Seychelles entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders don't need a visa for Seychelles. You get a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Seychelles | Your US passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Seychelles does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you're leaving Seychelles within 90 days | Immigration at Seychelles International Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also verify this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers occasionally ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough for your trip. A credit card and a recent statement usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
| Seychelles Travel Authorization (eTA) Online pre-approval required before departure | All US citizens must apply for a Seychelles Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com before flying. The application takes about 10 minutes and costs $10 USD — approval comes via email within a few hours. Print the approval letter or save it on your phone.Apply for Travel Authorization | Required |
No visa needed — but don't skip the checklist
Seychelles is visa-free for US citizens, but you still need a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Have these ready at immigration to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. US passport holders join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Receive visitor's permit
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's permit valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no health screenings or arrival forms required.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for most tourists.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers this)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits within 90-day periods.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Seychelles. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Seychelles business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (at least $2,000 USD/month). No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionStays cannot be extended beyond 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstays are penalized; exact amount may vary. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
US passport holders transiting through Seychelles International Airport do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard precautions with food and water hygiene recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low on all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Mahé
Seychelles International Airport Immigration Desk
Seychelles International Airport, Mahé
24/7
For entry/exit issues; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for US 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. US passport holders get a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for up to 90 days. No advance application or fee is required.
No. The visitor's permit is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different type of permit before your 90 days expire.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Immigration may also ask about funds — a credit card or bank statement is fine.
No. There is no arrival declaration form or health questionnaire required for US citizens entering Seychelles.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visitor's permit is for tourism only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate permit from the Seychelles Department of Immigration before you travel.
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get a better rate using local currency. ATMs are available at the airport and in Victoria.
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.