Seychelles: Authorities maintaining updated COVID-19 measures as of March 9 /update 14

Event

As of March 9, authorities in Seychelles are maintaining additional restrictions in continued efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. These measures come after a rise in the number of reported COVID-19 infections. Amended regulations in place are as follows:

Domestic Restrictions:

• A nightly 2000-0400 curfew is in place until further notice. Only essential workers, who will be granted permits, can travel during this period.

• Groups of no more than two people are permitted to visit the beach, provided they are from the same household.

• All gatherings that include people from outside of a household are not permitted.

• All schools remain closed until further notice.

• All shops must close by 1800 on weekdays and 1500 on weekends.

• Tourism facilities must respect standard operating procedures in place.

• All restaurants, apart from those at guest houses and hotels, are closed until further notice. Open establishments are only to serve those staying at hotels and guest houses.

• Locals are encouraged to work from home where possible; otherwise, they should only limit their travel to work and home locations.

• The wearing of protective facemasks remains compulsory in public spaces.

• Inter-island travel is discouraged.

International Travel
Under new measures, travelers who have been fully vaccinated can travel to Seychelles without needing to quarantine. Travelers will need to present a negative test certificate taken within a maximum of 72 hours before departure and an authentic vaccination certificate. Travelers who have not been vaccinated have been classed as Category 1 and 2; Category 1 comprises low and medium risk countries as decided by authorities. Category 2 comprises special status countries as also decided by authorities.

• Category-1 travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within a maximum of 72 hours before departure. Travelers must also submit their negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, flight, and accommodation details before departure. Visitors must make an accommodation booking at establishments certified by the authorities. All arrivals by yacht must apply for entry into the country and may only come ashore 10 days after departing their last destination. Passengers may only disembark after daily temperature and health checks recorded over the last 10 days prior to arrival. Cruise ships from any country are not permitted to berth in the country until further notice. Travelers will be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival at the accommodation provided by health authorities. Travelers staying for eight days or more will be required to undertake a test on the sixth day after arrival.

• Category-2 travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate from an accredited laboratory within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Travelers arriving either by commercial flights or charter flights are required to spend the first 10 nights in a category-2-certified establishment and may not leave the premises. A test will be conducted on the sixth day. Flights from the UK to the country are suspended until further notice.

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.

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.

Resources

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