Seychelles Electronic Border System

Seychelles Electronic Border System - New Visa Application Process, All You Need to Know

Since 02 November 2022, the Seychelles Electronic Border System originally put in place during the 2020/2021 pandemic has become a permanent fixture. All arrivals into Seychelles by air will now need to get pre-authorisation online before boarding any flight to Seychelles.

The Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) is here to stay - and although it adds an extra layer of work for visitors travelling to Seychelles through the online application process, officials are stating that the new system has sped up customs & immigration processing times and added a new layer of security to border-control. For better or for worse, the new SEBS is here to stay - so we've compiled this article to assist you in getting to know the new process and all it entails. Firstly, lets determine if you need to apply - if so, you can keep reading to find out more about the process in preparation for your travel. If you don't need to apply then feel free to move on to some of the other great Seychelles articles on our blog.

Who needs to apply for the Seychelles Electronic Border System

You are a tourist / visitor arriving in Seychelles by air: Yes, you do need to apply for SEBS pre-authorisation at least 72Hours before your arrival

You are arriving by sea: No, you do not need to apply via SEBS. However, you will be subject to customs and immigration process on arrival by sea, so ensure you have all the required documentation. To find out more about 'Entry into Seychelles by Sea' - please read this article.

You are a Seychellois Citizen - No, you do not need to apply for pre-authorisation through SEBS. However, you do need to fill out the online Disembarkation Form (and Embarkation Form, if exiting Seychelles) on the SEBS website. This service is free of charge.

You are a Seychelles Resident / Permanent Resident / GOP Holder: Yes, you do need to apply for pre-authorisation at least 72Hours before your arrival

What is the Seychelles Electronic Border System

The SEBS is an online platform that requires visitors to Seychelles to apply for pre-authorisation to travel to Seychelles. The SEBS platform captures all the relevant traveller details and documents required by customs officials in order to approve a traveller's status (Visitors Visa or Residence Permit). The application needs to be submitted within the 72 Hours before arrival in Seychelles - however, you will need your approval before being allowed to board any flight to Seychelles, so plan accordingly to ensure you have it in time.

How do I apply?

You will need to make you application on the official Seychelles Electronic Border System website within 72 hours before you travel and we recommend no later than 24 hours before your planned flight to Seychelles. You will need to have all your travel details, supporting documents and a credit/debit card to make your application. The fee for this, at time of writing, is EURO 10.00 for the standard processing time of 6 hours. The only official website for you to make your application is: http://www.seychelles.govtas.com/ - beware of other fake & third-party websites. You can also download the official Seychelles E-Border app for iPhone and Android.

What to I need to apply - Tourists / Visitors

Valid Passport
Selfie
Contact Information
Trip information
- Airline booking confirmation - you must upload a copy of your airline booking confirmation which clearly shows your arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation booking confirmation - you must upload your booking confirmation(s) for each location of your stay in Seychelles. This must include the name of the hotel/guesthouse, boat charter name or name of employer. If you’re visiting friends and family, provide a letter of invitation
Credit or debit card information

What to I need to apply - Residents / Permanent Residents / GOP Holders & Their dependants

Required information
Valid passport
Selfie
Contact Information
Trip information (Airline Bookings)
Copy of valid permit (GOP)
Credit/debit card information

When Exiting Seychelles

Seychellois Citizens and Seychelles Residents / Permit Holders leaving Seychelles by air must submit their embarkation forms digitally since November 2 to facilitate the process. This includes visitors, residents and citizens. The embarkation form is FREE OF CHARGE and must be filled out with in seven days of your flight out of Seychelles. The embarkation form can be filled out on the same website as your authorisation, and is a more streamlined process, only requiring a copy of your passport and a selfie to accompany your personal details. Visitors / Tourists do not need to complete this step

We hope you have found this how to guide to the Seychelles Electronic Border System useful and that it will make your planning of your dream to Seychelles all the easier. If you are planning a holiday or sailing trip to Seychelles, you'll find plenty more advice and resources on our website. So feel free to take a look around . . .