Seychelles

Seychelles visa guide: visitor's permit, travel authorisation and permits

7 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Seychelles work

Seychelles does not require visas from visitors. Instead, the Immigration and Civil Status Division at Independence House in Victoria issues a Visitor's Permit on arrival to people coming for a holiday, business or to see friends and family, provided they are not prohibited immigrants and have a return ticket, confirmed accommodation and enough funds. The permit is free for the first three months.

Before departure, every non-citizen must obtain a Travel Authorisation through the Seychelles Electronic Border System, either on seychelles.govtas.com or in the Seychelles e-Border app; standard processing costs EUR 10 for an adult. The same rules apply to every nationality.

Visitors can extend their stay in three-month periods up to twelve months in total, at SCR 5,000 per period. Working in any form, paid or unpaid, requires a Gainful Occupation Permit; studying at an approved institution needs a Student's Permit; longer stays without work can be covered by a Residence Permit for people with family ties or a special contribution, a Dependant's Permit for the spouse and children of citizens, or Permanent Residence.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday, business meetings or family visit: Visitor's Permit on arrival, free for three months, after obtaining the ETA online.

Staying longer as a visitor: extensions of three months each, up to twelve months.

Employment or self-employment: Gainful Occupation Permit, arranged before entering for work.

Studying at an approved institution in Seychelles: Student's Permit, SCR 1,500 a year, no work.

Living in Seychelles without working, with family ties or a special contribution: Residence Permit.

Spouse or minor child of a Seychellois citizen: Dependant's Permit.

Visa types for Seychelles

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Visitor's Permit (issued on arrival)
Seychelles issues no tourist visas: every visitor, whatever the passport, receives a Visitor's Permit at the port of entry after obtaining a Travel Authorisation online.
Maximum stay: Up to three months on arrival; up to twelve months in total with extensions

Study and training

Student visa Student's Permit
A Student's Permit may be granted to a non-Seychellois, other than a visitor, who has been accepted for a course at an approved educational institution in Seychelles.
Validity: Granted by year; the fee is charged per year or part of a year

Work

Work visa Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
Every expatriate who works in Seychelles, as an employee or self-employed, needs a Gainful Occupation Permit; without one no full-time, part-time, paid or unpaid work is allowed.
Validity: Set by the period requested and paid for; one-month short-term GOPs cannot be extended

Family

Spouse and partner visa Dependant's Permit for spouses and children of citizens
A Seychellois citizen can apply for a Dependant's Permit for a foreign spouse and minor children who will live with them in Seychelles.
Validity: Charged per year; lapses after more than twelve months abroad

Residence

Residence permit Residence Permit
Seychelles may grant a Residence Permit to a non-prohibited immigrant who has a family or domestic connection with the country or has made, or will make, a special contribution to its economic, social or cultural life.
Validity: Five years
Permanent residence Permanent Residence Permit
Seychelles grants a Permanent Residence Permit in four categories: spouses of citizens after five years of marriage and residence, priority workers and former students after five years of legal residence, and investors of at least USD 1 million.
Maximum stay: Permanent, subject to the one-year absence rule

Online travel permits

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Seychelles Travel Authorisation (Electronic Border System)
Every non-citizen travelling to Seychelles, of any age and on any passport, must hold an approved Travel Authorisation before departure.
Validity: One journey; expires when you leave Seychelles

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Seychelles?

No. Seychelles issues a Visitor's Permit on arrival instead of a visa, but every visitor must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure.

How long can I stay in Seychelles as a visitor?

Initially up to three months, extendable in three-month periods to a maximum of twelve months.

How much does an extension cost?

SCR 5,000 for each additional three-month period or part of one; the first three months are free.

Can I do unpaid work or volunteering on a Visitor's Permit?

No. Non-Seychellois may not work full time or part time, paid or unpaid, without a Gainful Occupation Permit.

How much does the Seychelles Travel Authorisation cost?

EUR 10 for an adult with standard 24-hour processing, EUR 30 for six hours and EUR 70 for one hour, plus bank charges.