Seychellois travellers hold one of the more straightforward arrangements for entering the UAE. Thanks to a bilateral agreement between Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates, holders of a Seychelles passport receive a 90-day multiple-entry stamp on touchdown at Dubai International Airport — no prior application required. That said, knowing exactly what to carry, what the entry conditions involve, and what happens if you stay longer than planned will save you from surprises at immigration.

This guide covers the full picture: how the on-arrival stamp works, what documents immigration may ask for, rules you need to know once you land, and how to extend your stay if your plans change. If you are travelling from Victoria or any other part of the archipelago, the information below applies uniformly regardless of which island you depart from. 

Do Seychelles Citizens Need a Dubai Visa?

No — Seychelles passport holders do not need to apply for a Dubai visa in advance. The UAE grants Seychellois nationals a visa on arrival, valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month window. This is a multiple-entry arrangement, meaning you can exit and re-enter the UAE multiple times across that period, as long as your total time in the country does not exceed 90 days.

Seychelles is among a small group of African nations whose citizens qualify for this arrangement. Most other African passports require a pre-arranged permit before travelling to Dubai. 

Dubai Entry Conditions for Seychelles Passport Holders

Receiving the on-arrival stamp is not automatic simply because you hold a Seychelles passport. UAE immigration officers verify that you meet entry conditions before stamping. Make sure the following are in order before you board.

Passport Validity

Your Seychelles passport must have at least six months of remaining validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Passports with fewer than six months left will be refused at the immigration counter, and the airline may decline to board you even earlier. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before booking flights.

Documents You Should Carry

Immigration officers may ask to see any of the following. Carry printed or clearly accessible digital copies:

• Seychelles passport — valid for at least 6 months from entry date, machine-readable
• Return or onward flight ticket — showing you plan to leave the UAE
• Hotel booking confirmation or UAE address — name and address of where you will be staying
• Proof of funds — a bank statement or credit card showing you can support your stay
• Travel insurance — recommended, especially if your stay extends beyond two weeks

Airport Entry Point

The on-arrival stamp is available at all major UAE air entry points — Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ). If you plan to enter the UAE by land or sea border, verify current entry conditions before travel, as land border rules can differ.

How the 90-Day On-Arrival Stamp Works

The 90-day stamp issued to Seychellois travellers works on a cumulative basis within a 6-month window. Here is what that means in practice:

Example: If your stamp is issued on 1 July, it is valid until 31 December (6 months). Within that window, you may enter and exit the UAE as often as you like, but your combined time inside the country cannot exceed 90 days. Day 91 onward is an overstay.

Getting to Dubai from Seychelles

Flight Options

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the main gateway for international travel. Emirates operates direct flights between Mahé (SEZ) and Dubai International Airport (DXB), with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 25 to 35 minutes. The airline runs around 13–14 weekly departures on this route, offering good scheduling flexibility.

If you prefer a connecting option, Qatar Airways routes through Doha (DOH), adding roughly 3 additional hours to the total journey time. Kenya Airways connections via Nairobi extend the trip further, making the Emirates direct option the most practical for most Seychellois travellers.

Time Difference

Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. Seychelles is also UTC+4. There is no time difference between Victoria and Dubai, which means no jet lag adjustment is needed — a small but welcome advantage for short-stay travellers.

What Seychellois Travellers Can Do in the UAE

The on-arrival stamp covers all standard tourist, leisure, and business meeting activities. It does not permit paid employment or taking up work contracts inside the UAE.

Permitted Activities

• Tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel across all seven emirates
• Shopping, dining, and entertainment
• Attending business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and trade events
• Visiting family or friends who are UAE residents
• Medical consultations and treatment (short stays)

Not Permitted

• Taking up employment or paid work of any kind
• Enrolling in academic programmes as a full-time student
• Establishing residency — the stamp is a visit permit, not a residency status

Overstaying: Fines and Consequences

The UAE has a strict and automated overstay penalty system. There is no grace period for holders of the 90-day on-arrival stamp. The day after your permitted stay ends, fines begin accruing.

The AED 50 per day rate was standardised across all UAE emirates effective February 2026, replacing the older patchwork of different rates by visa type and emirate. It applies uniformly whether you are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE.

