© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
No visa — but yes, a Travel Authorization. Seychelles is a visa-free destination for Emirati citizens, so there is no visa sticker to collect and no embassy appointment to arrange in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, since the launch of the Seychelles Electronic Border System, every traveller must hold an approved Seychelles Travel Authorization (TA) before departure. Your airline verifies the TA electronically at check-in, and without it you can be refused boarding even though the United Arab Emirates enjoys visa-free access.
The TA covers the usual reasons Emiratis visit — beach holidays, honeymoons, visiting friends or family, and short business trips. It is requested entirely online, so there is no need to visit a Seychelles mission in the United Arab Emirates. You can explore the destination on our Seychelles travel hub or go straight to the Seychelles Travel Authorization page.
It is easy to confuse the two, but the Travel Authorization is not a visa. It is an electronic clearance linked to your passport that authorises an airline to let you board; the actual permission to stay — a Visitor's Permit — is granted by an immigration officer when you land in Seychelles. Use this comparison to see how the TA differs from a traditional visa:
| Feature | Seychelles Travel Authorization | Traditional visa |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online, before departure | Embassy or consulate |
| Format | PDF emailed to you | Sticker or stamp in passport |
| Required for Emiratis? | Yes, mandatory for every traveller | Not applicable — Seychelles is visa-free |
| Grants entry? | Authorises boarding only | Authorises entry subject to checks |
The Travel Authorization is mandatory for every Emirati citizen travelling to Seychelles, regardless of age or reason for travel. There is no group or family TA: each person who will board the flight needs their own approved authorization tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they are travelling on a parent's booking.
The TA covers the typical reasons Emiratis visit Seychelles — holidays and island-hopping across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, honeymoons, visiting relatives, and business meetings. If your plans involve long-term work, study or residence rather than a short visit, confirm the correct permit before you travel, as the Visitor's Permit granted on arrival is intended only for temporary stays.
Although the Travel Authorization is requested online rather than at an embassy, Seychelles still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:
Emiratis can apply within a maximum of 30 days before travel, so most people complete the form once flights and hotels are booked. Whether you fly direct from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, finish the application a few days ahead so your approval lands comfortably before departure.
For Emirati applicants, the Travel Authorization is normally processed within about 12 to 24 hours, with the approval emailed as a PDF. Since you can apply up to 30 days before travel, the best practice is to submit your application a few days in advance rather than at the last minute, especially during peak holiday seasons when demand from the United Arab Emirates is higher. If the system requests any additional information, respond quickly so your approval is not delayed. Watch your inbox — and your spam folder — for the email carrying your PDF.
Once you arrive with an approved Travel Authorization, immigration grants a Visitor's Permit for a stay of up to 3 months (90 days). This permit can be extended while you are in Seychelles, with the total stay not exceeding 12 months within a single year. The TA itself is tied to the specific trip and passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your Emirati passport, or plan a separate future trip, you will need to apply for a new Travel Authorization linked to the current document.
The Travel Authorization gets you onto the plane, but the Visitor's Permit is issued at the border only once an immigration officer is satisfied you meet the entry conditions. Be ready on arrival in Seychelles to present your valid Emirati passport, your approved TA, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and travel and health insurance covering your trip. Carrying these in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or saved on your phone — makes the arrival process at Seychelles International Airport faster and smoother.
An approved Travel Authorization allows you to board your flight, but the final decision to enter Seychelles rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your TA, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will issue your Visitor's Permit and you can begin your stay.
Every traveller needs their own Travel Authorization, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details. If you are travelling as an Emirati family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation, return ticket and insurance details are covered just as they are for the adults.
No. Seychelles is visa-free for Emirati citizens, so there is no visa to obtain. However, every traveller must hold an approved Seychelles Travel Authorization, issued through the official Electronic Border System, in order to board a flight and enter the country.
No. The Travel Authorization is an electronic clearance linked to your passport that authorises an airline to let you board. It is not a visa. Once you arrive, an immigration officer issues a Visitor's Permit allowing you to stay.
There is a small official charge for the Travel Authorization. If you apply through an assisted service, an optional service fee may be added for help completing the form, error checks and support. You can see the details on the application page before you submit.
Processing is normally completed within about 12 to 24 hours, with the approval sent by email as a PDF. Since you can apply up to 30 days before travel, submit your application a few days ahead rather than at the airport.
Emiratis can apply within a maximum of 30 days before travel. Once your flights and accommodation are booked, complete the application and allow time for approval to arrive before your departure.
On arrival you are granted a Visitor's Permit for a stay of up to 3 months (90 days). It can be extended while you are in Seychelles, with the total stay not exceeding 12 months within a single year.
Yes. Every traveller needs an individual Travel Authorization linked to their own passport, including children and infants. A parent or guardian can apply on a child's behalf using the child's passport details.
No. The Travel Authorization authorises you to board your flight, but the final decision is made by an immigration officer on arrival. Be ready to show a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds and travel insurance.