Seychelles removes SA from list of 'restricted countries'

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According to the advisory, entry and stay conditions will not be affected by Covid-19 vaccination status, but visitors are strongly encouraged to be fully immunised before travel. Passengers will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test done within 72 hours of departure and complete a Health Travel Authorisation.

They will also need to provide proof of valid travel and health insurance to cover Covid-19 related quarantine, isolation or treatment.

Visitors from South Africa who meet the above criteria may, whilst they are in Seychelles, stay in any certified tourism establishments with no minimum length of stay in the first establishment. They need not take a routine day five surveillance PCR Test2.

Conditions for stay for children up to age 17, regardless of their vaccination status, will be as for the parent/guardian they are accompanying. Visitors who have been in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal and/or Pakistan, countries which remain on the Restricted List, in the preceding 14 days will however not be permitted entry into Seychelles.

The Indian Ocean islands’ tourism authorities have welcomed the news, with the minister for foreign affairs and tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde professing his delight at the reopening of the market. "The opportunities that this important market offers, primarily for the fly-fishing niche, and beyond that to the South American market. With over 71% of our population fully vaccinated and the vaccination of adolescents 12-18 years well underway, Seychelles is doing what is necessary to keep both its population and its visitors safe."

The pandemic and ensuing restrictions have hamstrung travel and from generating 12,000 visitors prior to the pandemic in 2019, arrivals dropped to less than 2,000 last year and to 218 as of 5 September this year.

The removal of restrictions is also welcome news to a significant number of Eden Island homeowners living in South Africa who will now be able to return to Seychelles with their families.

David Germain, the Tourism Seychelles regional director for Africa and the Americas who is based in Cape Town greeted the announcement with enthusiasm. "This is wonderful news, the arrival of the South African travellers back to our shores is long overdue. Travellers want to stay safe in a pure environment whilst on holiday and what better place than the Seychelles at this time of uncertainty.

"Tourism operators and their staff have all been trained to minimise and mitigate risk posed by Covid-19, developing standard operating protocols in collaboration with the health authorities, earning Covid-safe certification. In South Africa itself, mass vaccination of the South African public has already begun and is taking place nationwide in the country, and this is instilling confidence in travel," he said.

For complete details of requirements, all visitors should consult https://advisory.seychelles.travel/ and https://seychelles.govtas.com/ prior to travel.

For any additional enquiries please contact cs.vog.htlaeh@ahp or moc.sellehcyes@ofni.