Seychelles is open for tourism to most countries. All visitors must submit a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.,
There is no quarantine requirement but, under the new set of restrictions, a nationwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. has been imposed until further notice. Shops, bars, casinos, and other businesses are operating shorter business hours.
Visitors with physical presence in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil within the 14 days preceding arrival are not permitted entry.
Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. Therefore, double-check all information with your embassy or on official websites. Traveling Lifestyle does not take any responsibility for your decision to travel.
Seychelles Reopening – Latest Updates
August 7 – Seychelles to resume Cruise Ships operations in November 14
Seychelles will be welcoming back cruise ships from November 14, 2021 after almost a year and a half ban.
As of now, the country will only welcome back vessels with a maximum of 300 passengers.
The Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Mr. Alan Renaud said that multiple governmental agencies have developed a “Management Plan” for cruise ship operators.
“The documents outline the respective responsibilities of local agencies and the cruise ships in relation to COVID-19 matters, identification of critical resources and personnel, the passenger and terminal arrangements at all ports of call, the contingencies in case of a COVID-19 outbreak, the protection of communities visited by the ship, and, generally, the coordination between cruises and ports in relation to COVID-19,” Renaud said.
Source: eTurbo News
July 23 – Seychelles to maintain restrictions despite of COVID case decline
Seychelles has been fighting the Beta South African variant; the Delta Indian variant and the Alpha UK variant since mid-May. Although 68 percent of its population has been fully vaccinated, the country has struggled to manage the pandemic while keeping the borders open.
Fortunately, the number of cases showed a “downward trend” in the last seven days according to the Public Health Commissioner, Jude Gedeon.
However, authorities have stated that this is not enough to lift domestic COVID restrictions.
“Removing preventative measures too early can be catastrophic and have a very negative effect. It is better that we spend more effort making sure that the outbreak is very controlled before we start thinking of relaxing measures,” said Gedeon at a press conference.
Source: Seychelles News Agency
Commercial airlines that have resumed operations with Seychelles
Seychelles has finally reopened for tourism and these are the airlines that are currently connecting the island country to the world.
- Emirates: visitors can now find flights to and from Seychelles to Dubai 7 times a week.
- Qatar Airways: this airline is flying to Seychelles 3 times per week.
- Air Seychelles has resumed operations to and from Tel Aviv and Dubai 3 times per week. It also restarted operations to Mumbai from April 7 and Mauritius from June 2.
- Aeroflot: the Russian airlines are connecting Seychelles to Russia 2 times per week from April 2.
- Air Austral connects the country with Reunion from April 4.
- Turkey Airlines restarted operations to and from Istanbul from April 23.
- Ethiopian airlines: This airline connects Seychelles to several European as well as some Asian countries from May 2.
- Kenya Airways resumed operations on June 27.
- Edelweiss Air: passengers coming from Zurich are able to travel to the island from July 3.
- Condor: this airline connects Frankfurt to Seychelles from October 1.
What countries can enter Seychelles at the moment?
As of now, visitors from all countries can visit Seychelles but those coming from South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil.
Are Americans allowed entry to the Seychelles?
Yes. American travelers are allowed to visit the country.
What are the entry restrictions?
- A negative PCR COVID-19 test result is taken 72 hours from the travel date.
- Visitors still need to stay/reserve accommodation that has been approved by the Public Health Authority. (Check here)
Is Seychelles safe to visit during COVID-19?
Seychelles is no longer safe to visit during the pandemic. It has a warning level 4 and it’s not recommended for people at increased risk for severe illnesses from Coronavirus. (CDC.gov).
As of today, the country has reported 18,582 cases and 94 deaths.
Travelers’ insurance and accommodation
Before departing for Seychelles, your entire stay must be covered by travel and medical insurance. For your safety, the public health authority will verify that your accommodations are booked at a certified facility.
Safe tourism experience is essential, so Seychelles developed a taskforce and certification system to verify safety protocols called the Safe Tourism Certification for industry service providers.
The easily recognizable green-ticked badge will demonstrate to guests that a business has adopted hygiene and health protocols and standards mandated by the public health department.
Arrival protocols and safeguards
Regardless of if you arrive via a private jet or commercial passenger flight, multiple health evaluations such as symptoms scans or questionnaires, random swabbing, and temperature scans will be administered to all incoming tourists and crew.
Tourists are required to email negative test result certificates, all accommodation, and flight details to the Seychelles Public Health Authority at [email protected] before arrival.
What about cruising to Seychelles?
Cruise ships are currently not allowed to dock in Seychelles.
What activities have reopened in Seychelles?
The 115 islands that make up Seychelles are known for their stunning sandy white beaches that are contrasted by lush rainforests. It’s ideal for romantic vacation getaways or adventurous diving expeditions.
Locals and tourists can enjoy the following activities:
- Beaches – 65 beaches on the island of Mahé alone
- Bars and Restaurants
- Casinos
- Cinemas
- Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Marine leisure crafts – host of great excursions
With its diversified economy, characterized by the public sector, service, and tourism activities, there is something for everyone and every budget in Seychelles.
For those looking for an activity off the beaten-path yet socially distant should check out Copolia Trail in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahe Island. The trail has been upgraded to enhance the hiker’s experience with steps, information boards, benches, and a new facility.
Transportation
The principal island, Mahé, hosts the international airport and most of the islands’ tourism facilities. These include a wide variety of cultural and eco-tourism hotspots, unique restaurants, bars, accommodations, casinos, dive shops, and car, fishing & sailing boat rentals. Creole, English, and French are spoken in Seychelles.
Accommodation during COVID-19
Sixteen of Seychelles’ 115 islands currently offer charming accommodations. Lovely B&Bs or chalets can be rented for under 80 USD a night, or splurge on a 5-star resort, spa hotel, or beachfront villa for around 400 USD per night.
No matter when you visit the enchanting islands of Seychelles, you’ll encounter temperatures averaging in the 80s. Look at your calendar! Book a trip and have a wonderful holiday.