Seychelles entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in Seychelles. You get a free Visitor's Permit stamped on arrival. This policy hasn't changed as of 2026, so you can book with confidence.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Seychelles. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Seychelles immigration, but some airlines may ask for at least 3 months validity before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your booking ready to show at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, guesthouse booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Seychelles. Officers may ask for this during arrival processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have evidence of enough funds to cover your expenses — a bank statement, credit card, or cash. Seychelles does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $100–$150 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
| Seychelles Travel Authorization (eTA) Mandatory online pre-approval | All visitors must apply for a Seychelles Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com before travel. Complete the form, upload your passport and flight details, and pay the fee online. Approval usually arrives within 24 hours — print the confirmation or save it on your phone.Apply for eTA | Required |
No visa needed, but don't skip the basics
Seychelles is one of the easiest destinations for UK passport holders — no visa, no fee, no arrival form. But immigration still checks your passport validity (6 months), return ticket, and accommodation. Have these ready and you'll breeze through.
Medical costs are high — get insurance
Seychelles has good medical facilities, but treatment is expensive. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of pounds, and emergency evacuation is even pricier. Travel insurance is not required for entry, but it's a very smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Disembark and follow signs to immigration
At Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, follow the 'Immigration' signs after you get off the plane. The hall is small and easy to navigate.
2
Queue at the 'Visitors' counter
Join the queue for non-Seychellois visitors. Have your passport, return ticket (on your phone is fine), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will ask a few basic questions — how long you're staying, where you're staying, and your purpose of visit.
3
Get your Visitor's Permit stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a Visitor's Permit valid for up to 90 days. There's no fee. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then walk through customs. Unless you're carrying restricted goods, you'll likely walk straight through.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Not needed for standard visits; apply only if overstay risk.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Not needed for standard visits; apply only if multiple entries required.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostSCR 5,000 (~$375 USD)
Requires proof of employment or business in Seychelles.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
1 year, renewable
SCR 10,000 (~$750 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer in Seychelles. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 50,000 (~$3,750 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Seychelles. Includes business setup and residency benefits.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$375 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for standard tourist visits. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for standard tourist visits. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | SCR 1,000 (~$75 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Seychelles
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Seychelles International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSeychelles International Airport (SEZ)
Health & vaccines for Seychelles
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard precautions with food and water hygiene recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk on main islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for remote areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Victoria
Seychelles Immigration Office
Independence House, Victoria, Mahé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related queries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Mahé
Seychelles Immigration Office (Mahé Branch)
Providence Industrial Estate, Mahé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalVictoria
LanguageSeychellois Creole, English, French
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencySeychellois rupee (SCR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 14.8 SCR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (British 3-pin rectangular)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in main islands, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Victoria, Mahé, before your 90 days expire. Extensions are granted in increments of up to 3 months, for a maximum total stay of 12 months. The fee is around SCR 1,000 (about £60) per extension. You'll need a valid passport, proof of funds, and a reason for the extension.
No. If you're connecting through Seychelles International Airport and don't leave the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the same Visitor's Permit — which is free and issued on arrival.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
Officially, the Visitor's Permit is for tourism and business (meetings, conferences). Remote work is in a grey area — many digital nomads do it, but technically you're not supposed to work for a foreign employer while on a visitor permit. For long-term stays, consider the Seychelles Workcation Retreat Programme, which costs around €45 and allows stays up to 12 months.
No. There is no online arrival declaration or health form required for UK passport holders. You simply fill out a standard landing card on the plane or at the airport.
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). You can exchange pounds, euros, or US dollars at the airport or in town. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller shops and taxis prefer cash. ATMs are available in Victoria and at the airport.
No. Departure tax is included in your airline ticket, so you don't need to pay anything extra when leaving.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.