Seychelles ETA — What It Is and Who Needs It
Every foreign national must apply for a Seychelles ETA before arriving in the country. The Electronic Travel Authorisation is mandatory for all nationalities, by air and sea.
Seychelles ETA — What Is It?
The Seychelles Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory travel visa introduced by the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status (ICS). Required by law under the Seychelles Immigration Act, it applies to all non-citizen visitors, regardless of nationality, before entering the Republic of Seychelles by air or sea.
Applications are submitted online at seychelles.govtas.com or via the official mobile app Seychelles E-Border, available on the App Store and Google Play. Once approved, the ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue for travel commencement. A Visitor's Permit is then issued free of charge on arrival, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
This requirement covers all entry points: Mahé International Airport (SEZ) and all sea ports, including cruise ship terminals, marinas and private vessel arrivals.
Do You Need a Seychelles ETA?
Every foreign national arriving at Mahé International Airport (SEZ) must hold a valid, approved ETA before boarding. This includes tourists, business travellers and visitors of any nationality.
Since November 2024, all travellers arriving by cruise ship, yacht or private vessel must also obtain an ETA online before departure. The process is identical to air arrivals.
Seychellois citizens travelling on a Seychellois passport and holders of valid Seychelles permanent residence permits are not required to obtain a digital authorisation.
A travel authorisation cannot be issued for holders of Kosovo passports. Entry to Seychelles is not permitted.
Seychelles ETA — Key Facts.
Exactly What You Pay.
Official tax collected by the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status (ICS) for processing your electronic travel authorisation.
Includes full file verification by our team, error detection before submission, application tracking and delivery of your ETA by email.
How to Get Your ETA in 5 Steps.
Start your application
Go to seychelles.govtas.com or download the Seychelles E-Border app. Have your passport ready before you begin.
Provide your ID
Upload your passport page and a recent passport photo (white background). The system auto-fills your personal details.
Fill the form
Enter your travel details (air or sea), stay dates, full accommodation address, health and customs declarations.
Submit & pay
Upload your booking confirmations (flight + accommodation). Select your processing speed and pay online securely.
Receive your ETA
Your approved ETA is sent by email. Present it digitally or printed at check-in and on arrival in Seychelles.
When to Apply?
The 30-day application window starts from your arrival date in Seychelles — not your departure date. Without a valid ETA, your airline may deny boarding.
ETA required by main nationalities
Seychelles does not impose a traditional visa, but the ETA is mandatory for all non-citizen visitors regardless of nationality.
| Nationality | Traditional visa required? | ETA required? | Initial authorised stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇺🇸 United States | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇮🇳 India | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇨🇳 China | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | No | ✓ Yes | 30 days |
Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements at seychelles.govtas.com before travelling.
This list shows a selection of countries only. For the full list of eligible countries, visit the Seychelles ETA Requirements page.
Errors That Delay Your Entry to Seychelles.
Passport details mismatch
Every field must match your passport exactly. An incorrect passport number, spelling mistake in the name or wrong date of birth will cause automatic rejection. Read carefully before submitting.
Wrong transport mode selected
If arriving by cruise ship or yacht, select "Sea". If arriving by scheduled or charter flight, select "Air". The wrong selection will create discrepancies in border records.
Incomplete accommodation address
A hotel name alone is not sufficient. The form requires a full address including the city and specific location details. Have your booking confirmation ready when filling the form.
Applying too late
Standard processing takes up to 24 hours. Do not apply on the day of departure unless you select Express processing. A pending ETA may cause airlines to deny boarding.
