COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Seychelles (20 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter Seychelles.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Seychelles allows entry to visitors from all countries.

• Travellers from South Africa may enter only if they have stayed at least 14 days prior to entry to Seychelles, in another country and have a certificate for a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before departure. However, they must provide proof of their 14-day stay in another country.

• All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorization platform at www.seychelles.govtas.com. This health authorization will be required at check-in, and travellers will not be allowed to board their flight without it.

• Visitors travelling by sea may enter Seychelles but will require prior approval of the Health Authorities.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit is allowed. Travellers with connecting domestic flights to other islands should remain in the airport terminals until the departure of their flight. They may stay overnight in a certified establishment if their connecting flight is the following day.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Visitors will have a health check i.e., temperature screening, symptom checks, document checks, prior to border security screening. Random testing may be conducted upon arrival.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All travellers entering Seychelles must have a certificate for a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Only test results that mention the method of testing used (RT-PCR) are accepted. Rapid antigen tests are NOT accepted at this time.

• Dual nationals, permanent residents, and approved work permit holders who are allowed to enter from the UK must have a negative test certificate issued within the last 48 hours prior to departure for Seychelles.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers from all countries, except South Africa, are not required to quarantine but are required to have a certificate for a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure to Seychelles.

• Citizens and legal residents of Seychelles (including Gainful Occupational Permit holders) arriving from any country are not required to quarantine if they have proof that they have completed a full dose of vaccination at least two weeks before travel.

• Unvaccinated citizens and legal residents (including Gainful Occupational Permit holders) must quarantine at home for seven days if they do not have proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 completed at least two weeks before travel. They will be required to have a free PCR test on Day 5, which if negative, will allow completion of quarantine.

• Any visitor who tests positive for COVID-19 may undergo isolation or quarantine as per National Health protocols.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to a minimum of ‘0’ days of quarantine and a maximum of ‘7’ days of quarantine.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry. However, all visitors are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before travel.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• All visitors must have valid travel health insurance to cover potential COVID-19 related costs (isolation, quarantine, and treatment).

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers from approved countries must provide full details of accommodation and show booking vouchers if asked by the immigration desk when disembarking.

• All arrivals will need to apply for Health Travel Authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. When completing the form, travellers will also be required to submit proof of negative COVID-19 test, itinerary, return airfare and proof of accommodation. The Travel Authorization will remain valid only for one day after arrival. The Travel Authorization form can be retrieved here and verified here.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Seychelles International Airport is open for commercial international flights.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Flights from the UK and South Africa remain suspended.

• Face masks are mandatory when boarding internal flights.

• Airlines can retrieve and verify health travel authorization here.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders are open with some restrictions.

• Cruise ships are not allowed to dock until further notice.

• For travellers arriving by sea (yachts), apply by email to [email protected] for Health Travel Authorisation. Travellers by sea will need valid travel and health insurance to cover potential COVID-19 related costs.

• Travellers arriving by sea must have spent at least 14 days at sea from the last port of call. All crew and passengers should be without symptoms of COVID-19 during this period. There is no need for a PCR test on arrival or on Day 5. If travellers want to disembark before the completion of 14 days from the last port of call, they must have proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination or a COVID-19 test at their own expense on arrival with a negative test result.

• Exit PCR testing is not required by Seychelles authorities, however, a PCR test might be required by the airline or the destination country.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• A curfew is in place from 23:00 to 04:00 (local time).

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• COVID-19 restrictions across the country are extended until further notice.

• People found violating social distancing measures may be fined or imprisoned.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Masks are required.

• Inter-island public transport has resumed. The use of public buses may be prohibited for tourists.

• Those providing essential services are allowed to travel on the Seychelles ferry service.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shops are allowed to open until 18:00 (local time) every day.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Some accommodations are open. Visitors must ensure that they stay in licensed and certified accommodation establishments during their entire stay in the destination. Travellers may check the www.tourism.gov.sc for a list of certified accommodations.

Restaurants open?

• No

• Public restaurants are closed. Visitors can still make use of the restaurants at the hotel they are staying at.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars are closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Groups of no more than two people may visit the beach together, provided they are from the same household. Visitors who entered the country in groups may visit the beach in those same groups, provided they are also staying at the same approved tourist accommodation.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Indoor religious services are allowed.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Indoor public shows, meetings and conferences, and sports activities without spectators are allowed. Permission is needed for these activities.

• House parties or gatherings which include any people from outside the household are not permitted.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in all public places.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.