seychelles visa before travelling. However, all travellers must complete an online Travel Authorisation before departure. This authorisation allows you to travel to Seychelles and complete immigration formalities on arrival.
If you meet the entry conditions, immigration issues a Visitor’s Permit at the airport. This permit allows short stays for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family.
Seychelles does not require travellers to obtain a traditional visa before arrival. Entry is managed through a visa‑free system supported by mandatory pre‑travel authorisation.
For holidays and sightseeing, no advance Seychelles visit visa is required. You must complete a Travel Authorisation before departure. A Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival if conditions are met.
Short business visits, such as meetings or conferences, follow the same process. The Visitor’s Permit allows limited business activities without paid employment.
Travellers transiting through Seychelles must also complete Travel Authorisation. Accommodation proof is not required if there is no overnight stay.
This approach applies uniformly, as Seychelles follows a single entry framework rather than separate tourist or transit visas.
To enter Seychelles under the visa‑free system, you must meet specific conditions set by immigration authorities. These checks are completed on arrival, after your Travel Authorisation is approved.
You are eligible if you meet all of the following requirements:
You hold a valid passport recognised by Seychelles authorities
Your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay and return journey
You are not classified as a prohibited immigrant under Seychelles law
You do not already hold a permit allowing residence in Seychelles
You have a confirmed return or onward travel ticket
You can show confirmed accommodation for your stay
You have sufficient funds for the visit, with a minimum requirement of USD 150 per day or equivalent
Meeting these conditions allows entry under the Seychelles country visa framework, where permission is granted on arrival rather than through an embassy process.
Before applying for Travel Authorisation and travelling to Seychelles, keep the required documents ready. Immigration officers may verify these on arrival:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
Valid passport |
Must remain valid for the entire stay and return journey |
Passport photo |
Recent photograph taken against a clear background |
Return or onward ticket |
Confirmed ticket showing exit from Seychelles |
Accommodation proof |
Hotel booking or guesthouse confirmation with dates |
Proof of funds |
Evidence of sufficient funds, minimum USD 150 per day or equivalent |
Invitation letter |
Required if staying with friends or family in Seychelles |
Yellow fever certificate |
Required only if arriving from or transiting through affected countries |
Travel Authorisation approval |
QR code or confirmation email from SEBS |
To travel to Seychelles, you must complete a mandatory Travel Authorisation through the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) before departure. This online process replaces pre‑arrival immigration forms and is required for all travellers.
Follow these steps to apply:
Visit the official SEBS website at https://seychelles.govtas.com or download the Seychelles e‑Border mobile application
Complete the Travel Authorisation form by entering your personal details and travel information
Upload the required supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation and a confirmed flight ticket. Ensure all uploads are clear and legible
Review the information carefully and submit your application
Select a processing option—Standard, Premium, or Expedited—based on how quickly you need approval
After submission, note the reference number provided. You can use this to track your application status through the system or via the link sent in the confirmation email
Note: You can submit the Travel Authorisation application up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival. Approval allows you to travel to Seychelles and request a Visitor’s Permit on arrival.
Seychelles does not charge a fee for issuing the Visitor’s Permit on arrival. However, all non‑citizens must pay a fee when applying for the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel.
The eTA fee varies based on the processing time selected and applies to both adults and children.
Here is the detailed breakdown:
| Applicant Type | Processing Speed | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Adults |
Standard |
Up to 24 hours |
€10 |
Adults |
Premium |
Up to 6 hours |
€30 |
Adults |
Expedited |
Up to 60 minutes |
€70 |
Children (12 years and under) |
Standard |
Up to 24 hours |
€10 |
Children (12 years and under) |
Premium |
Up to 6 hours |
€30 |
Children (12 years and under) |
Expedited |
Up to 60 minutes |
€30 |
Note: Bank charges are not included in the above amounts. Fees are subject to change and must be paid online at the time of application.
Most standard applications are processed within 24 hours. Faster options are available for urgent travel, subject to higher fees.
An approved eTA is required before boarding. A penalty fee of €30 may be charged at the airport if you arrive without a pre‑approved Travel Authorisation. Applying in advance helps avoid delays and additional costs.
The eTA fee supports Seychelles’ digital border security system, which allows authorities to screen travellers before arrival and manage entry efficiently.
Planning your finances in advance can help you manage travel costs and meet entry requirements without stress.
A personal loan can help cover major expenses such as flights, accommodation, and activities. This option is useful if you prefer structured monthly repayments.
International credit cards are widely accepted in Seychelles for hotels, dining, and local transport. Using a card with low foreign currency markup can reduce overall travel costs.
Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds during entry checks. Maintaining a healthy bank balance or credit limit helps meet this requirement.
Estimating daily expenses in advance allows better budgeting and avoids last‑minute financial pressure during the trip.
Seychelles offers a mix of beaches, nature reserves, and cultural landmarks across its islands. These destinations suit both short holidays and longer stays.
Mahé is the largest island and home to the capital, Victoria. It offers beaches, local markets, museums, and access to hiking trails in Morne Seychellois National Park.
Praslin is known for the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a base for visiting Anse Lazio and nearby islands.
La Digue is famous for Anse Source d’Argent and its relaxed pace. Bicycles are a common mode of transport, making it ideal for slow travel.
Curieuse is known for giant tortoises and mangrove forests. It is often visited as a day trip from Praslin.
Silhouette offers hiking, marine life, and quiet beaches. It suits travellers looking for nature-focused experiences away from crowds.
Seychelles offers a straightforward entry process for Indian travellers through a visa‑free system supported by mandatory Travel Authorisation. With proper planning and documentation, entry and stay are smooth and predictable. Understanding requirements in advance helps avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Reviewer
Indian citizens do not need to apply for a visa before travel. Entry is visa‑free, but a mandatory Travel Authorisation must be approved before departure, followed by a Visitor’s Permit issued on arrival.
Visitors are usually granted a Visitor’s Permit for up to 30 days on arrival. This can be extended while in Seychelles, subject to approval and continued compliance with entry conditions.
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to Seychelles, regardless of age or purpose of visit.
No. A Visitor’s Permit allows tourism, short business meetings, or family visits only. Paid employment or long‑term work requires a separate permit issued by Seychelles authorities.
Travellers without a pre‑approved Travel Authorisation may face delays and may be charged a penalty at the airport. Airlines can also deny boarding without prior approval.