Seychelles: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures nationwide as of Aug. 17

Event

Authorities are maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide as of Aug. 17. Under current measures, a nightly 23:00-04:00 curfew is in place until further notice. Only essential workers who possess the necessary permit may leave their homes during curfew hours. Shops, bars, casinos, and other businesses must close by 19:00. The use of facemasks is compulsory in public spaces, and gatherings of more than four people indoors and outdoors are banned. Travelers are not allowed to use public buses; authorities also advise against nonessential travel between islands.

International Travel Restrictions
International travel restrictions remain unchanged, and travelers are allowed to enter the country regardless of vaccine status. Visitors to Seychelles are not required to quarantine; however, they must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure. Travelers must have valid travel health insurance that covers, at minimum, COVID-19 testing, isolation, quarantine, and clinical care. Visitors must also submit a Health Travel Authorisation document and stay at locations approved by the authorities.

Individuals traveling from countries with variant strains of the virus or experiencing high infection rates within the previous 14 days cannot enter the country; affected locations include Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and South Africa. Seychellois, residents, Gainful-Occupation-permit (GOP) holders, and their dependents arriving from these countries may enter; however, they must complete a 10-day quarantine at an approved facility. All arrivals by yacht must apply for entry into the country and may only come ashore 14 days after departing their last destination. Passengers may disembark early if they take a PCR test at their own expense.

Violations of directives governing movement and social distancing are punishable by criminal penalties, including fines. 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 Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism
Seychelles Islands Travel Authorization