In practical terms: a 10-day overstay costs AED 500 (approximately USD 136). A 30-day overstay costs AED 1,500 plus exit permit costs. Beyond 30 days, you will need to obtain an outpass from immigration before you can leave — which requires settling all outstanding fines in full first.

Keep track of your entry date. UAE immigration systems record the exact date your stamp was issued and flag overstays automatically at every exit point.

Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days

If you want to stay in the UAE longer than your on-arrival stamp permits, the standard path is to exit the country before your 90 days are up and re-enter on a new permit, or to apply for a different type of visit or tourist permit that covers a longer stay.

Pre-Arranged Tourist or Visit Permit

Seychellois travellers who need more time in the UAE — for family visits, extended business engagements, or medical reasons — can apply for a pre-arranged visitor permit through an authorised UAE visa facilitator before or during their stay. These permits are issued for 30, 60, or 90-day stays and can often be extended once or twice online without exiting the country.

Airport Visa Renewal

Another option used by some long-stay visitors is to make a short outbound flight to a neighbouring destination and return to Dubai, resetting the on-arrival entitlement. However, note that the 90-day total within a 6-month window still applies — exiting and re-entering does not automatically reset the counter. UAE immigration tracks your cumulative time in the country across the full 6-month validity period.

Laws and Rules Seychellois Travellers Should Know

Dubai is an international city that welcomes visitors from around the world, but it operates under UAE federal law combined with Islamic cultural norms. Some rules differ significantly from those in Seychelles. Being aware of them before you land makes the trip smoother.

Public Conduct

• Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding are illegal and can result in fines or arrest
• Swearing or making rude gestures in public — including online — can lead to fines and deportation
• Arguing with or being verbally disrespectful to police officers is treated seriously
• Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours is prohibited for all visitors, not just Muslims

Alcohol

• Alcohol is available at licensed venues — hotels, restaurants, and bars with permits
• Drinking in public spaces, parks, beaches, or unlicensed areas is illegal
• Public intoxication is a criminal offence regardless of where you consumed alcohol
• There is zero tolerance for drink-driving — even a trace of alcohol can result in jail time

Dress Code

• In public areas — malls, streets, markets — clothing should cover shoulders and knees
• Swimwear is appropriate at beaches and hotel pools but not on public transport or in shopping centres
• Mosques require women to cover hair, arms, and legs; men to avoid shorts and sleeveless tops
• See-through fabrics, offensive slogans, or overly revealing clothing in public can attract warnings or fines

Photography

• Photographing people — particularly women and Emirati nationals — without consent is illegal and can lead to arrest
• Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, airports, or royal palaces
• Stick to tourist landmarks and public spaces where photography is clearly permitted

Medications

• Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications common in Seychelles may be controlled substances in the UAE
• Always travel with the original prescription and enough supply for your trip plus a buffer
• Carry medications in their original packaging with labels intact
• If in doubt, check the UAE Ministry of Health controlled medicines list before travel — bringing undeclared controlled substances risks serious legal consequences

Social Media and Online Conduct

• Posting negative content about the UAE government, religion, or individuals online is a criminal offence under UAE cybercrime law
• This includes content posted while you are physically in the UAE, even if the target is overseas
• Think carefully before sharing anything critical or potentially offensive while in the country

Useful Tips for First-Time Seychellois Visitors to Dubai

Before You Travel

1. Check your passport expiry date — it must be valid for at least 6 months from your Dubai entry date.
2. Book accommodation in advance and carry the confirmation. Immigration may ask for it.
3. Let your bank know you are travelling internationally so your cards work without being flagged as suspicious.
4. Download the RTA Dubai app for public transport navigation and purchase a Nol card on arrival for Metro access.
5. Pack modest clothing for public spaces even if the weather makes lighter clothing tempting.

On Arrival at Dubai Airport

6. Proceed to the immigration hall for non-UAE residents.
7. Present your Seychelles passport at the counter. The officer will verify your documents and issue the 90-day stamp.
8. Have your return flight details and hotel booking accessible — digital copies on your phone are fine.
9. Collect your baggage and proceed to the exit. No additional forms or payment are required at the counter.

