Field notes
Seychelles Visa for Indians 2026 — Complete Guide
Indians travelling to Seychelles in 2026 receive a Visitor's Permit on Arrival at Seychelles International Airport. The permit is free of charge and allows a stay of up to 3 months, extendable to 12 months in-country. A mandatory Travel Authorisation must be completed online before departure.
What Is the Seychelles Visitor's Permit for Indian Passport Holders?
The Seychelles Visitor's Permit is a free, on-arrival entry document issued to Indian citizens at Seychelles International Airport. It permits a stay of up to 3 months and requires no advance application from India. The permit is extendable up to 12 months total.
The Visitor's Permit on Arrival is the official entry category for Indian nationals visiting Seychelles for tourism. According to the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status department at ics.gov.sc/permits/visitors-permit, the permit carries no fee and is stamped into the passport at the immigration counter on arrival.
Indian travelers must complete a Travel Authorisation online before their flight. This digital form is separate from the Visitor's Permit itself. Failing to complete the Travel Authorisation can prevent boarding at the Indian departure airport.
| Visa Type | Maximum Stay | Validity | Fee (INR) | Processing Time | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor's Permit on Arrival | Up to 3 months (extendable to 12 months) | N/A | Free | On arrival | Issued at Seychelles International Airport immigration counter |
How Do Indian Citizens Apply for a Seychelles Visitor's Permit?
Indian citizens do not submit a visa application before travel. The Visitor's Permit is issued at the immigration counter at Seychelles International Airport on the day of arrival. The only pre-travel step is completing the mandatory online Travel Authorisation.
Step 1 — Gather Your Documents Before Departure
Collect all required documents at least one week before your travel date. The core set is a valid passport, confirmed return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation for every night of your stay, and proof of funds showing at least US$150 per person per day.
Check that your passport has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. Carry printed copies of your flight booking and hotel confirmation. Bank statements or a credit card with a sufficient limit serve as proof of funds.
Step 2 — Complete the Travel Authorisation Online
The Travel Authorisation is a mandatory online health and travel declaration form. Submit it through the official Seychelles government portal before your departure date. The form asks for personal details, flight information, accommodation address, and a passport copy.
Complete the Travel Authorisation within 72 hours of your scheduled departure. After submission, you receive a confirmation by email. Present this confirmation at airline check-in and again at the immigration counter in Seychelles.
Step 3 — Board Your Flight to Seychelles
At check-in, the airline will verify your Travel Authorisation confirmation and return ticket. Carry both documents in printed form as a backup. Seychelles International Airport is the main international entry point for Indian travelers.
Step 4 — Present Documents at Immigration on Arrival
On landing at Seychelles International Airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Hand the officer your passport, Travel Authorisation confirmation, return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of funds. The officer reviews these documents and stamps the Visitor's Permit into your passport.
The immigration process is typically completed within a few minutes when documents are complete. The stamp specifies your permitted stay duration. No fee is collected at this counter.
Step 5 — Collect Your Stamped Passport
The Visitor's Permit stamp in your passport is your official entry authorisation. Check the permitted stay date stamped by the officer before leaving the counter. If you plan to stay longer than the initial period granted, you must apply for an extension before the stamp expires.
What Documents Do Indian Travelers Need for the Seychelles Visitor's Permit?
Indian travelers need five core documents for the Seychelles Visitor's Permit: a valid passport, confirmed return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation details, proof of funds of at least US$150 per person per day, and a completed Travel Authorisation. All are checked on arrival.
| Document | Specification | Where to Get It | Common Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Valid for the full duration of stay; minimum 2 blank pages | Passport Seva Kendra, India | Passport valid but no blank pages remaining |
| Return or Onward Ticket | Confirmed booking showing departure from Seychelles | Airline website or travel agent | Presenting a one-way ticket with no onward travel proof |
| Confirmed Accommodation | Hotel, guesthouse, or villa booking for every night of stay | Booking platform or hotel directly | Booking only the first night; no proof for remaining nights |
| Proof of Funds | Minimum US$150 per person per day of intended stay | Bank statement or credit card statement (last 3 months) | Statement too old or balance insufficient for the stay duration |
| Travel Authorisation | Approved online form; confirmation email required | Official Seychelles government portal (online) | Completing the form but not saving or printing the confirmation |
What Is the Full Cost Breakdown for the Seychelles Visitor's Permit in 2026?
The Seychelles Visitor's Permit itself costs nothing for Indian nationals in 2026, as confirmed by the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status department. The only mandatory pre-travel cost is the Travel Authorisation processing fee. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and adds to the total outlay.
