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Seychelles Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Seychelles tourism (Visitor's Permit) valid up to 3 months; fee USD 40; extension possible; apply at port of entry.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa required; on arrival you may be asked to complete a Visitor's Permit form.
  • Financial proof: Evidence of funds for the duration of stay showing at least USD 150 per day, e.g., cash available or recent bank statements.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or address where you'll stay) and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport photos (35 x 45 mm) with a plain white background.
  • Biometrics: No advance biometrics appointment required; biometric data may be captured on arrival by Immigration Officers.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but travel medical insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist/Visitor's Permit on arrival — Official name: Visitor's Permit; Validity: up to 3 months; Max stay: 3 months; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 40.
  • Business Visitor Permit — Official name: Business Visitor Permit; Validity: up to 3 months; Max stay: 3 months; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 50.
  • Student Visa — Official name: Student Visa; Validity: up to 12 months (extendable with institution approval); Max stay: 12 months; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 60.
  • Work Permit — Official name: Work Permit (with Residence); Validity: duration of contract (initial up to 12 months); Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 75.
  • Tourist e-Visa — Official name: Tourist e-Visa; Validity: up to 3 months; Max stay: 3 months; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 60.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Portal URL: https://www.ics.gov.sc/\nSteps: 1) Create a user account on the ICS e-Visa portal; 2) Complete the online application with personal details, passport data, travel plans; 3) Upload required documents (passport bio page, passport photo, hotel bookings, return flight details); 4) Pay the visa fee (USD 60 for e-Visa; methods listed on portal); 5) Processing time: 3–5 business days; 6) Approval arrives by email as a PDF e-Visa; 7) Print the e-Visa and carry it for entry.
  • Visa on arrival: Ports of entry: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in Mahe and other approved entry points; Steps: At immigration, present passport, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and funds; Complete any Visitor's Permit forms provided; Pay the visa fee (USD 40) in USD or SCR; After processing, your Visitor's Permit will be stamped; Tip: queues can be long during peak season; carry exact fee and ready documents.
  • Sticker visa: How to apply: Submit documents to a Seychelles embassy/consulate or through an approved visa service; Documents: passport bio page copy, recent photos, invitation/letter of employment or admission (for work or study), hotel bookings and travel itinerary, bank statements; Fee: approximately USD 75; Payment by bank transfer or card; Standard processing time: 7–14 days; Express options may be available; Interview: generally not required for Seychelles Visa but may be asked in some cases.
  • Visa free: Entry conditions: For visits up to 3 months, officers at the port may issue a Visitor's Permit on arrival; you must show passport valid for at least 6 months, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and funds; Extension: Extensions may be requested at the Department of Immigration before expiry, typically up to an additional 3 months, with applicable fee and processing time.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa (Tourist): Fee USD 60; processing time 3–5 business days; approval arrives by email as PDF; local currency equivalent is shown on portal.
  • Visa on arrival (Visitor's Permit): Fee USD 40; processing time is on arrival (same day in most cases); accepted currencies: USD or Seychelles rupees (SCR).
  • Sticker visa (embassy/consulate): Fee around USD 75; standard processing 7–14 days; express options may be available; interview not typically required.
  • VFS/BLS service fees: Not applicable for Seychelles visa-on-arrival; if using a separate consular service for a sticker visa, confirm any service charges with the mission.
  • Total cost estimate: If using visa on arrival, about USD 40; if using sticker visa via embassy, about USD 75 plus possible service charges; e-Visa route is about USD 60; note that extensions incur additional fees and processing times.
  • Standard processing time: On arrival 0–1 day (in practice, same day); e-Visa 3–5 days; sticker visa 7–14 days.
  • Express/priority option: May be available for sticker visa through some missions; check with the issuing authority.

Tips for China travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: If using the e-Visa route, apply at least 7–14 days before travel; for visa on arrival, no pre-application is required, but ensure all documents are ready on arrival. If pursuing a sticker visa, start at least 3–4 weeks in advance to allow for embassy processing.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants specifically: Inadequate proof of funds or hotel bookings; travel dates not matching the itinerary; missing or unclear accommodation details; passport validity shorter than 6 months; failure to show return/onward ticket or insufficient funds.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Seychelles visa-on-arrival does not require VFS/BLS; e-Visa or sticker visas may go through the Seychelles ICS portal or through a Seychelles mission/authorized agent; verify the correct route on the official portal (ICS) or the nearest Seychelles mission.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the official Seychelles ICS portal for any travel advisories or entry conditions related to your nationality; ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months and that you have a return/onward ticket and confirmed accommodation.
  • Extension options inside Seychelles: Extensions of Visitor's Permit are possible by applying with the Department of Immigration before expiry; typical extension periods add up to another 3 months, with applicable fees and processing times; plan extensions early to avoid overstay penalties.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.