Seychelles is world-renowned for its exquisite beaches, making it a dream travel destination for tourists and digital nomads alike.
The fact that Seychelles is a visa-free country only adds to the attraction of this country, and in this article, we walk you through everything you need to know about getting a work and travel visa in Seychelles.
Work Travel Visa in Seychelles – The Visa Policy
Seychelles is part of a unilateral universal visa waiver which means it is a visa-free country. In other words, foreign nationals who wish to visit Seychelles may do so with visa-free access.
However, travelers must still get a Visitor’s Permit. In accordance with the Seychelles Visa Policy, travelers issue Visitors Permit for free and is valid for a period of up to 3 months
That being said, this can be extended later on in three-month increments for a total duration of 12 months.
Work & Travel Visa in Seychelles – The Visitors Permit
On arrival in Seychelles, a Visitor’s Permit is issued to people coming for business or pleasure. A Visitors Permit is only issued to travelers who:
- Hold a valid onward or return ticket for the duration of the stay
- Have accommodation confirmed
- Are not prohibited, immigrants
- Have enough money for the duration of the visit
- Are not the holders of a valid permit entitling the holder to live in Seychelles
The Visitors Permit is permitted to be granted for a stay of up to three months after arrival. This can be extended for incremental successive periods of three months, for a total duration of twelve months.
A cost of 1330 $ applies for each extension period of three months.
Requirements to obtain Seychelles Visa Permit
Below are the requirements for obtaining a Seychelles Visa Permit in accordance with the Seychelles Visa Policy. Travelers must have:
- A valid return ticket
- Confirmed accommodation/ an invitation letter if staying with relatives or friends
- Enough money for the duration of the visit
Financial resources are permitted to be carried in travel vouchers, cash, or credit cards.
What VISA do you require to travel to Seychelles?
This destination doesn’t require a visa. Additionally, you can travel to the Seychelles visa-free for a period of up to three months with the Seychelles Visitors Permit, before needing to extend it.
What do you need to know while planning a trip to Seychelles?
Generally, planning a trip to Seychelles requires a lot of thought and forward planning. Take a look at the checklist below to get ready for a trip to Seychelles.
- Check the validity of your current passport. If you need a new one consider using Smartphone iD to quickly and easily take your passport photos from the comfort of home.
- Make sure that you have enough funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your trip.
- You will need a Visitor’s Permit which is issued upon arrival in Seychelles to travelers who meet the requirements mentioned above.
What VISA do you require to work in Seychelles?
If you have been dreaming of working in Seychelles, then here is some important information that can guide you through the process.
A Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) allows holders to be “gainfully occupied” within Seychelles as either self-employed or as an employee.
The prospective foreign national employee must seek out an approval certificate from the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs.
The application for GOP should thereafter be submitted at the immigration office, at least a week prior to the employee beginning work. The same procedure mentioned above should be adhered to for the extension of the validity of the GOP.
Gainful Occupation Permit application checklist?
If you want to make sure that your GOP application is processed quickly, it’s a good idea to make sure that you submit all of the documents in the checklist below:
- Variation application needs to be fully completed and submitted to Immigration Office
- Approval letter sourced from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development
- Certificate of entitlement sourced from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development
- List of establishments not older than one month, in case of the Quota entitlement
- Renew medical fitness certificate every two years)
- Detailed job description needed if you are applying for varying post title
- Where applicable a copy of a valid license
- Processing fee of 266 $ per application
- Permit fees for the entire duration of the permit requested at 133 $ per month
Summary
So long as you have a Visitors Permit or Gainful Occupation Permit and a valid passport, enough money to afford your trip, and confirmed accommodation, you should be eligible to stay in Seychelles visa-free for a workcation.
If you need to get passport photos for renewing or getting a new passport, consider using Smartphone iD – an easy passport photo app that gets you a valid passport photo format quickly and comes with a compliance check by a team of experts.
FAQ
Is Seychelles good to live and work in?
Yes, Seychelles is an amazing place to live and do business. Asides from the lovely weather Seychelles boasts a sturdy economy that is steadily growing.
The country’s major industries in tourism, transport, and financial services offer both entry-level and senior professionals a lot of opportunities for employment.
Taxation compared to a number of African countries is low which is another draw for those looking to have a workcation in Seychelles.
What jobs are in demand in Seychelles?
The Seychelles economy revolves around jobs based on tourism, fishing, transport, processing coconuts, boat building, printing, beverages, and furniture.
Can foreigners work in Seychelles?
All foreigners who wish to work in Seychelles must get a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP). This document, also known as a work permit, allows the holder to work in Seychelles either as self-employed or as an employee.
Is Seychelles a good country to work in?
Yes, Seychelles is a good country to work in due to its low taxation rates and visa-free policy.
How long can you stay in Seychelles without a visa?
In compliance with the Seychelles Visa Policy, travelers must get a Visitors permit which is valid for a period of up to three months. his can be extended later on in three-month increments for a total duration of 12 months.
Is Seychelles a visa-free country?
Yes, Seychelles is a visa-free country. However, you will need to obtain a visitor’s permit on arrival.
