Seychelles

Travel Advisory

What you need to know

While the world continues to experience the COVID-19 pandemic, Seychelles remains open to visitors and has put in place protocols to ensure safe travel and stay for its visitors. As visitors enjoy their stay, it is essential that they remain conscious of these safety measures to keep Seychelles safe. 

Seychelles International Airport is opened for scheduled commercial flights and only passengers from Permitted Countries will be allowed. Permitted countries have been divided into 2 categories. 

Permitted countries considered low and medium risk have been listed as Category. 1 

In an effort to provide more confidence to tourism partners in key source market countries, the authorities in Seychelles have decided to provide Special Status to a group of 7 countries. These are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. Under normal circumstances whenever the number of cases go beyond a particular threshold, visitors from these countries would not have been allowed to travel to the islands. As of 1st October 2020, whenever this happens to any of these 7 countries, they move from permitted countries Category 1 to permitted countries Category 2. This will allow visitors from these countries to travel to the islands but with a separate set of measures which have been outlined in this advisory. However this is subject to be revised depending on new developments in these 7 countries. 

Consideration for entry in Seychelles may also be given to visitors who are not on the permitted list of countries but they must be arriving by private jets. However, they will be limited to staying at certified island resorts or on board super yachts only. All pre-travel applications for authorisation of entry in the country by visitors from countries not on the permitted list and are arriving by private jets, must be submitted to the Public Health Authority on the following email address: pha@health.gov.sc for approval.

Visitors are requested to adhere to all stated procedures in this advisory and ensure that all requirements are met prior to arrival, failing which, may result in restriction of entry. 

A separate advisory for returning Seychellois residents and GOP holders is available on the website of the Department of Health at http://www.health.gov.sc 

The content of this advisory may be revised periodically based on the guidance of the Public Health Authority and all measures are subject to change without prior notice. 

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Last updated:
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Seychelles

Travel Advisory

As of August 1st, 2020 the Seychelles International Airport will be welcoming commercial flights on conditions set by the Public Health Authority.

For more information, please visit the websites below
www.scaa.sc
www.seychellesairports.sc

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY FOR CATEGORY 1 LIST  OF PERMITTED COUNTRIES 

Visitors must submit their negative PCR test results, flight and accommodation details before departure. Health travel authorization is required. Visitors must submit their application for approval through the designated platform at this link: - https://seychelles.govtas.com/. This can only be done after they have received their PCR test results. 

Visitors must comply with all airline protocols throughout their journey. 

Visitors transiting through countries not on the permitted list of countries in category 1 will be allowed entry into Seychelles only if they do not exit the airport during transit. 

Visitors from countries who are not on the permitted list of countries who have stayed for at least 14 days or more in a country from the category 1 list of permitted countries and have a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure will also be authorised entry in Seychelles. However, they must provide proof of their stay in the Category 1 permitted country. 

Visitors must ensure that accommodation bookings are made only at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. Refer to the list of certified accommodation category 1. The list of certified liveaboards is available on our website www.tourism.gov.sc  .

Disembarkation Procedures

Airport Arrival

The authorities at Seychelles International Airport have established measures for safe movement at the airport as follows:-  

Disembarkation should be done in an orderly manner based on inflight seating arrangements. 

Face masks should be kept on until exit from the terminal. 

A distance of at least one metre should be maintained between all persons at all times. 

Hand sanitisers are available throughout the terminal. 

When collecting luggage, visitors must ensure that a distance of at least one metre from other persons is maintained. The area around the conveyor belt has been demarcated to guide visitors. 

Visitors may make use of trolleys that have been disinfected and located at clearly demarcated areas. 

All visitors will undergo temperature checks and health screening. 

Any visitor who disembarks with fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose or shortness of breath will be isolated from other travellers and be subjected to further assessment. 

Additionally, visitors may be required to undertake a COVID-19 test upon disembarkation. 

Transfers

Airport Transfers

Transfer of visitors from the airport to the place of accommodation will be done by authorized transport and visitors must at all times follow instructions provided by the operators. 

Visitors will not be authorised to use public buses 

Physical distancing must be maintained at all times. 

Visitors with connecting domestic flights to other islands should remain on the airport premises until the departure of their flight. In the case where the connecting flight is on the following day, accommodation must be booked for the overnight stay in an authorized establishment. 

Stay at Accommodation Establishments or Liveaboards

Visitors may only stay in establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. Upon arrival in Seychelles, visitors must stay in their first tourism accommodation/live aboard for 10 days before leaving the accommodation compound/live aboard. 

All tourism establishments have set up measures to increase vigilance, enhance hygiene and social and physical distancing. Visitors are required to adhere to all guidelines and should avoid interaction with other visitors not in their travel group. 

Symptomatic Cases

Visitors who develop symptoms of a possible respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) will be referred to the health services for prompt attention. In the event that a visitor is found to be infected with COVID-19, the Public Health Authority requires that the person is isolated from the population and other visitors until recovery from the infection. Seychelles has extensive and modern health care services and visitors can expect quality care in the event of illness. 

