Seychelles

Yacht arrivals require separate immigration checks for people, vessel customs formalities and maritime traveller pre-authorisation. From 1 December 2024, visitors arriving by sea, including private-yacht occupants, must obtain Maritime Travel Authorisation. Vessel temporary admission and personal entry permission are separate approvals.

Official visiting-yacht procedures direct yachts to Port Victoria for immigration, customs and port-authority formalities. Immigration officers board on arrival. Check procedures with the port authority before visiting other islands; they are not freely interchangeable international ports of entry.

All sea-arriving travellers, including private-yacht crew and passengers, must apply for Maritime Travel Authorisation before travel. Prepare yacht and personal particulars as immigration requires and confirm reception arrangements at the entry port. MTA is personal travel authorisation, not yacht temporary import or port clearance.

Yacht occupants should submit passports and personal details as immigration directs and cooperate with immigration officers boarding. All visiting sea travellers have required Maritime Travel Authorisation since 1 December 2024. Personal outward formalities are separate from vessel customs temporary admission. Follow the current immigration forms.

Customs may issue temporary-admission documents for private yachts. Official guidance gives an initial administrative period of one month, with extensions on application; total duration and eligibility depend on overseas registration, the user's residence, private use and other conditions. Any 'up to 12 months' period is not automatic for every yacht. Apply using current forms and confirm approval with customs.

The agriculture authority regulates animals, plants and their products under the Animal and Plant Biosecurity Act 2014 and supporting rules. Plants/products generally require prior import permission, an exporting-country phytosanitary certificate, declaration and inspection at entry. Animal products require a valid veterinary certificate; live animals may need isolation. This official guidance covers travellers, cargo and imports, rather than a dedicated yacht procedure. Declare and confirm onboard food, pets and plants with National Biosecurity Services and customs in advance.

The Customs Management (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2023 list arms, ammunition, parts and accessories as restricted imports requiring prior written approval from the designated authority. They also control explosives, fireworks and imitation firearms. The list does not explain how weapons remaining aboard visiting yachts are handled. It establishes neither automatic permission nor a blanket onboard ban. Confirm declaration, custody and departure arrangements with customs and police before sailing.

On arrival, complete personal checks as immigration directs, submit the vessel declaration and required particulars to customs, and follow port instructions after obtaining vessel clearance. Port Victoria/Mahé is the entry location identified in official yacht guidance. Confirm offices, hours, berthing and inspection order for the actual arrival date.

Official material confirms separate yacht customs temporary admission and maritime traveller authorisation, but no comprehensive total covering immigration, customs, port and service charges was verified. Before departure, ask immigration, customs and the port authority about current administrative and extension fees, berthing and outward procedures. Do not describe agent fees as government charges.