Seychelles entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can enter Seychelles without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you just need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation — no pre-approval required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles Travel Authorization (eTA) Apply online before travel | Apply at seychelles.govtas.com at least 24 hours before departure. The eTA costs $10 USD and is valid for a single entry. Approval is usually instant — print the confirmation or save it on your phone.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Seychelles. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Seychelles immigration, but your airline may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers at Seychelles International Airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have 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 clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around $150 USD per day of stay. A bank statement or credit card with available limit works. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but don't skip the basics
Visa-free entry is simple, but immigration still checks your return ticket and accommodation. Have them ready on your phone or printed. A few minutes of preparation saves a lot of hassle at the counter.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew early.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Skip the SIM card queue at SEZ airport. Install an Airalo eSIM before you fly — it activates automatically when you land. You'll have data immediately for maps, taxis, and messaging.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
You'll land at the main airport on Mahé island. Follow signs to immigration. There are usually two queues — one for Seychellois and residents, one for visitors. Join the visitors queue.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions — purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long. Answer clearly and calmly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before you walk away — make sure the dates are correct. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension later.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 (visa-free entry already covers this)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for most tourists; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry allows multiple entries)
Visa-free entry permits multiple visits within 90-day periods.
Long-stay visa (Gainful Occupation Permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostSCR 5,000 (~$375 USD)
For those with a job offer or business in Seychelles; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Seychelles employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and work.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 10,000 (~$750 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Seychelles business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $2,000/month). Allows residence but not work. Renewable annually.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourist purposes; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fineOverstay is penalized daily; avoid by leaving before 90 days. | SCR 1,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max SCR 50,000 (~$3,750 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds35%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Seychelles International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes. Same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but present; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 (Headquarters)
Independence House, Victoria, Mahé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, proof of funds, and accommodation.
Praslin
Praslin Immigration Office
Grand Anse, Praslin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visitors on Praslin; limited services, may need to go to Victoria for complex issues.
Practical information for RU 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 = 14.35 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, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Victoria, Mahé. 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 USD 75) per extension. You'll need a valid passport, proof of funds, and a reason for staying longer. Apply before your current permit expires.
No, transit passengers do not need a visa as long as you stay airside and your connecting flight departs within 24 hours. You won't go through immigration. If you want to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the same entry requirements as any visitor.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Seychelles immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, Seychelles allows remote work on a visitor permit, but you cannot work for a Seychellois employer. If you plan to work for a foreign company while staying longer, consider the Seychelles Workation Retreat program, which offers a 1-year permit for digital nomads.
No mandatory vaccinations for Russian citizens. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). US dollars and euros 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 are accepted in most hotels and tourist areas.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Russian passport holders. You simply fill out a landing card on the plane or at the airport. No pre-registration needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.