by Conor Walsh & Sofeeyah Lloyd
With its stunning beaches and serene environment, Seychelles offers the perfect backdrop for events and conferences. However, international attendees must navigate the entry requirements to experience this paradise.
So, we wrote this quick guide to help you understand the entry requirements for your foreign participants’ traveling to the Seychelles.
With our expertise, you can ensure that all participants, regardless of nationality, enjoy a hassle-free journey to your event in this stunning destination.
Quick Tips For Seychelles Visas
- Seychelles is a visa-free country; however, a visitor’s permit is required for entry.
- Upon arrival, the Visitor’s Permit is issued for a stay of up to three months, provided travels fulfill all requirements.
- Seychelles does not recognize Kosovo as a country and does not allow entry for its passport holders.
- Visitors must possess a valid passport or other travel documents recognized by the government of Seychelles for entry.
- The passport must remain valid for the intended stay until the holder returns to their country of origin or residence.
- The visitor’s permit is free for the first three months. After that, extending it costs Sr. 5,000 (approximately $400) for every additional three months or part of it.
What Type of Permit Will Your Event Participants Need for Seychelles?
Seychelles has digitized its border entry process with the Seychelles Electronic Border System and E-Border app. All travelers must complete their entry formalities online before arriving, using this system for travel authorization and immigration forms.
This process makes entering and leaving Seychelles quicker and more efficient, as all immigration procedures are handled online beforehand.
Below is a breakdown of the permits your participants will require to enter Seychelles.
Visitors Permit
Upon arrival in Seychelles, a visitor’s permit is granted to foreigners visiting for holidays, business, or to see friends or family, provided they are not prohibited immigrants or already hold a residence permit in Seychelles.
Eligibility requires a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and adequate funds for the stay.
The first three months are free for the visitors’ permit, but each extension costs Sr. 5,000 (approximately $400) for any three-month period or part thereof.
Initially valid for up to three months, the permit can be extended in three-month increments, up to twelve months, as long as visitor criteria are met. The criteria include:
- Not being a prohibited immigrant.
- Not holding a permit that allows residing in Seychelles.
- Having a valid return or onward travel ticket.
- Securing confirmed accommodation.
- Possessing sufficient funds for the stay (minimum $150 or equivalent per day).
Avoiding Scam Visa Websites
Many fake visa websites charge exorbitant fees. To avoid being scammed, ensure all necessary applications and documentation are carried out on the Seychelles Electronic Border System or the Seychelles E-Border app.
Our team is ready to support you with Seychelles entry requirements for your event attendees. We bring a wealth of experience managing Seychelles permit processes and will guide you through every step, ensuring hassle-free entry for all participants.
How to Apply for a Visitors’ Permit to Seychelles
When traveling to and from Seychelles, all travelers must complete immigration procedures, uploading the specific document required for visitors.
Before applying, intending travelers are to ensure all necessary documents are prepared.
For Visitors
Foreign visitors to Seychelles must apply for digital Travel Authorization on the Seychelles Electronic Border System or the Seychelles E-Border app, as mandated by the Immigration Act. This digital form has replaced the previous blue paper form and is essential for travel approval.
Fees cost $68 and don’t guarantee entry to Seychelles.
Application may take up to 10 days, so we recommend starting the process as early as possible.
To complete the immigration procedure, travelers must possess the following information and upload it where indicated on the website:
- Valid Passport.
- Selfie.
- Contact Information.
- Trip Information.
- Airline booking confirmation showing arrival and departure dates.
- Accommodation booking confirmation, including names of hotels/guesthouses, boat charters, or employers.
- Letter of invitation for visits to friends or family.
- A credit or debit card for fee payment.
Requirements for entry into Seychelles
Although a visa-free country, the Seychelles Government still requires that travelers fulfill some requirements before entry.
Passport Validity
Travelers to Seychelles must ensure their passports are valid for the entirety of their stay and have at least one blank page.
Visa
Travelers to Seychelles don’t need a visa. Still, before their trip, they must apply for a Travel Authorization via the Seychelles Electronic Border System or the Seychelles E-Border app. They will receive a visitor’s permit upon arrival for their stay. To obtain this permit, visitors must show:
- A valid return or onward ticket for the duration of their visit.
- Confirmed accommodation or an invitation letter if staying with friends or relatives.
- Sufficient funds for their stay, with a minimum requirement of $150 daily.
Seychelles offers a visa-free entry, but adherence to these criteria is essential for issuing a visitor’s permit upon arrival.
Health
An International Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination is only required if travelers have recently stayed in, visited, or transited for over 12 hours through an airport in a Yellow Fever endemic country.
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all intending travelers to Seychelles be up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Regarding HIV/AIDS, the U.S. Department of State reports no entry restrictions for short-term visitors to Seychelles.
Customs
Items that are either prohibited or require permits for entry into Seychelles include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Radio equipment
- Any fruits or vegetables
Invitation Letter
An invitation letter is required if staying with friends or relatives in Seychelles.
The letter should state the purpose of the visit, the duration of the visit, and the relationship between the inviting party and the holder.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of a return or onward journey is a prerequisite for entry into Seychelles.
Accommodation
When transiting through Seychelles without an overnight stay, you are not required to submit a copy of a hotel or accommodation booking. However, if your stay in Seychelles extends to one night or more, you must provide a copy of your accommodation booking.
Need Help Applying for a Seychelles Visitors Permit?
Let us take the stress off your shoulders and streamline your event planning.
We handle everything from selecting an ideal venue to organizing transportation, securing entertainment, and providing support with visa and permit applications.
Reach out to us, and our Seychelles team will guide you through each stage, ensuring your event planning is smooth and effective.
