The Seychelles archipelago is a dream destination for many travellers. If you are one of the passengers on a cruise ship planning to call at these enchanting islands, it is essential to understand the entry formalities and the procedure for obtaining a tourist visa.
Prerequisite: check whether a visa is required for your nationality
For nationals of certain countries, a visa is not required to enter Seychelles. People from most countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in Seychelles, provided their stay does not exceed three months. All nationalities benefit from this visa exemption, with the exception of a few specific countries. You should therefore check whether your nationality is covered by this exception before taking any steps to obtain a visa. However, the ETA procedure is compulsory for arrivals by air or sea.
Special case: nationals of countries requiring a visa
For people from countries requiring a visa, the visa application must be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of Seychelles in the country of origin, or from the Seychelles Immigration Services Division. The documents required for the visa application generally include:
- A passport valid for at least six months after the planned date of departure from Seychelles
- Photocopies of passport
- A recent passport photo
- A letter of invitation or accommodation booking
- Proof of a return ticket.
We recommend that you make this request at least one month before your planned departure date.. As the time taken to obtain a visa varies, it may be useful to contact the consular authorities for precise information on the time taken and the costs involved in processing the application.
Formalities to be completed on arrival in Seychelles as a cruise passenger
For cruise ships calling at Seychelles, there are specific procedures to be followed. There are most of the time, the person in charge of the ship takes care of the entry formalities for all passengers, providing the necessary information to the local authorities.
You will not necessarily need to present your papers individually when you arrive in Seychelles, but it is important to carry the following documents with you:
- A valid passport (at least one month after the planned date of departure)
- Proof of a return ticket or cruise itinerary
- Details of local accommodation (hotel, private address, etc.), if applicable.
This information may be requested by the authorities when you arrive in Seychelles, even if the person in charge of the ship has already given you the information you need for entry. So prepare these documents in advance and keep them handy when you get off the ship at the port of call.
On-board atmosphere: comply with local regulations
Certain laws and rules specific to Seychelles must also be known and respected by cruisers.. For example :
- Smoking is prohibited in public places, including on board cruise ships visiting Seychelles.
- Barbecues on the beach are subject to prior authorisation from the local authorities.
- The use of drones for recreational purposes requires special authorisation.
To avoid any problems during your stay in Seychelles, it is essential to find out about the regulations in force before you leave and to show respect for local customs and traditions.
The importance of respecting the conditions and duration of your stay in Seychelles
As a cruise operator, it is important to ensure that you comply with the rules on visas and the length of time you are allowed to stay in the country. Exceeding the entry and exit dates stated on your visa can result in severe penalties.such that :
- Visa renewal fees and other financial penalties
- Temporary or permanent ban on returning to Seychelles.
It is therefore essential to follow the steps required to maintain your legal status during your stay in Seychelles and to leave the country before your period of legal admission expires.
Renewing your visa to extend your stay in Seychelles
For those who wish to extend their stay beyond the three months provided for by Seychelles regulations, it is possible to apply for a visa extension request. This procedure must be carried out at the Immigration Services Division and must be completed before the initial visa expires. The documents required, as well as the conditions and fees for renewal, will depend on the type of visa concerned (tourist, business, etc.).
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