The Seychelles is the ultimate Indian Ocean escape for South Africans — granite boulders, turquoise lagoons, and some of the world's finest beaches. Visa-free, with just a EUR 10 Travel Authorisation online. No yellow fever required for South Africans. Up to 90 days. Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are all spectacular. Relatively short flights from Johannesburg.
Key Warnings
Insider Tips
Air Seychelles and Condor fly via Johannesburg. Etihad, Emirates, and Air Mauritius also serve Mahé (SEZ). Book accommodation in Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue.
Go to seychelles.govtas.com. Fill in passport details, upload passport copy, pay EUR 10. Usually instant approval — apply 24–48 hours before departure.
Save the PDF to your phone or print it. Present on arrival at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ).
Present passport and Travel Authorisation at immigration. Stamp issued on arrival — up to 90 days.
Mahé (main island/capital Victoria), Praslin (Vallée de Mai palm forest, Anse Lazio beach), La Digue (Anse Source d'Argent, one of the world's most photographed beaches).
No visa application is made on this route, so there is no refusal rate. Entry can still be declined at the border — see the border experience section.
Travel Authorisation fees confirmed: EUR 10 / 30 / 70
Seychelles' official e-border FAQ lists the Travel Authorisation at EUR 10 for standard processing within 24 hours, EUR 30 for premium (6 hours) and EUR 70 for expedited (60 minutes); for children 12 and under EUR 10, 30 and 30. Fees exclude bank charges. Earlier versions of this page quoted the fee in US dollars or called the authorisation free.
Seychelles needs no visa but does need a Travel Authorisation
Seychelles requires no visa from any nationality, which is why this route reads as visa-free. Every visitor must still hold a Travel Authorisation obtained online before departure — mandatory since April 2024, checked by airlines at boarding. Being visa-free is not the same as having nothing to arrange.
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