Seychelles entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Seychelles for up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and short-term stays. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and you have a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Seychelles. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Seychelles immigration, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers at Seychelles International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Seychelles. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked place to stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have evidence of enough funds for your trip — around $150 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available credit works fine. | Recommended |
No e-visa or pre-arrival registration needed
Unlike some other destinations, Seychelles does not require any online registration or e-visa before you travel. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check your passport's expiry date well before your trip.
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 separate queues for Seychellois and foreigners — join the 'Foreign Passports' line.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your plans — keep answers simple and honest.
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. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 covers this)
No need to apply; visa-free entry is sufficient for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (not applicable)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits within 90-day periods; no separate visa needed.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work/residence)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year or more)
ValidityDepends on permit
CostVaries (e.g., work permit fees)
For longer stays, apply for a work or residence permit through Seychelles Department of Immigration.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee + processing
For foreign workers with a job offer in Seychelles. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows long-term stay and work.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing in Seychelles (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment thresholds apply. Provides residency and work rights.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable as visa-free entry is available) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry is single-entry per visit; multiple entries allowed within 90-day period. | Free (not applicable) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Not available (N/A) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced but exact rates are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Seychelles, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSeychelles International Airport (SEZ), Mahé
Health & vaccines for Seychelles
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialChickenpox (Varicella)RecommendedPolioRecommendedInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in Seychelles; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Seychelles, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural areas; consult a doctor.
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 visa inquiries and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Praslin
Praslin Immigration Office
Grand Anse, Praslin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visitors on Praslin; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 14.6 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. The visa-free entry is strictly for 90 days and cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
No, transit passengers don't need a visa as long as you stay airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the standard entry requirements.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel — no exceptions.
No mandatory vaccinations for New Zealand passport holders. But it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.). Yellow fever vaccine is required only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before you travel.
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 local currency. ATMs are available at the airport and in Victoria. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist places.
No. There's no arrival or departure tax for tourists. All airport fees are included in your airline ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.