How to Apply for a Seychelles Visa in San Francisco

For residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and others througout Northern California interested in a lush tropical island with a touch of royalty, the nation of Seychelles should fit the bill for your next travel destination.  Prince William and Kate Middleton famously spent their 10-day honeymoon at a private resort in Seychelles.  Other famous honeymooners include George and Ana Clooney, and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston.  However, you don’t need to be heir to the throne or Hollywood royalty to enjoy these exotic islands. “With its pristine, palm-fringed beaches and clear, turquoise waters, Seychelles is undoubtedly the romance capital of the Indian Ocean,” Mason’s Travel noted. (https://masonstravel.com/will-kate-ten-year-anniversary-suites-fit-for-royalty)

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 155 islands in the Indian Ocean that lie several hundred miles east of Africa.  It is the smallest country in Africa and the least populated, with some 130,000 residents.  Seychelles’ culture and cuisine is an eclectic blend of French, British, African, Chinese, and Indian influences.  Great Britain and France competing for influence during the Colonial era before Britain took control during the Napoleonic Wars.  Seychelles gained independence in 1976 and later joined the Commonwealth.  English and French are two of its official languages, but the third, Seychellois Creole (a French-based dialect that contains some English words), is the most frequently spoken.  About two-thirds of Seychellois are Christians.

Considered a “high income country” by the World Bank, Seychelles has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capital of any African nation.  Fisheries, tourism, and construction drive its growth, the U.S. State Department State. (https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-investment-climate-statements/seychelles/) The Seychellois government diversifying its economy and has begun encouraging foreign investment. “Seychelles’ vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans 1.3 million square kilometers of the western Indian Ocean, is a potential source of untapped oil reserves and represents potential business opportunities for U.S. companies,” the State Department added.  Seychelles also has a small but growing offshore financial sector, while renewable energy sector offers other investment options for San Francisco-based companies.  The trade conference “Investing in Africa” also noted opportunities in real estate, offshore banking, agribusiness, and tourism in Seychelles. (https://www.afsic.net/invest-in-seychelles/)

Still, tourism is currently the main economic driver, accounting for 60% of GDP. “Mother Nature was unbelievably generous with the Seychelles, a fabled paradise whose islands lie scattered across the Indian Ocean,” Lonely Planet stated. “Spellbinding beaches are the main attraction, and what beaches! Exquisite ribbons of sand lapped by turquoise waters and backed by lush hills, palm trees and Dali-esque boulders.  Beyond the beach, diving and snorkeling are brilliant in the warm waters amid abundant marine life, while few places on the planet do ocean-side luxury quite like the Seychelles.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/seychelles)

The economic focus began shifting from fishing and farming to tourism after Queen Elizabeth II opened Seychelles International Airport near Victoria in 1972 (while the islands were still a colony).  The republic’s capital and largest city, Victoria is located on Mahe, the biggest island in the archipelago.  Home to numerous resorts, restaurants, and beaches, Victoria is also the site of the Victoria Market (officially, the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market), a national landmark built in early Victorian style that sells everything from souvenirs to fresh fruits and fish.  Mission Lodge in Morne Seychellois National Park is one of the highest peaks on Mahe, offering spectacular coastal views amid the stone ruins of a former British school.  The National Botanical Gardens near Victoria boasts more than 280 plant species -- plus giant tortoises.  And like many other colorful spots in Seychelles, the botanical gardens offer romantic venues for outdoor weddings.

Mahe and Victoria are also the center of a transportation network of boats and aircraft that ferry visitors among Seychelles’ granitic and coral islands.  Beaches are the top tourist draw, with powder-white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, coconut trees, secluded coves, and navy-blue lagoons.  The country has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallee de Mai Nature Preserve, an isolated palm forest teeming with unique species; and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.  The islands have a vast network of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes.  Scuba diving and snorkeling are also major attractions for San Francisco-based travelers, with several snorkeling trails available.  Dive centers and charter boats offer scuba expeditions to shipwrecks, coral reefs, and granite swim-throughs.  The ocean teems with up to 800 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, lobsters, moray eels, and giant rays.

Obtaining a Seychelles Travel Authorization from San Francisco

Citizens of the United States (and every country in the world except Kosovo) living in San Francisco and other cities throughout Northern California can visit Seychelles visa-free.  While visas are no longer required, you must first obtain a travel authorization (TA) before arriving.  The application form and details are available at their online portal, the Seychelles Electronic Border System, or SEBS (https://seychelles.govtas.com/en).  You can also download the Seychelles E-Border app and apply.  It contains a link to the application link, plus stores your authorizations and personal profile.

The paperless Seychelles electronic travel authorization replaces the country’s previous visa-on-arrival offering.  In late 2024, the government extended the SEBS requirement from international air travelers to those arriving by sea as well.

The TA allows you one entry to the republic.  You can stay up to 90 days for tourism purposes.  You can apply up to 30 days before your departure, but not less than 10 days in advance. (Cruise ship passengers can apply at their last port of call before arriving in Seychelles.) The travel authorization fee is USD $10 (or 10.90 euros), payable by credit or debit card.

The main requirement to obtain any type of Seychelles visa is holding a valid passport that contains at least one blank page and is valid for six months, including the entire duration of your stay.  Children must also have a passport or official identification.

All travelers are required to provide:

  • A passport-type photo or selfie
  • Contact information, such as physical address, email, and phone number
  • Details of arrival and departure itinerary, such as airline or cruise ship booking
  • Booking confirmation for each destination during your stay, including hotel, guest house, boat charter name, or letter of invitation if visiting friends or family
  • Travel medical insurance valid in Seychelles. International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒Order Now.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least $150 per day)
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a yellow fever endemic region.

NOTE: The Republic of Seychelles does not have an embassy in the United States.  They are represented by a permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.  Their website is https://www.un.int/seychelles/content/permanent-mission-republic-seychelles-united-nations.

San Francisco-based travelers can also use a service company such as Visa Supply to obtain your travel authorization to visit Seychelles.  We can answer questions about the requirements, plus help you complete and submit your application.  For more information, you can schedule a telephone consultation at https://www.timetap.com/book/BOOKVS1.

We provide the following Seychelles services for our customers in San Francisco:

  • Seychelles Travel Authorization
  • Seychelles Medical Insurance
  • Seychelles Flight Tickets
  • Seychelles Hotel Accommodations
  • Seychelles Tour Packages