Previously exempt from the electronic travel authorisation requirement, travelers arriving in Seychelles by boat or cruise ship must now apply for an ETA before entering the archipelago.
As expected, Seychelles is changing its entry formalities for passengers entering the country by sea.
Until recently, only passengers arriving in Seychelles by air were required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. Now, this requirement also applies to travelers arriving in Seychelles by sea, including those disembarking from cruise ships, yachts and other private craft.
“All travellers who arrive to Seychelles via boat or cruise ship are required to have a travel authorisation,” the Seychelles authorities announced today.
This extension of the ETA to maritime arrivals, which is part of a reinforced security policy, aims to enable more thorough control of visitors, while offering smoother border crossings. This change is as much a response to security issues as it is a step towards better structuring the welcome of an ever-increasing number of tourists.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Seychelles?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is a short-term residence permit for travelers wishing to visit Seychelles. The system, which is entirely online, has been designed to simplify entry formalities while enabling the authorities to check visitors’ details before their arrival.
Many destinations, such as Kenya, Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union in 2025, impose this online formality on their visa-exempt visitors.
Since its launch at the time of the pandemic, the Seychelles ETA has proved its effectiveness in reducing immigration processing times, offering tourists a smoother travel experience.
ETA procedure for Seychelles
For travelers arriving in Seychelles by sea, the procedure for obtaining an ETA is similar to that for air arrivals. The application is made online via the official Seychelles government portal: seychelles.govtas.com. The ETA can also be requested via the “Seychelles E-Border” mobile application available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
You can submit your ETA application up to 30 days before your arrival in Seychelles.
Here are the essential steps to obtain an ETA for Seychelles:
Insert passport and passport photo
- Travelers must first upload a copy of their passport and passport photo to the portal.
Fill in the online form
- Next, various information concerning the applicant and his/her trip to Seychelles must be filled in.
- In particular, the traveler is invited to choose between arriving by air or sea.
- A health declaration and a customs declaration must also be completed online.
Download travel and accommodation documents
- ETA applicants are then asked to upload online a airline or cruise booking confirmation and an accommodation booking confirmation.
- Any additional documents may be uploaded to support the ETA application.
Paying the ETA application fee
An administrative fee is applied to the ETA application. Payment is made securely online, and the amount varies according to the desired processing time:
- 10 € : “Standard” processing in 24 hours;
- 30 € : “Premium” processing in 6 hours;
- 70 €: “Expedited” processing in 60 minutes.
Receive ETA confirmation
- Once the application has been submitted and paid for online, the Seychelles authorities check the information provided.
- Approval times depend on the processing option selected, but travelers are advised to submit their application several days in advance to avoid any last-minute difficulties.
- Once the ETA has been approved, the document is sent by email and can be presented in digital format on arrival.
Presenting the ETA on arrival
- On arrival in Seychelles, whether via airport, port or marina, travelers must show their approved ETA to pass immigration control.
