Seychelles entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can visit Seychelles for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. You get a free visitor's permit stamped in your passport at the airport upon arrival. No pre-approval or fee is needed. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Seychelles. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Seychelles | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Seychelles. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself — around $150 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but they can request proof if they suspect you are short. | Recommended |
| Seychelles Travel Authorization (eTA) Mandatory online pre-approval before travel | Apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com at least 24 hours before your flight. You need to upload your passport, flight details, and accommodation — approval comes by email within a few hours. Print the approval or save it on your phone.Apply for eTA | Required |
No visa needed — but have these ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Keep a screenshot of your booking and flight confirmation on your phone.
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 will be denied travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
You'll land at Pointe Larue on Mahé. Follow signs to the immigration hall. 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 and return ticket (if asked). The officer will check your passport validity and blank page. They may ask where you're staying and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly.
3
Receive your visitor's permit
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's permit valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp legible — it shows your legal entry date and maximum stay.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over the duty-free limit. Standard airport process.
Download Seychelles Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
CostSCR 1,000 (~$75 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Seychelles embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 1 year
Validity1 year
CostSCR 2,500 (~$185 USD)
Allows multiple visits within a year; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Gainful Occupation Permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostSCR 5,000 (~$370 USD)
For employment or business; requires job offer or business registration.
retirement visa
Seychelles Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
SCR 10,000 (~$740 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (at least $2,000/month). Allows long-term residence but no work.
digital nomad visa
Seychelles Workcation Programme
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$370 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
investor visa
Seychelles Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 50,000 (~$3,700 USD) initial fee
For investors making a minimum investment of $100,000 in Seychelles. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Gainful Occupation Permit
1 year, renewable
SCR 5,000 (~$370 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Seychelles employer. Requires labour market test.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond 90 days is not permitted for visa-free entry. | SCR 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid by leaving on time. | SCR 500 (~$37 USD) per day, max SCR 10,000 (~$740 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds35%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Zambia 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
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 (Zambia is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in Seychelles, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Praslin
Praslin Immigration Office
Grand Anse, Praslin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors on Praslin; limited services.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 14.61 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. Zambian passport holders get a free visitor's permit on arrival. No pre-application, no fee, no paperwork before you fly.
Up to 90 days per visit. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the exact date you must leave. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Victoria before your permit expires.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You need to apply at the Seychelles Department of Immigration in Victoria, Mahé, before your 90 days are up. There is a fee (around SCR 1,000–2,000 depending on duration). Approval is at the discretion of immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Seychelles immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Zambia is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have recently traveled to a risk area, carry your certificate. Otherwise, no vaccine is required for direct travel from Zambia.
No. The visitor's permit is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires a separate permit. Apply through the Seychelles Department of Immigration before you start.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around SCR 1,000 per day overstay), detained, or banned from re-entering Seychelles. Always leave before your permit expires or apply for an extension in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.