Seychelles: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures nationwide as of Dec. 16 /update 4

Event

Authorities are maintaining COVID-19-related domestic and travel restrictions as of Dec. 16.

Domestic 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. Specific measures may apply to foreign travelers.

Violations of directives governing movement and social distancing are punishable by criminal penalties, including fines.

International Travel Restrictions
All travelers permitted to enter must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure and submit a COVID-19 Seychelles Travel Authorization document. Foreign travelers must have valid travel health insurance that covers, at minimum, COVID-19 testing, isolation, quarantine, and clinical care.

Seychellois, residents, and Gainful-Occupation-permit (GOP) holders must undertake a PCR test on Day 5, while visitors may be tested randomly.

Seychellois and residents traveling from countries with variant strains of the virus or experiencing high infection rates within the previous 14 days can enter the country providing they undertake a seven-day quarantine period with a mandatory test on Day 5. Gainful-Occupation-permit (GOP) holders coming from these countries cannot enter the territory, while entry is restricted for visitors. As of Dec. 16, affected locations include South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe

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 on arrival.

Authorities will probably amend measures on short notice if the number of COVID-19 cases increases.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. 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