Seychelles entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders can visit Seychelles without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place since 2016 and remains active in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Seychelles. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Seychelles immigration, but some airlines may ask for 6 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Seychelles Travel Authorization (ETA) Mandatory online pre-approval before travel | Apply for your Seychelles Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com at least a few days before departure. You'll need to upload passport details, flight info, and accommodation. Approval is usually quick, and you'll receive a PDF to show at check-in and upon arrival.Apply for Travel Authorization | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — typically around $150 per day or a credit card statement. Immigration rarely asks, but it's a formal requirement and can be checked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're flying from Rwanda (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own expense.
No visa, no fee
Entry is completely free — no visa application, no visa fee, no eVisa. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. There are separate queues for Seychellois, residents, and visitors. Join the visitors queue.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a visitor's permit valid for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, large sums of cash).
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
No fee required for Rwanda passport holders; visa-free entry covers up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
No fee required; multiple entries allowed under visa-free policy.
Long-stay visa (Gainful Occupation Permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostSCR 5,000 (~$375 USD) plus processing fee
Requires employment offer from a Seychelles employer. Work permit needed.
retirement visa
Seychelles Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
SCR 10,000 (~$750 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum $2,000/month). Allows residency but not employment. Requires health insurance and police clearance.
digital nomad visa
Seychelles Workcation Programme
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$375 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment outside Seychelles and minimum income of $3,000/month. No local tax liability. Includes dependents.
investor visa
Seychelles Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 25,000 (~$1,875 USD) plus investment minimum $100,000
For individuals investing in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Seychelles Student Permit
Duration of course, renewable
SCR 2,000 (~$150 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Seychelles institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Part-time work allowed with permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplied if stay exceeds 90 days. Pay at immigration office before departure. | SCR 1,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max SCR 10,000 (~$750 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Seychelles International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry applies (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 (including Rwanda). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional cases reported; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe tap water in urban areas, but stick to bottled water in rural areas to avoid stomach issues.
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 details.
Praslin
Praslin Immigration Office
Grand Anse, Praslin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors on Praslin. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for RW 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 = 14.63 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.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Rwanda). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own cost.
No. The 90-day visitor permit is for tourism only. You cannot take paid employment, run a business, or provide services. For work, you need a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) arranged by your employer before you arrive.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No. There is no online arrival declaration for Seychelles. You just fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
Yes, but you must clear immigration at a designated port of entry (e.g., Port Victoria). The same 90-day visa-free rule applies. You'll need to present your passport, crew list, and vessel documents.
You'll be fined 1,000 SCR (about $75) per day overstayed, and you may be banned from re-entering Seychelles for a period. Don't risk it — leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.