Seychelles entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can visit Seychelles without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Seychelles. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required, but airlines may ask for at least 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking out of Seychelles ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, guesthouse booking, or a letter from your host in Seychelles. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have access to at least $100 USD per day of your stay, either in cash, bank statements, or a credit card. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you're staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Seychelles. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away. Check your passport well before booking flights.
Return ticket is mandatory
Immigration officers almost always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your return or onward ticket ready. A booking on your phone is usually fine, but a backup never hurts.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
You'll land at Pointe Larue on Mahé. Follow signs to immigration. There are usually two queues: one for residents and one for visitors. Join the visitors queue.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on your phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct. You're then free to collect your luggage and exit.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Irish passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no paid alternative needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for Irish passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers multiple visits within 90-day limit.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries; contact Seychelles embassy
Available for work, study, or retirement; requires sponsorship and approval.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$370 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Seychelles-based company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 2,500 (~$185 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient pension or income. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 10,000 (~$740 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Seychelles business or property. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
SCR 1,000 (~$74 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Seychelles institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; no fixed cap published. | Approximately $50 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
Irish 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
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in Seychelles, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but travellers should practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
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 Department of Immigration
Independence House, Victoria, Mahé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for immigration matters; extensions not available for visa-free stays.
Mahé
Seychelles International Airport Immigration
Seychelles International Airport, Mahé
24/7
Entry and exit processing; no extension services.
Practical information for IE 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
No, you don't need a visa. Irish citizens get a free visitor's permit on arrival for up to 90 days. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
No, the visitor's permit is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Seychelles and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration. Best to plan your trip within 90 days.
You'll likely be denied entry. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Renew your passport before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Ireland, no vaccine is required. Check the latest health advice before you go.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Irish passport holders. You just show your documents at the immigration desk and get your stamp.
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using rupees. ATMs are available at the airport and in Victoria. Credit cards work in most hotels and tour operators.
The standard visitor's permit is for tourism and short business visits only. If you plan to work remotely for a foreign employer, it's technically a grey area. For long-term remote work, look into the Seychelles Workcation Programme.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.