The Seychelles islands are one of the safest destinations for tourism this coming winter. Although not COVID-free yet, successful biosafety policies and commitment from the community have created safe haven for locals and visitors.
National authorities have found a balance between keeping COVID-19 figures low and protecting the economy.
Their strategy? A very reasonable one; gradually reopening their borders to only countries that have responded to the pandemic as effectively as they have.
Nowadays, travelers from 47 countries can confidently add Seychelles to their travel bucket list.
Authorities’ advice about traveling to Seychelles
The Seychelles islands offer a unique opportunity for travelers eager to break from confinement. It is a relatively safe place with not too many restrictions for international travelers.
The U.S. CDC has granted Seychelles a level 2 travel advisory. Most countries with lower or the same level of threat have strict policies for inbound visitors. However, the islands have managed to maintain a constant flow of international travelers while keeping their territory safe from COVID-19.
Ironically, it is U.S. nationals who are banned from entry to the islands, at least for the time being.
The key to the success of the Seychelles is their policies for contact-tracing, and prevention.
Visitors planning to come to the islands should check the Seychelles travel website to learn about said policies and check updates.
Seychelles is an African home to a fusion of cultures, huge resorts surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. All this wrapped in the warmth of the Indian Ocean.
European and American hospitals are filling up amid a resurgent wave of coronavirus infections, and governments fear the need for enforcing lockdowns and other restrictions once again over their territories.
Meanwhile, Seychelles shines for its very low number of cases, no community transmission and 0 deaths.
Considering all the good news, it comes as no surprise the Seychelles Islands had been awarded the World’s Most Romantic Destination for 2020 in the Grand Final of the World Travel Award just a week ago.
The archipelago has attracted couples, together with the whole industry behind weddings, from all over the globe.
In these uncertain times of the pandemic and with ever-changing traveling restrictions, these islands may be the perfect place for couples and other travelers trying to escape COVID-19 and winter in 2020.
According to the Department of Health, the archipelago has 13 health centres and 6 hospitals located on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Those offer a wide range of services such as medical consultation, family planning, health screening, physiotherapy and of course, anything related to COVID-19.
Thanks to the effective response to the pandemic, it is safe to say that their health care system is ready and has enough capacity to respond in case travelers get sick.
Where to go and what to do in the Seychelles
Much of the life on the islands falls into what we would call a “new normal.”
Businesses and public places are mostly open. Authorities have put in place a set of rules for lodging businesses to ensure their guests are safe from COVID.
Many of the islands’ hotels, B&B, and other accommodations have already been certified and are offering their services.
Other service businesses are also open including gyms, spas, and wellness centers.
Beaches are open and so are restaurants, bars, casinos and marine leisure crafts. Some of these may not be open all night long, so visitors should double-check with local officials before showing up.