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor's Permit fee | Free | Issued at no charge on arrival; confirmed by ics.gov.sc as of 2026 |
| Travel Authorisation processing | Check official portal for current fee | Mandatory online form; fee subject to change — verify on the Seychelles government portal before travel |
| Travel insurance (recommended) | Approx. 1,000 – 3,500 | Varies by insurer, age, and coverage level; medical cover of at least US$50,000 advised |
| Courier or document printing | Approx. 100 – 300 | Cost of printing Travel Authorisation confirmation and booking documents |
| Estimated total pre-travel cost | Approx. 1,100 – 3,800 (excluding Travel Authorisation fee) | Excludes flights and accommodation; covers formalities only |
Because the permit fee is zero, the main variable cost for Indian travelers is travel insurance. Prices differ across providers such as HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, and Tata AIG. Compare plans before purchase to confirm medical evacuation cover is included.
Why Do Some Indian Travelers Face Entry Issues at Seychelles?
Entry issues at Seychelles International Airport for Indian travelers almost always result from missing or incomplete documents rather than visa refusals. The five most common problems are a missing return ticket, insufficient proof of funds, incomplete accommodation bookings, an invalid passport, and failure to complete the Travel Authorisation before departure.
- No confirmed return or onward ticket: Immigration officers require proof that you will leave Seychelles before or by your permitted stay date. A one-way ticket, or a ticket that is on hold rather than confirmed, is grounds for denial. Book and confirm your return flight before you travel.
- Proof of funds below the US$150 per day threshold: The minimum funds requirement is US$150 per person per day of the intended stay. A 10-night trip for two people requires evidence of at least US$3,000 in accessible funds. A bank statement dated within the last three months is the standard proof.
- Accommodation not confirmed for the full stay: Booking only the first night and leaving the rest open is a common mistake. Officers expect a confirmed booking for every night you plan to stay. If you are staying with a local contact, carry a signed invitation letter with the host's address and contact details.
- Passport validity or blank pages: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Seychelles. It must also have at least two blank pages for the entry stamp. Check both conditions before you leave India.
- Travel Authorisation not completed or confirmation not carried: The Travel Authorisation is checked at airline check-in in India, not just at Seychelles immigration. If you have not completed the form or cannot produce the confirmation, the airline may deny boarding. Submit the form at least 24 hours before departure and save the confirmation email.
What Should Indian Travelers Know About Extending a Seychelles Visitor's Permit?
The Seychelles Visitor's Permit issued on arrival can be extended beyond the initial period, up to a maximum total stay of 12 months. Extension applications are submitted to the Department of Immigration and Civil Status in Seychelles before the current permit expires. The permit cannot be extended from India.
To apply for an extension, visit the Department of Immigration and Civil Status office in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Carry your passport, proof of continued accommodation, proof of funds, and a valid return ticket. The department reviews applications and, if approved, stamps a new permitted stay date into your passport.
Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authority. Overstaying your permitted period without an approved extension is a violation of Seychelles immigration law. Start the extension process at least two weeks before your current permit expires.
Why Is Travel Insurance Recommended for Indian Travelers Visiting Seychelles?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement for Seychelles but is strongly recommended for Indian travelers because healthcare costs in Seychelles are high and medical evacuation to India is expensive. A policy covering at least US$50,000 in medical expenses provides adequate protection for most trips.
Leading Indian insurers offering international travel plans include HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, and Tata AIG. Each offers plans that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and flight delays. Compare the medical evacuation sub-limit specifically, as this is the highest-cost risk for travelers in the Indian Ocean region.
A standard 7-night Seychelles travel insurance plan from an Indian insurer typically costs between INR 1,000 and INR 3,500 depending on age, coverage amount, and add-ons. Purchase the policy before your departure date so that trip cancellation cover is active from the booking date.
What Are the Official Sources and Diplomatic Contacts for Seychelles Entry Rules?
The authoritative source for Seychelles Visitor's Permit rules is the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status department, accessible at ics.gov.sc/permits/visitors-permit. The High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles in India is located in New Delhi and handles bilateral diplomatic matters, though it does not process Visitor's Permits.
The High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles is situated at E-4/4, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. Indian travelers with general consular queries can contact this office. For permit-specific rules, the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status website is the primary reference.
India and Seychelles maintain a bilateral relationship that includes the current on-arrival permit arrangement for Indian nationals. This arrangement reflects the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries and supports tourism as a key sector of the Seychelles economy. The fee-free permit policy for Indian passport holders has remained in place through 2026, as confirmed by the official government portal.
Always verify entry requirements on the official Seychelles government portal before booking travel. Rules on Travel Authorisation fees and documentation can be updated by the Seychelles government at any time. The facts on this page are verified as of October 2026.