Emergency Procedures

For any further enquiries please email info@tourism.gov.sc

Travel Advisory Updates

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Booking vouchers reflecting the entire duration of stay in Seychelles must be presented at the Immigration counter for verification. Visitors without such a booking will be directed to another establishment that is certified. 

Visitors are not permitted to stay at private residences. 

 To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all persons at tourism establishments are monitored daily for signs of illness by the Health and Safety Officer or designated person. 

PCR Testing in Seychelles for Departing Visitors

PCR testing is not required to depart Seychelles. However, your airline or final destination may require it. PCR test facilities are available on the 3 main islands namely Mahe, Praslin and La Digue to visitors prior to departure. Visitors requiring the test should contact the Public Health Authority well in advance on the email address covid19test@health.gov.sc or telephone +248 4388410 to make the necessary arrangements. The PCR test currently costs SCR2, 500.00. Children below the age of 12 years and persons of 65 years and above are exempted from the fee. All PCR tests administered in Seychelles are accredited by the Ministry of Health. 

List Of Countries From Which Visitors Are Permitted as of 1^st January 2021 

Health Travel Authorization FAQs

To view FAQs relating to travel authorization, please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/

The Health Travel Authorisation (HTA), an app available on both Android and iOS devices, will created to facilitate the submission of documents required to enter the country.

Travellers to Seychelles will be required to possess an approved Health Travel Authorisation, which will function in tandem with the submission of the PCR test results for visitors before travel.

The application is going live on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, will be fully effective as of Friday, September 18, 2020.

*Most recent changes: 

Entry by sea 

Visitors may apply for entry by sea, the application form is available on the Department of Health website and should be submitted to pha@health.gov.sc

Approval is conditional on risks at ports visited in the past 30 days prior to application, and the vessel spending at least 21 days at sea from the last port of call before entry into Seychelles 

Disembarkation of any crew or passenger will be authorized after review of daily temperature and health checks recorded over the last 14 days prior to arrival. The records should be submitted to Port Health office (newport@health.gov.sc) or (garry.course@health.gov.sc) 

Upon check in, all travellers coming to Seychelles must show their approved test results to their respective airline companies for verification. 

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Pre - Travel Procedures 

Visitors, including infants and children, must have a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate from an accredited laboratory. The test must be taken maximum of 72 hours before departure.

Visitors must ensure that they have valid travel insurance with full medical coverage, including Covid19 related medical care, for the duration of their stay in Seychelles. 

Some visitors may be selected, on the basis of the health checks and review of documents, for additional testing on entry. 

Visitors must use authorised and certified transportation. All visitors must observe rules for physical distancing, avoiding close physical contact such as handshakes, and wear a facemask throughout the journey to the establishments. 

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY FOR CATEGORY 2 LIST PERMITTED COUNTRIES 

Visitors, including infants and children, must have a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate from an accredited laboratory within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. 

Visitors from Category 2 countries arriving either by commercial flights or charter flights are required to spend the first ten (10) nights in a category 2 certified establishment and may not leave the premises and must strictly adhere to all the conditions in place at the establishment. A PCR surveillance test will be conducted on the sixth day. 

If the test result is negative, they will still be required to stay for the 10 days, after which they will be free to continue with their planned holiday and follow terms and conditions outlined as per the Category 1 permitted countries provided that they avoid close prolonged interactions with local community or any gatherings/meetings and avoid crowded places including markets for the first 14 days. 

. If the test result is positive, the visitors will be isolated in their rooms in a Category 2 certified accommodation establishment until they are cleared by the Public Health Authority. 

Additional health safety measures that will permit visitors from the category 2 permitted countries to travel and stay in Seychelles are described in the sections below. In summary these measures are: 

Pre - Travel Procedures 

Visitors must adhere to strict public health measures (hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, wearing of facemasks during travel and transit). 

Visitors must have correct documents (Public Health Authority permits, printed PCR test results) for verification at ports of entry and transit. 

During Travel

A negative PCR test certificate from an accredited or Government certified laboratory within 48 hours prior to departure to Seychelles must be submitted. 

All visitors from the Category 2 Permitted Countries must ensure that their accommodation is authorised to receive visitors. Refer to List of Authorised Accommodation Category-2. 

Visitors must have a valid travel insurance with full medical coverage, including COVID-19 related medical care, for the duration of their entire stay in Seychelles. 

Health Travel Authorization is also required. Visitors must submit their application for approval through the designated platform at this link https://seychelles.govtas.com/. This can only be done after they have received their PCR test results. 

Ports of Transit and Entry 

Disembarkation Procedures

Airport Arrival

Visitors will go through the health desk manned by public health officials, for temperature screening, checks on symptoms, and review of test certificates and travel documents, if necessary. 

Some visitors may be selected, on the basis of the health checks and review of documents, for additional testing on entry. 

Visitors will also be registered and provided with details of follow up by health department officials. 

