Seychelles Visa for Indians 2026: Complete Entry Requirements Guide

Seychelles operates a visa-free policy for all nationalities, including Indian passport holders. No visa application is required at an embassy or consulate before travel. Instead, a Visitor's Permit is stamped into your passport at the immigration counter on arrival, provided you meet all entry conditions.

The Visitor's Permit is issued free of charge for an initial stay of up to three months. The single mandatory pre-departure step is obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) through the official Seychelles Electronic Border System at seychelles.govtas.com. Without an approved ETA, you will not be permitted to board your flight to Seychelles.

Entry remains at the discretion of Seychelles immigration officers. Meeting all stated requirements — valid passport, approved ETA, return ticket, confirmed accommodation and proof of sufficient funds — gives you the strongest possible basis for a smooth arrival.

The table below summarises the two components of the Seychelles entry process for Indian travellers: the pre-departure Electronic Travel Authorisation and the Visitor's Permit issued on arrival.

Although Seychelles is visa-free, the entry process has two distinct stages: obtaining your ETA online before you fly, and collecting your Visitor's Permit at the airport on arrival. Follow these six steps to ensure a smooth journey.

Before opening the online application, collect every document you will need. This includes your valid Indian passport, a recent photograph or clear selfie, confirmed return or onward flight tickets, and accommodation bookings for every night of your stay. If you are staying with friends or family, prepare an invitation letter from your host. Having everything ready before you start prevents errors and speeds up the process.

Visit the official Seychelles Electronic Border System at seychelles.govtas.com or use the e-Border mobile application. Create an account or log in, then complete the application form with accurate personal details, trip information, and health and customs declarations. Applications can be submitted up to 30 days before your planned arrival date. Do not use third-party websites, as only the official platform is authorised.

Within the application, upload a scan of your passport data page, a recent photograph or selfie, your confirmed airline booking showing both arrival and departure dates, and accommodation confirmations for each location of your stay. Visitors staying with friends or family should upload an invitation letter in place of hotel bookings. Ensure all uploads are clear and legible.

The standard ETA fee is listed by the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs at EUR 10.90 (approximately INR 980 at current exchange rates). Always verify the current fee on the official government platform before paying, as amounts are subject to change. Payment is made online during the application process.

After successful submission and payment, your ETA is typically processed and delivered by email within 24 to 48 hours. Print a copy of the approved ETA or save it to your mobile device. You will need to present it when boarding your flight and again at the Seychelles immigration counter on arrival. Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow time for any queries.

On arrival at Seychelles International Airport (Mahé), proceed to the immigration counter and present your valid Indian passport, approved ETA, confirmed return or onward ticket, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds (at least US$150 or equivalent per person per day). If all conditions are satisfied, the immigration officer will issue your Visitor's Permit, allowing you to stay for up to three months at no charge.

Use this checklist to verify you have every required document before departure. Missing or invalid documents are the most common reason for entry refusal.

The only mandatory cost for entry into Seychelles is the ETA fee. The Visitor's Permit itself is issued free of charge on arrival for the initial three-month period. The table below sets out all entry-related costs.

Even under a visa-free policy, Seychelles immigration officers have the authority to refuse entry. The five most common reasons for refusal are set out below, along with practical steps to avoid each one.

Reason: Arriving without a valid passport, an approved ETA, a confirmed return ticket, or complete accommodation details. A passport that expires before your return to India will also result in refusal.

Prevention: Check every document for validity and completeness before you leave India. Carry printed copies of your ETA, flight tickets and accommodation confirmations, and keep digital backups on your phone.

Reason: Inability to demonstrate you can financially support yourself during your stay. Seychelles requires a minimum of US$150 or equivalent per person per day.

Prevention: Carry recent bank statements, credit card statements, or sufficient cash. Be prepared to show these documents if the immigration officer requests them.

Reason: If immigration officers believe you intend to overstay your Visitor's Permit, work without authorisation, or have a history of immigration violations, entry may be denied. Vague or inconsistent travel plans can raise suspicion.

Prevention: Have clear, credible travel plans. Carry a confirmed return ticket and be straightforward about your purpose of visit — tourism or leisure. Avoid any past immigration infractions in any country.

Reason: Travelling from or through a Yellow Fever endemic country without a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Health declarations are part of the ETA process, and inaccurate declarations can cause problems on arrival.

Prevention: If your itinerary includes transit of more than 12 hours through a Yellow Fever endemic country, obtain a valid Yellow Fever certificate from an authorised vaccination centre in India before departure. Complete all health declarations on the ETA accurately.

Reason: Any false statements in the ETA application or to immigration officers on arrival can result in immediate refusal of entry and potential future travel bans.

Prevention: Provide accurate, truthful information at every stage — in the ETA application, in your health and customs declarations, and in any conversation with immigration officials. Cross-check all details before submitting your application.

The initial Visitor's Permit covers up to three months. Indian travellers who wish to stay longer can apply for extensions in Seychelles, subject to eligibility and payment of the applicable fee.

Extensions are granted for successive periods of up to three months each, up to a maximum total stay of twelve months. Each extension costs SCR 5,000 (Seychelles Rupees) per three-month period or part thereof.

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Immigration in Seychelles before your current permit expires. You will need to demonstrate continued financial means (at least US$150 per person per day), provide confirmed accommodation for the extended period, and give valid reasons for extending your stay. Do not overstay your current permit while waiting for an extension decision.

A Yellow Fever International Certificate of Vaccination is required only if you have recently resided in, visited, or transited for more than 12 hours through a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. Indian travellers flying directly from India or transiting through non-endemic countries do not require this certificate. Check the latest list of endemic countries and health advisories before finalising your itinerary.

As of 2026, Seychelles has no requirements for COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, according to the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Health declarations remain part of the ETA application. Always check the official Seychelles Electronic Border System and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website closer to your travel date, as health regulations can change.

Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement for Indian passport holders visiting Seychelles. However, medical costs in Seychelles can be significant, and comprehensive travel insurance provides essential financial protection against emergencies, trip disruptions and other unforeseen events.

When comparing policies, prioritise the following coverage areas for a Seychelles trip:

Several established Indian insurers offer international travel insurance plans that cover Seychelles, including HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz and Tata AIG. Compare policies across providers to find coverage that matches your trip duration, planned activities and budget. Read the policy document carefully, paying particular attention to exclusions and claim procedures, before purchasing.

Always verify entry requirements with official government sources before travel, as regulations can change. The following are the authoritative references for Seychelles entry rules in 2026.