Brian GeekThe Henley Passport Index, ranks the Seychellois passport 24th globally in terms of travel freedom, making it the highest-ranking African passport.
It’s important to note that visa requirements can change, and the duration of visa-free stays may vary by country. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult the official website of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Republic of Seychelles or the embassy or consulate of your destination country before planning your travel.
What Countries Do Seychelles Citizens Need A Visa For?
Seychellois citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. However, there are several countries where a visa is required prior to entry. The specific visa requirements can vary based on the destination and the purpose of travel.
Countries Requiring a Visa for Seychellois Citizens:
- Europe:
- Ukraine
- Africa:
- Burundi
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Egypt
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mali
- Morocco
- Niger
- Nigeria
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Asia:
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Myanmar
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Turkmenistan
- Yemen
- Americas:
- Argentina
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Peru
- United States
- Venezuela
- Oceania:
- Nauru
- Solomon Islands
Please note that visa requirements are subject to change. It’s essential to verify the current entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before making travel plans. For the most up-to-date information, you can consult the Seychelles Department of Foreign Affairs.
Do Seychelles Citizens Need Visa For America?
Yes, Seychelles citizens need a visa to travel to the United States. However, Seychelles is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means that Seychellois travelers can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead of a traditional visa if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Traveling to the U.S. with ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Seychellois citizens can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a visa.
- They must apply for ESTA online before their trip.
- ESTA approval is valid for two years (or until the passport expires).
- Travelers must have a valid e-passport with an embedded chip.
When Do Seychelles Citizens Need a U.S. Visa?
If a Seychellois citizen plans to:
- Stay for more than 90 days
- Work, study, or participate in exchange programs
- Migrate permanently Then, they must apply for the appropriate U.S. visa at the U.S. Embassy
Do Seychelles Citizens Need Visa For Europe?
Seychelles citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits. Seychelles is part of the Schengen visa-free program.
However, starting in 2025, Seychelles passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa but a pre-travel authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA.
For stays longer than 90 days, or for purposes such as work, study, or residence, Seychelles citizens must apply for the appropriate national visa from the European country they intend to stay in.
Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Seychelles Passport Holders?
Seychellois passport holders enjoy significant travel freedom, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. Specifically, there are several countries where Seychellois citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival. It’s important to note that visa requirements can change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest information before traveling.
Here is a list of countries that offer visa-on-arrival to Seychellois passport holders:
- Africa:
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Togo
- Asia:
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Laos
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- Oceania:
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Samoa
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Americas:
- Bolivia
- Nicaragua
- Saint Lucia
The Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status Department provides valuable information for Seychellois travelers.
Traveling To UK For Seychelles Passport Holders?
Seychelles passport holders can travel to the UK visa-free for short visits, including tourism, business, and family visits. However, there are specific rules and requirements to keep in mind:
Visa Requirements for Seychelles Passport Holders
- Visa-Free Stay Duration: Seychelles passport holders can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.
- Purpose of Visit: Allowed purposes include tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips, or medical treatment.
- Prohibited Activities: You cannot work, study for extended periods, or get married without applying for the appropriate visa.
Entry Requirements
To enter the UK visa-free, you must:
- Have a Valid Passport – Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Show Proof of Accommodation – Hotel booking, an invitation letter from a host, or proof of residence.
- Have Sufficient Funds – Proof that you can support yourself during your stay (bank statements, credit card, or cash).
- Return Ticket – A return or onward travel ticket proving your intention to leave the UK before six months.
- No Intention to Work or Stay Beyond 6 Months – You may be questioned at the border regarding your travel plans.
Extended Stays or Different Visa Types
If you plan to:
- Work in the UK → Apply for a work visa.
- Study for more than 6 months → Apply for a student visa.
- Marry a UK citizen → Apply for a marriage visa
Traveling To Australia For Seychelles Passport Holders?
Seychelles passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Australia. Unlike travel to many other countries where Seychellois citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, Australia requires all travelers from Seychelles to apply for a visa in advance.
The most common visa types for Seychellois visitors include:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- Ideal for tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business visits.
- Can be granted for multiple entries with a stay of up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
- The application process is online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Visa fees apply, and processing times vary.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
- Available for certain passport holders but not for Seychelles citizens.
- Seychellois travelers must apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead.
- Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
- Required if transiting through Australia for more than 8 hours.
- Not needed if you remain in the airport transit lounge and depart within 8 hours.
- Student and Work Visas
- If planning to study or work, Seychelles nationals must apply for the appropriate visa subclass.
Application Process for Australian Visa
- Online Application
- Submit the application through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Provide personal details, travel history, and the purpose of the visit.
- Supporting Documents
- A valid Seychelles passport (at least 6 months validity from entry date).
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of funds (bank statements or payslips).
- Travel itinerary (return ticket, hotel bookings).
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family or for business).
- Health and character documents (medical exam or police clearance if required).
- Visa Fees & Processing Time
- Fees vary based on visa type, starting from around AUD 190 for a Visitor Visa.
- Processing time can range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances.
- Biometric Requirements
- Seychelles citizens may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) at an Australian visa application center.
COVID-19 and Health Requirements
- COVID-19 Restrictions: While most restrictions have been lifted, check for updates on the Australian Border Force website.
- Health Insurance: Australia has no reciprocal health agreement with Seychelles, so purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Customs and Quarantine Regulations
Australia has strict biosecurity laws regarding food, plants, and animal products. Ensure you:
- Declare all food, medicine, and organic products upon arrival.
- Do not bring prohibited items such as fresh food or unapproved medications.
Flight Routes from Seychelles to Australia
- There are no direct flights from Seychelles to Australia.
- Common transit points include Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or Singapore.
- Major entry points in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Best Time to Visit Australia
- Spring (September–November) and Autumn (March–May) offer pleasant weather.
- Summer (December–February) is ideal for beaches but can be very hot.
- Winter (June–August) is cooler, especially in southern cities.
Currency & Expenses
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).
- Exchange Rate: Check real-time rates before travel.
- Cost of Living: Australia is relatively expensive, with Sydney and Melbourne among the costliest cities.
Final Tips
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
- Plan your visa application well in advance.
- Carry a credit card or enough funds for your stay.
- Follow Australian immigration laws to avoid penalties.
For the latest visa information, check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before booking your trip. Safe travels.
Related
Conclusion
Please note that visa requirements are subject to change. It’s essential to verify the current entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before making travel plans.