Entry Rules for Seychelles

The Seychelles Islands are synonymous with an ideal beach holiday: granite rocks, white sand, and giant tortoises. But for your foot to step on this blessed sand, you need to go through a few bureaucratic steps. The good news is that Seychelles is one of the most tourist-friendly countries, and a visa is not required for Russians. However, there is one important document without which you simply won't be allowed on the plane. We'll break down everything: from obtaining permission to what you can and cannot bring in your suitcase.

Do Russians Need a Visa for Seychelles?

For citizens of Russia (and most CIS countries), a visa-free regime is in effect. For tourism purposes, you can stay on the islands for up to 30 days. If paradise has captivated you, the period can be extended locally for another 3 months (but for a fee). A stamp in your passport grants you the right to enter, but you need to obtain an electronic authorization in advance.

Electronic Authorization (ETA)

Seychelles has abandoned paper migration cards. Now, every tourist (including infants) must obtain a Travel Authorization (ETA). Without the QR code of this authorization, you will not be checked in for your flight.

How to apply:

1. Go to the official website seychelles.govtas.com or download the Seychelles E-Border app.
2. You can apply 30 days before departure, but no later than 12 hours prior.
3. The cost is about €10 per person. Payment by card (Russian UnionPay cards often work, but it's better to have a foreign bank card or ask friends).

What needs to be uploaded to the system:

• passport scan;
• selfie (photo of face);
• contact information;
• flight details;
• hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay.

Processing takes 1 to 12 hours. The received document with a QR code must be saved on your phone or printed.

What Documents Are Needed for Entry to Seychelles?

At passport control at Victoria Airport (Mahé), you may be asked to present:

• passport: must be valid at the time of entry and until the end of your trip. However, many airlines play it safe and require a validity period of at least 6 months. We recommend traveling with a passport that has at least a couple of months of validity remaining. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
• return ticket: or a ticket to a third country. This is mandatory.
• accommodation booking: hotel voucher or apartment rental agreement. Living "wild" in a tent in Seychelles is prohibited.
• finances: formally, border guards have the right to ask for proof of funds at a rate of $150 per person per day. In practice, for Russian tourists with a hotel voucher and a return ticket, cash is rarely counted.

Entry Rules for Children

Here, everything is standard:

• the child must have their own passport (or be entered into an old-style parent's passport).
• a separate ETA authorization is issued for the child.
• if traveling with one parent, consent from the other is usually not required. But if the surnames are different, bring a birth certificate (preferably with an English translation).

Environmental Fee

Since August 2023, an environmental tax for tourists has been introduced in Seychelles. You pay it in person upon checking into your hotel.

The fee amount depends on the size of the hotel:

• small hotels (1-24 rooms): 25 rupees (~€1.8) per person per night.
• medium hotels (25-50 rooms): 75 rupees (~€5).
• large hotels and yachts (more than 50 rooms): 100 rupees (~€6.5).
• children under 12 are exempt from the fee.

What Can and Cannot Be Imported/Exported

Seychelles is very sensitive about its ecosystem.

Allowed to import (duty-free):

• 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco.
• 2 liters of alcohol (above 1.2% strength) or 2 liters of wine.
• 200 ml of perfume.

Prohibited to import:

• weapons (including spearfishing equipment – it is completely prohibited!).
• any seeds, seedlings, flowers, vegetables, and fruits (to prevent the introduction of pests).
• camouflage clothing. Yes, in Seychelles, as in many African and Caribbean countries, wearing camouflage by civilians is prohibited. Leave your khaki shorts at home.

Prohibited to export:

• corals, shells (if collected by you on the beach), turtle shells.
• the famous Coco de Mer nut (Sea Coconut) without a special certificate and excise stamp. If you buy the nut from illegal vendors without a hologram sticker, it will be confiscated at customs, and a large fine will be issued.

How to Get to the Seychelles Islands from Russia

Direct air service between Russia and Seychelles is operated by Aeroflot (regular flights Moscow – Mahé). Travel time is about 9.5 hours. Connecting flights via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) are also popular.

Follow these simple rules, don't forget to apply for your ETA a couple of days before departure, and Seychelles will welcome you with open arms!