Seychelles ranks 1st in the 2024 Visa Openness Index |19 February 2025

Seychelles has once again secured the top spot in the 2024 African Visa Openness Index, reinforcing its position as one of the continent's most welcoming destinations for African travellers.

The island nation remains one of the only countries in the world to offer visa-free entry to all nationalities, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in seamless travel facilitation.

The index, compiled by the African Development Bank, measures the openness of a country’s visa policy, taking into account both visa-free access and the ease of obtaining visas or travel authorisations. Seychelles’ robust system has been instrumental in ensuring the country's top ranking in visa openness, reflecting its commitment to simplifying travel for visitors while maintaining strong border security.

A commitment to open borders

Seychelles' visa-free policy is a reflection of its commitment to tourism, economic growth, and global connectivity. By introducing the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS), the country has positioned itself as a key player in the international tourism industry. This approach not only encourages visitor arrivals but also maintains the safety of the country and its citizens.

Why Seychelles leads the ranking

•         Tourism-Driven Economy – With tourism as a major pillar of its economy, Seychelles benefits from policies that make it easier for travellers to visit, stay, and explore the country’s rich natural beauty.
•         Streamlined Border Control – Seychelles is a visa-free country and all travellers are required to apply for an electronic Travel Authorisation (TA) before they travel.  This system is fully aligned with UN/ICAO international standards, which aim to strengthen global travel security and streamline immigration procedures. By utilising digital platforms for TA applications, Seychelles also supports the broader push towards modernisation in the tourism and border management sectors. Additionally, SEBS is designed to be user-friendly, enabling travellers to apply easily online.

The Travel Authorization process also helps Seychelles monitor visitor trends, manage security risks, and better allocate resources, contributing to a more sustainable and secure tourism industry.

Seychelles’ ranking as one of the most open countries in Africa highlights its dedication to fostering global travel and economic opportunities. By setting a benchmark for seamless entry, the nation continues to attract visitors from Africa and beyond.

Quotes:

“The more visa-open a country, the easier it is for a traveler to visit that country” – Visa African Openness Report 2024

“Process is Straight Forward” – Kenyan visitor

“The experience was great, user-friendly, and efficient” – South African visitor

Contributed