Visitors will be informed by the health officer of the health safety measures they have to follow and will be briefed on all terms and conditions to stay at their accommodation. 

Physical distancing must be maintained at all times. 

Visitors with connecting domestic flights to other islands should remain on the airport premises until departure of their flight. In the case where the connecting flight is on the following day, accommodation must be booked for the overnight stay in an authorized establishment 

Visitors must use authorised and certified transportation. All visitors must observe rules for physical distancing, avoiding close physical contact such as handshakes, and wear a facemask throughout the journey to the establishments. 

Accommodation Procedures

Registration at the establishment will include signing an agreement to the terms and conditions of stay. 

All visitors must remain on the premises of their authorised accommodation at all times. Movement will be allowed at only designated areas within the Category 2 accommodation establishments. The management of the accommodation establishments will guide the visitors accordingly. 

Visitors must adhere to all Public health guidance (hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, maintaining 1 metre distance or more and make consistent use of facemasks in all common areas). Daily temperature and health checks of visitors will be recorded. 

Day 1 to Day 10 inclusive

Visitors arriving either by commercial flights or charter flights and staying 6 days or more in the country will undergo a PCR test on the 6th day after arrival at the authorised accommodation. This PCR test will be at no cost to the visitor. 

Day 11 onward

 If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday by following Category 1 conditions for visitors. However, they must avoid close prolonged interactions with local community or any gatherings/meetings and avoid crowded places including markets. If the PCR test done is positive, the visitor will immediately be isolated. 

 If visitors are tested positive and asymptomatic (not showing any sign of respiratory infection i.e. Fever, cough. shortness of breath etc.) they will be isolated in their rooms. 

If visitors are tested positive but symptomatic (visitor is showing signs of respiratory infection i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath etc.) the Public Health Authority requires that the person is isolated in a medical facility until recovery from the infection. Seychelles has extensive and modern health care services and visitors can expect quality care. 

Once visitors are allowed free movement, they must adhere to all Public Health measures and guidance being given to visitors (including wearing of face masks in public places) and only use certified transport and service providers. Visitors are not permitted to use public buses. They must follow all procedures put in place for the use of ferries and domestic flights. 

PCR Testing in Seychelles for Departing Visitors

The Seychelles authorities do not require PCR testing for anyone departing Seychelles. However, airlines or final destinations may require it. PCR test facilities are available on the 3 main islands namely Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and some island resorts, to visitors prior to departure. Visitors requiring the test should contact the Public Health Authority well in advance on the email address covid19test@health.gov.sc or telephone +248 4388410 to make the necessary arrangements. The PCR test currently costs SCR2, 500.00. Children below the age of 12 years and persons of 65 years and above are exempted from the fee. All PCR tests administered in Seychelles are certified by the Department of Health. 

N.B. It is important to note that these procedures are subject to change, and visitors are invited to check for the latest requirements on the Tourism and Health websites. 

For any further enquiries please email info@tourism.gov.sc

PERMITTED COUNTRIES - CATEGORY 1 

LIST OF PERMITTED COUNTRIES – CATEGORY 2 

• Gabon, Kuwait, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan added to Category 1. 

• Cyprus, Latvia, Malaysia, Senegal, South Africa and South Korea suspended from Category 1 (suspension of South Africa takes effect from 31 December 2020 as previously announced) 

• The United Kingdom suspended from Category 2 with effect from 28 December 2020 as previously announced. 

The sixth day PCR surveillance test will not be required by Category 1 visitors staying for 5 days or less in any health certified accommodation establishment. 

The sixth day PCR test will not be required for category 1 visitors arriving by charter flights and staying 7 days or less. 

Category 1 Visitors arriving by charter flights and staying for 8 days or more will be required to do the 6 th day surveillance PCR test 

For the first 14 days of their stay, visitors must avoid close prolonged interactions with the local community, any gatherings or meetings and avoid crowded places, including markets. 

After the 14 days, interactions with local community can be eased. Visiting of local friends and families or attending meetings are allowed. However good hygiene practices, distancing and consistent use of face masks are required. 

Visitors are required to wear face masks in all public areas. 

Visitor wishing to take part in recreational activities such as tours, excursions, sightseeing etc. are required to use licensed tourism service providers that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. 

. The sixth day PCR surveillance test will not be required by Category 2 visitors arriving either via commercial or charter flights and staying for 5 days or less in the country. However they must not leave the hotel premises throughout their stay in the country. 

After the 14 days, interactions with local community can be eased. Visiting of local friends and families or attending meetings are allowed. However, good hygiene practices, physical distancing and consistent use of face masks must be adhered to. 

For the first 14 days of their stay, visitors must avoid close prolonged interactions with the local community, any gathering or meetings and avoid crowded places including markets 

Visitors arriving by commercial flights and staying more than 6 days will be required to do the sixth day PCR surveillance test. This means the testing will be conducted on the sixth day after the arrival of the visitor. However the visitor must still require to stay in the tourism accommodation establishment for 10 days without leaving the compound.