The Seychelles archipelago, a dazzling collection of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean represents the pinnacle of tropical paradise. For citizens of Bangladesh dreaming of its granite boulders, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife, the journey is surprisingly straightforward.However, navigating the entry requirements often leads to confusion. While Seychelles is generally considered a “visa-free” country, a crucial step must be completed before you board your flight: obtaining the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

This in-depth guide is tailored specifically to Apply Seychelles eVisa from Bangladesh, breaking down every step, from the initial online application to the documents required upon landing to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry into your island escape.

Do Bangladeshi Citizens Need a Visa for Seychelles? Clarifying the Entry Rules

No, Bangladeshi citizens do not need to apply for a traditional visa stamp at an embassy or consulate before traveling to Seychelles. Seychelles operates a visa-exempt policy for all countries (except Kosovo). Instead of a pre-approved visa, all visitors must obtain a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. 

This eTA is a pre-screening step. Once you arrive in Seychelles, provided you meet all criteria, an Immigration Officer will issue a complimentary Visitor’s Permit (V.P.) this is essentially your permission to stay. Therefore, you are not applying for a “visa” in the traditional sense, but a mandatory Travel Authorisation” to gain the right to receive the permit upon arrival.

Can a Bangladeshi Citizen Get a Visitor’s Permit On Arrival in Seychelles?

Yes, the Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival. The eTA you obtain online grants you the authority to travel and land in Seychelles. Upon arrival at immigration, an officer will review your approved eTA and your supporting documents (proof of funds, flight, accommodation) and, if satisfied, will issue a Visitor’s Permit.

This permit is typically granted for an initial period of up to 90 days (Single Entry) and is free of charge. It can potentially be extended for a fee, up to a maximum total duration of twelve months, provided strict conditions are met.

How to Apply for Seychelles eTA from Bangladesh?

Here are the steps involved in the online application:

• Fill Details: Complete the form by entering your personal and travel details, which include your passport information, contact details, and your proposed entry and exit dates.

• Upload Documents: Digitally upload all the mandatory supporting documents, such as your passport scan, photo, flight booking, accommodation proof, and bank statement.
• Pay the Fee: Submit the required non-refundable processing fee.
• Submit and Await Approval: Once the submission is finalized and the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation. The approved eTA document will then be sent to your registered email address.

Is There Any Processing Time for the Seychelles eTA?

Yes, there is a processing time you must factor into your planning, which varies based on the service selected:

• Normal Processing: Takes 6 – 9 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: Takes 4 – 7 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: Takes 3 – 5 Working Days.

Recommendation: It is highly recommended to submit your application well in advance, based on the processing time you choose, and ideally at least 72 hours before your flight departure.

What Documents are Needed for the Seychelles eTA Application?

You will need to scan and upload clear digital copies (JPEGs or PDFs) of the following during the Seychelles eVisa Documents Requirements:

1. Passport Scan: The biographical data page (photo page) of your Bangladeshi passport. It should ideally be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Seychelles.
2. Photo Upload: A recent, clear, passport-style digital photo. A well-taken ‘passport photo selfie’ (a portrait photo taken with a mobile phone against a plain background) is also generally accepted.
3. Flight Booking: A copy of your confirmed return ticket or ticket for onward travel from Seychelles.
4. Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel booking for the entire duration of your stay, or a formal letter of invitation if you are staying with friends or relatives.
5. Bank Statement: Evidence of sufficient funds (US$150 per person/day) must be uploaded at the time of application.

Key Documents for the Visitor’s Permit (Required Upon Arrival at Immigration)

While the eTA gets you on the plane, the following documents must be presented to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at Mahé International Airport (SEZ) to receive your Visitor’s Permit:

1. Printed eTA: The approved Travel Authorisation document.
2. Valid Passport: Your Bangladeshi passport.
3. Return/Onward Ticket: The physical or digital copy of your confirmed departure ticket.
4. Confirmed Accommodation: Proof of your booking/invitation.
5. Yellow Fever Certificate (Conditional): While Bangladesh is not an endemic country, if you have recently travelled through, or transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of, a country with Yellow Fever risk (e.g., certain parts of Africa or South America), you must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Check your itinerary carefully.

What are the Requirements for Proving Sufficient Funds?

