Good news first: South African passport holders do not need a visa for a Seychelles holiday. But there is one step every traveller must complete before flying, the Seychelles Travel Authorisation (TA), and it catches people out every season. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs and how to avoid the copycat websites.
The short answer
- No visa is needed. A visitor’s permit is issued free on arrival for up to three months.
- A Travel Authorisation is compulsory for every traveller, including children, and it carries a fee.
- Apply only on the official site, seychelles.govtas.com, or the Seychelles E-Border app.
- You need your bookings first, because you upload your flight and accommodation confirmations.
Visa-free entry: the visitor’s permit
According to the Seychelles Immigration and Civil Status office, a visitor’s permit is issued on arrival to people travelling for a holiday, business or to visit friends and family. The first three months are free of charge. To qualify, you must:
- not be a prohibited immigrant
- hold a valid return or onward ticket
- have confirmed accommodation
- be able to show sufficient funds for your stay
The permit can be extended in Seychelles in three-month blocks, for a fee, but for a normal holiday you will never need this.
What is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that although no visa is required, all travellers must apply for a Travel Authorisation before travelling to Seychelles. It helps the country manage border security and speeds up your arrival.
What does it cost?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the standard application at EUR 10.90 (checked 2 November 2026). Processing time depends on the package you select, and faster options cost more. Pay by credit or debit card during the application.
What do I need to apply?
Have these ready before you start:
- a valid passport
- a selfie
- your contact details and trip information
- your airline booking confirmation, clearly showing arrival and departure dates
- your accommodation booking confirmation for every place you stay, with the hotel or guesthouse name (or a letter of invitation if you stay with friends or family)
- a credit or debit card
If you book your holiday with us, your flight and hotel confirmations are the documents you upload. We send them to you in a format that is ready to attach.
When should I apply?
Apply once your flights and accommodation are confirmed, within the application window shown on the official site. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends applying as early as possible, and we check the current application window with you when we send your travel documents.
Use the official website only
This is the part that costs South Africans money. Tourism Seychelles has warned travellers about third-party websites that charge far more than the official fee, and says applications made through a third party may not be accepted. Some visitors reported paying twice.
The only official channels are:
- seychelles.govtas.com (the Seychelles Electronic Border System)
- The Seychelles E-Border app
If a site asks for a “service fee” or does not end in govtas.com, close it.
Step by step: applying for your TA
- Book your flights and accommodation.
- Open seychelles.govtas.com or the E-Border app.
- Enter your passport details and take your selfie.
- Add your contact details and trip information.
- Upload your flight and accommodation confirmations.
- Choose your processing package and pay by card.
- Keep your approval with your passport and boarding pass.
Each traveller needs their own application, so a family of four submits four.
Yellow fever: when does it apply?
A yellow fever certificate is only needed if you have lived in or recently visited a country where yellow fever is endemic, or transited through one for more than 12 hours. A direct trip from South Africa does not normally trigger it, but tell us if your route includes another African stop and we will check.
Planning your Seychelles trip
Once the paperwork is sorted, the fun part starts. Read our Seychelles travel guide for islands, beaches and where to stay, or our Seychelles or Maldives comparison if you are still deciding. For general packing and paperwork tips, see our travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seychelles visa free for South Africans?
Yes. South African passport holders get a free visitor’s permit on arrival for up to three months. You must still apply for a paid Travel Authorisation before you fly.
How much is the Seychelles Travel Authorisation?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the standard application at EUR 10.90. Faster processing costs more. Third-party sites charge extra, so use seychelles.govtas.com only.
Do children need a Travel Authorisation?
Yes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says all travellers must apply, so each family member needs their own application.
Can I get the Travel Authorisation on arrival?
No. Apply before you travel, online or in the E-Border app.
What documents do I upload?
Your passport, a selfie, your airline booking confirmation and your accommodation confirmation for every place you stay.
Do I need proof of funds?
Immigration may ask you to show sufficient funds for your stay, as well as a return ticket and confirmed accommodation.
Let us handle the paperwork
Booking with us means your confirmations arrive ready to upload, and we remind you to apply before you fly. Tell us your dates and we will send you a Seychelles quote. Request your free quote.