The Seychelles has gradually eased travel restrictions from June 1, with safety travel guidelines issued by the Department of Tourism, according to the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).

Phase one of the reopening of the borders will include lifting air travel restrictions. The STB announced that only travellers from ‘low-risk’ COVID-19 countries – arriving by private jet and chartered passenger flights – would be granted entry.

“Visitors wanting to travel to the Seychelles will need to apply through a designated application process which will be processed as per Public Health order,” said the STB. “Once an approval is given, the traveller can proceed with other arrangements, which will include taking a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours or less before boarding the flight.”

A health fee of US$50 will be levied to cover the screening of each passenger on arrival, and for 14 days thereafter tourists will be monitored by Health and Safety officers. The guidelines are based on the advice of the Public Health Authority and will be reviewed periodically.  

“The guidelines clearly detail what needs to be put in place before businesses can welcome guests into their establishments,” said Principal Secretary for Tourism of the STB, Anne Lafortune, at a press conference last week. “This includes sanitation and hygiene measures in order to protect locals and visitors.”

CEO of the STB, Sherin Francis, said all the measures contained in the safe travel guidelines were essential. “We are definitely encouraging all our partners to familiarise themselves with the requirements and implement them as we get ready to start operating under the new normal.”

To view the Seychelles COVID-19 Tourism Guidelines, please click here. To view the countries that are deemed low-risk by Seychelles, please click here.