Seychelles: Authorities maintain COVID-19 measures in Seychelles as of Dec. 8 /update 10

Event

As of Dec. 8, authorities in Seychelles are maintaining restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19); current measures remain in place until further notice. International travel is ongoing, however, only travelers from Category-1 and -2 countries as defined by the government of Seychelles are allowed to enter by commercial air transport.

International Travel
International visitors are permitted to travel into the country if they are traveling from a permitted country or meet other requirements as defined by the government of Seychelles. Additional health requirements and measures are in place for travelers coming from a Category-2 country. The categorization of countries only applies to commercial air travel. A full list of country designations is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism website.

Category-1 entry requirements

• Travelers from Category-1 countries must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure.

• Travelers must submit negative test results, flights, and accommodation details as part of their application authorization to travel to Seychelles.

• All Seychellois and persons holding resident permits who have spent at least 14 days in a permitted country immediately before travel may enter Seychelles with a Health Travel Authorization and can stay in their own homes while they quarantine.

• All travelers will be screened at the port of entry; further tests may be required.

Category-2 entry requirements

• Travelers from Category-2 must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 48 hours before departure.

• Health Travel Authorization must be presented at check-in.

• Visitors are required to stay in one establishment, specifically authorized to accommodate visitors from Category-2 countries for the first six nights after entering Seychelles.

• On the fifth day after arrival, travelers from Category-2 countries must take a COVID-19 PCR test. Individuals who test negative will be allowed to continue to travel under the conditions set for Category-1 countries, while those who test positive will be required to stay in specified establishments for the duration of their recovery.

Vessels and other marine crafts are permitted to enter national waters on condition that a prior request has been made, accompanied by the ship's itinerary indicating the last ports visited. Dates and duration of stay for the previous 30 days must be included. A logbook of passenger and temperature details from the past 14 days must be presented upon arrival. All vessels must be at sea for at least 21 days before being allowed to stopover.

Travelers not from Category-1 and -2 countries may be permitted entry under special conditions and after approval by the health department. Travelers are required to arrive by private jet or charter flight and are required to stay at an authorized island resort or yacht for the duration of their stay.

Domestic Measures

• Interisland travel has resumed.

• Sporting events have resumed, and bars and restaurants are permitted to reopen.

• All resorts can reopen, provided individuals adhere to social distancing and sanitation protocols. Officials have also issued new travel and safety guidelines to assess establishment readiness before they can reopen. Businesses must maintain customer records for COVID-19 tracing purposes.

• The wearing of protective facemasks is mandatory in public transport and all public spaces.

Much of the business and retail sector, including postal service, tourism, schools, and indoor religious services, can reopen. Persons contravening movement and social distancing measures will be subject to a fine or arrest. Authorities will probably amend measures on short notice if the number of COVID-19 cases increases.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions and consult the Ministry of Tourism for complete information regarding travel in Seychelles. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene
Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine
Seychelles Islands Travel Authorization