Visa to the Seychelles: conditions for obtaining, types of visas, cost

Located just off the African continent, the Seychelles is an incredible archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar. How to get to this tropical paradise? What kind of visa do you need for the Seychelles?

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Tourist visa for the Seychelles

Paradise Islands are open to all tourists. For a tourist visit to the Seychelles for up to 30 days, a visa is not required. It is placed free of charge upon arrival. The exception is travelers with Kosovo passports, since this is not a state recognized by the Seychelles. Documents required upon arrival:

• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months prior to travel)
• Return ticket or ticket to a third country
• Migration card (filled in upon arrival)
• Hotel booking confirmation (tourist voucher)
• In rare cases, at the request of the passport control officer, you need to present funds (at the rate of about $150 per person per day)

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Permission to visit the Seychelles

Certificates of vaccination against coronavirus or a negative test are no longer needed for a trip: this requirement was removed only at the end of 2022. But you need to get a travel permit 10 days before departure (seychelles.govtas.com). Its cost is 10 euros per person. The request is processed up to 12 hours.

For registration you will need:

• Passport
• Photo (possible on mobile)
• Address, phone, email
• Dates of arrival and departure, place of residence

Permission will be emailed. It can be printed or shown on the screen. You must also have valid travel and medical insurance to cover possible expenses related to COVID-19.

Pay attention to the epidemiological situation. For example, foreigners who have been in some African countries within 28 days due to unfavorable conditions are now denied entry. epidemiological situation. For more information on medical requirements before visiting the Seychelles, please visit health.gov.sc.

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How to stay longer in the Seychelles

A tourist visa can be extended for 90 days. The cost of renewal is about $430. For this you will need:

• A completed application form.
• Copy of the first pages of the passport.
• A copy of the page of the passport, on which there is a stamp on entry to the Seychelles.
• Return ticket.
• A bank statement confirming the availability of funds for staying in the country or funds at the rate of $150 per day of stay.
• Hotel payment confirmation. If you do not have a hotel reservation, you must have a letter of invitation from a friend or family member living in the Seychelles.

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Visa for digital nomads

Not long ago, the Seychelles introduced a new type of visa - for digital nomads, the “Visitor Work Permit”. It gives you the opportunity to work remotely in the Seychelles from 30 days to 1 year.

• A request for a “Visitor Work Permit” must be made at least 60 days prior to arrival in the Seychelles using the online platform seychelles.govtas.com.
• A 45 € visa fee must be paid.
• When the visa is approved, the Health Travel Authorization (HTA) must be completed.
• The peculiarity of the program is that the guest must stay in a hotel authorized and certified by the public health authorities. They are divided into three categories depending on the services offered:

1. Basic: Basic tourist accommodation with access to amenities and Wi-Fi at an additional cost.
2. Premium: Tourist accommodation with access to amenities provided by a workspace and free Wi-Fi.
3. Premium Plus: Tourist accommodation with access to amenities, an ergonomic workspace and free Wi-Fi throughout.

What documents are needed for a visa:

• Passport
• Photo ID
• Help from the place of work
• Proof of sufficient income and livelihood for the duration of stay ($150 per night)
• Valid health insurance
• Return ticket
• Documents confirming pre-booking of accommodation during your stay

All documents required to submit your visa application must be translated into English and uploaded to the Seychelles Government website.

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Residence permit in the Seychelles

A Seychelles residence permit allows its holder to stay in the country for more than one year. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• There is a family or relative living in the Seychelles.
• Contributed to the economy, culture and social life of the Seychelles.
• They can financially cover the costs on the islands.
• The applicant must provide a bank guarantee in the amount of SCR 20,000 (approximately $1,500) and allow the immigration officer to collect this money if required to cover medical care, care, treatment and other expenses while in Seychelles.
• Applicants wishing to apply for a residence permit must reside on the islands for at least five days each month during the year.

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Seychelles is a paradise open to everyone. Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique adventure, meet giant tortoises and enjoy the unique charm of a tropical corner!