During Your Stay

10. Note your entry date and keep track of how many days you have spent in the UAE.
11. Carry your passport or a clear copy when moving around the city.
12. Use licensed taxis, the Metro, or ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) to get around.
13. If your plans change and you need more time, contact a licensed visa service before your permit expires.
     

How to Apply for a Pre-Arranged Visit Permit via InstaDubaiVisa.com

If you prefer the certainty of a pre-arranged permit — or if you need a longer stay than the on-arrival stamp allows — InstaDubaiVisa.com processes Dubai and UAE visitor permits for Seychellois nationals. The process is entirely online and typically takes 24 to 72 working hours.

Step-by-Step Process

14. Go to instadubaivisa.com and select your citizenship as Seychelles.
15. Choose the permit type that matches your intended stay (30, 60, or 90 days).
16. Complete the online application form with your passport details.
17. Upload the required documents: clear scan of passport bio page, a recent passport-size colour photograph, and — if applicable — hotel booking confirmation.
18. Make payment securely via card. Processing begins immediately upon confirmed payment.
19. Receive the approved permit via email. Print a copy or save it digitally for presentation at the immigration counter on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Seychelles citizens need a Dubai visa before travelling?

No. Seychelles passport holders receive a multiple-entry stamp on arrival at Dubai International Airport. No advance application or approval is needed before you board your flight.

How long can a Seychellois traveller stay in Dubai?

Up to 90 days in total within a 6-month window from the date the on-arrival stamp was first issued. The stamp is multiple-entry, so you can exit and re-enter the UAE, but your cumulative time inside the country cannot exceed 90 days across that period.

Is there a cost for the Dubai on-arrival stamp for Seychelles citizens?

The on-arrival stamp for eligible Seychellois passport holders is issued at no charge at the airport immigration counter.

What happens if I overstay my Dubai on-arrival stamp?

Fines of AED 50 per calendar day begin from the first day of overstay — there is no grace period for 90-day stamp holders. If you overstay by more than 30 days, you will need an exit permit (outpass) before you can leave, which requires clearing all outstanding fines first. The exit permit itself costs an additional AED 250–300.

Can Seychellois travellers extend their Dubai stay online?

The on-arrival stamp itself is not extendable online. However, you can apply for a pre-arranged tourist or visit permit through a licensed facilitator like InstaDubaiVisa.com before your current entitlement expires. Certain pre-arranged permits can be extended up to twice online without exiting the UAE.

What documents should I carry when entering Dubai from Seychelles?

Your Seychelles passport (valid for at least 6 months from entry), a return or onward flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation or UAE contact address, and proof of financial means such as a bank card or statement. Travel insurance is recommended.

Does the Dubai on-arrival stamp cover the whole UAE?

Yes. The stamp is valid across all seven UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. You are free to travel between them during your stay.

How long is the flight from Seychelles to Dubai?

Direct flights from Mahé (SEZ) to Dubai (DXB) operated by Emirates take approximately 4 hours and 25–35 minutes, depending on the day and conditions. Connecting routes via Doha add around 3 hours; via Nairobi the journey is closer to 11.5 hours.

Can I enter Dubai with a Seychellois passport if I live in another country?

Yes. Dubai entry eligibility for the on-arrival stamp is based on your passport nationality — not your country of residence. A Seychelles passport holder residing in the UK, Australia, or anywhere else still qualifies for the on-arrival arrangement.

Is alcohol allowed in Dubai for Seychellois visitors?

Alcohol is available at licensed venues such as hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs. Drinking in public areas, parks, beaches, or unlicensed spaces is illegal. Public intoxication is a criminal offence regardless of where you consumed the alcohol.

Can I apply for a Dubai tourist permit if I want more certainty before travelling?

Yes. Even though Seychellois nationals can enter on arrival, some travellers prefer the certainty of a pre-arranged permit — particularly for longer stays or group travel. InstaDubaiVisa.com processes visit permits for Seychellois applicants with typical approval in under 48 hours. No prior flight or hotel booking is required.

Are there any medications I should declare or leave at home?

The UAE maintains a controlled medicines list that includes substances that may be prescription items in Seychelles or other countries. Always travel with the original prescription, keep medications in original packaging, and check the UAE Ministry of Health list for any controlled substances before packing. Bringing undeclared controlled medications into the UAE can result in arrest.