A crucial element for any Bangladeshi traveler is demonstrating that you can afford your stay. The Seychelles Immigration Department stipulates a minimum requirement:

• You must show evidence of possessing a minimum of US$150 (or equivalent in another currency) per person, per day, for the duration of your stay. 

Note: The Bank Statement proving these funds must be uploaded during the initial eTA application.

Acceptable Forms of Proof (for verification by the Officer):

• Recent Bank Statements (covering the last 3-6 months).
• Credit Card Statements (showing a decent available limit).
• Traveler’s Cheques.
• Cash (though carrying large sums is not recommended).
• If sponsored, a notarised sponsorship letter from your host, along with their bank statements and proof of their residence status in Seychelles.

The bank statements should reflect a consistent, stable balance, sudden, large deposits made just before the application may raise suspicion.

Show Me Examples of Valid Passport-Type Photographs for Seychelles Applications

While I cannot visually show an image, the requirements for the digital photograph are standard and straightforward:

• Format: A recent (ideally within 6 months) color photo.
• Background: Plain white or off-white background.
• Head Position: Full face, front view, with a neutral expression.
• Clarity: Clear, sharp, and high-resolution, with no shadows or glare.
• Selfie Option: The GOVTAS system is flexible and often accepts a clear portrait photo (a ‘passport photo selfie’) taken with a good mobile camera, as long as it adheres to the basic professional standards above.

What are the Types of Visa/Permit in Seychelles for Bangladeshi Citizens?

For short-term travel, Bangladeshi citizens primarily interact with two categories, depending on their travel purpose:

Available Purposes of Visit for eTA Application

When applying for your eTA, you must select the category that best describes your trip. The categories available are:

• Business
• Crew (planes or ships)
• Diplomat on Official Visit
• Friends & Family
• Getting Married
• Holiday
• Honeymoon
• Personal Helper
• Seaman (Fishing Vessel)
• Transit
• Work (Long Term) – GOP
• Work (Short Term) – GOP

Note: The initial eTA application is sufficient for the vast majority of tourists and short-term business visitors.

1. Visitor’s Permit (V.P.): This is the most common permit, issued upon arrival for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short recreational activities. It is valid for an initial period of up to three months.
2. G.O.P. (Gainful Occupation Permit) / Residence Permit: These are for those intending to work or live long-term in Seychelles and require a much more rigorous, separate application process completed before travel.

How Do I Go to Seychelles from Bangladesh? (Flight and Route Considerations)

There are no direct flights from Dhaka (DAC) to Mahé International Airport (SEZ). Bangladeshi travelers typically connect through major Middle Eastern hubs.

Common routes and airlines include:

• Via Dubai: FlyDubai (DXB) or Emirates (EK). This is one of the most efficient routes.
• Via Doha: Qatar Airways (DOH). Often provides good connections.
• Via Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways (AUH).
• Via Other Asian/African Hubs: Routes via Colombo (CMB) or Nairobi (NBO) may also be available depending on the airline.

Ensure your passport is valid for any transit visas required by the connecting country, although most hubs offer seamless airside transit for ongoing flights.

What are Common Reasons for a Seychelles eTA or Permit Rejection? (Avoiding Pitfalls)

While the Seychelles eTA process is generally smooth, rejections can happen. Be meticulous in preparing your application to avoid these common mistakes:

Essential Pre-Travel Checklist for Bangladeshi Tourists

To ensure a seamless journey from Dhaka to the beaches of Praslin and La Digue, follow this final checklist:

• Approved eTA: Print a copy and save a digital copy on your phone.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.
• Financial Proof (Bank Statement): Have the bank statement ready as it was uploaded during the eTA process.
• Accommodation Vouchers: Printouts of hotel reservations covering your full itinerary.
• Tickets: Confirmed return or onward flight tickets.
• Yellow Fever Certificate (if required): Mandatory if transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission for over 12 hours.
• Travel Insurance: Though not always strictly mandatory, travel insurance covering medical emergencies is highly recommended.

Extending Your Stay in Paradise: Visitor’s Permit Extension

If you fall in love with Seychelles and wish to stay longer than the initial period granted on arrival, you must apply for an extension:

• When to Apply: Apply before your current permit expires.
• Where to Apply: At the Immigration and Civil Status Department in Victoria, Mahé.
• Requirements: You must continue to meet the basic entry requirements, including confirmed accommodation for the extended period, sufficient funds for the entire duration, and a valid onward/return ticket. Fees apply for extensions beyond the initial free period.