United States Visa RequirementsFor Seychelles passport holders
Seychelles passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States. There is no US Embassy in Seychelles. Applicants are served by the US Embassy in Mauritius. The non-refundable $185 MRV fee and an in-person interview are required.
Seychelles passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
There is no US Embassy in the Seychelles. Apply at the US Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius (Rogers House, John Kennedy Street), which covers Seychelles visa applications. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview in Mauritius. Factor in the cost of travel to Mauritius for your interview.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy in Mauritius
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Seychelles to United States: What You Need to Know
The Seychelles is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean with close ties to France, the UK, and India. Despite being a relatively prosperous country with a high standard of living in Africa/Indian Ocean terms, Seychelles is not in the US Visa Waiver Program. The Seychellois community in the US is very small. Applicants must travel to Mauritius to attend their US visa interview, which adds cost and planning requirements to the application process.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Mahe (SEZ) to the United States. Common routing goes through Dubai (DXB) via Emirates, Addis Ababa (ADD) via Ethiopian Airlines, or Paris (CDG) via Air Seychelles or Air France, before connecting to New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), or Miami (MIA). Total travel time to the US is typically 18 to 24 hours.
Money & Banking
The US uses the dollar. In the US, tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted. The US is significantly more expensive than the Seychelles in terms of daily costs in major cities. Budget at least $150 to $250 per day in cities like New York or Washington DC.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Plan ahead for the cost of traveling to Mauritius for the interview. Bring strong documentation of ties to the Seychelles: employment, property, bank accounts, and family. Since the Seychellois community in the US is small, consular officers will want to understand clearly your purpose of travel and your intent to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Seychellois citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Seychelles passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. Seychelles is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program.
Where do Seychellois citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in the Seychelles. Applications are handled by the US Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius (Rogers House, John Kennedy Street). You will need to travel to Mauritius for your interview. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov and pay the $185 MRV fee.
How do I travel from Seychelles to Mauritius for the US visa interview?
Air Seychelles and Air Mauritius operate regular flights between Mahe (SEZ) and Mauritius (MRU). Flight time is approximately 2 hours. You will need to plan for the travel cost and potentially an overnight stay in Mauritius around your interview appointment.
What airlines fly from Seychelles to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Mahe (SEZ) to the US. Common routes go via Dubai (DXB) with Emirates, Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines, or Paris (CDG) with Air France or Air Seychelles, before connecting to New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), or Miami (MIA). Total travel time is 18 to 24 hours.
How much does the US visa cost for Seychellois applicants?
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 USD, plus the cost of travel to Mauritius for the interview. The application fee is not refunded if the visa is denied.
How do I demonstrate ties to Seychelles for the US visa interview?
Provide employment documentation, property ownership, bank statements, and family ties to the Seychelles. Given the small size of the Seychellois community in the US, the consular officer will want to understand your specific travel purpose and your genuine intention to return to the Seychelles after your visit.
How long can Seychellois citizens stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
CBP officers determine your stay at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months. If your visa is approved, it is generally valid for 10 years with multiple entries.