COVID-19 Seychelles
We will be posting regular updates on this page to keep you informed of the situation in Seychelles with regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
You can follow our Facebook page @Seychellesbookings.com to get notified quicker and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. You can also check our latest blogs to keep updated on the situation.
Last Updated: 26 Oct 2020
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Cases overview in Seychelles:
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Coronavirus Seychelles
- Category 1*: Countries considered as low and medium risk
- Category 2*: In an effort to provide more confidence to tourism partners in key source market countries, the Seychelles authorities have decided to provide Special Status to a group of 7 countries: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the United Arab Emirates.
Seychelles Travel Advice
- All visitors to Seychelles must apply for the mandatory Health Travel Authorisation (HTA), either via the Android or iOS apps on mobile devices or via the official government website at https://seychelles.govtas.com.
- Applications must include a negative PCR test result, along with flight and accommodation details and can only be submitted between 3 and 72 hours before departure.
- Each individual, including children and infants, are required to apply separately. A €45 fee will be charged per application. For more information, you can refer to the communique from Seychelles Tourism Board.
- Once approved, your HTA must be presented upon departure at check-in and on arrival in Seychelles. Without authorization, you will be refused boarding!
- All passengers, including infants and children, must be able to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure.
- Airlines are not to board any passengers or crew who are symptomatic of COVID-19.
- Visitors must ensure that they have valid travel insurance with full medical coverage, including COVID-19 related medical care.
- Entry screening will be performed upon arrival and may include a symptomatic check, temperature scan and the completion of a health check form. Additionally, visitors may be required to undertake a COVID-19 test upon disembarkation.
- At the airport, visitors should practise proper hand and respiratory hygiene. They must ensure that a safe distance of at least one metre from other persons is maintained. Face masks should be worn before leaving the aircraft.
- Visitors may only stay in establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. No visitors will be permitted to stay at private residences. The list of Category 1 certified establishments is available on the website of the Department of Tourism: www.tourism.gov.sc. Upon disembarking in Seychelles, all visitors will be required to provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers at the Immigration desk.
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If they want to change hotels, visitors can only stay in 2 different Certified Accommodation within 7 nights and 8 days. Visitors can only change to a potential 3rd accommodation on their 8th day.
- Transfers between the airport and visitor accommodation can only be by authorized transport.
- All persons at tourism establishments are monitored daily for signs of illness.
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Visitors are required to wear face masks in public areas.
Special Status Countries
Starting from 01 October 2020, when a Special Status country appears on the Category 2 list, arrivals from that country will still be permitted to enter Seychelles albeit under additional, more restrictive health and safety measures.
- All visitors, including children and infants, must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken not more than 48 hours before departure from the country of origin.
- Once visitors have their test results, they must submit their Health Travel Authorisation (HTA) application for approval through the designated platform at this link https://seychelles.govtas.com.
- After arrival into Seychelles, the visitor must stay in a designated establishment and may not leave the premises for 5 nights and 6 days (or their entire stay if less than 5 nights).
- A repeat PCR test will be performed on the 5th day (free of charge). If the test result is negative, the visitor will be free to continue with their planned vacation. If the test result is positive, the visitor will be required to stay in a designated Stay-safe Hotel until cleared by the Public Health Authority.
- All visitors must ensure that their accommodation is authorised to receive visitors from the countries with Special Status. The Category 2 list of authorised accommodation will be updated periodically by the Seychelles authorities.
- Upon disembarkation, visitors will go through temperature screening, symptom checks, and a review of PCR test certificates and travel documents.
- Visitors must use authorised and certified transportation for the transfer from the airport to their accommodation, and wear a facemask throughout the journey.
What can we do to help the locals?
The Seychelles tourism industry has almost entirely collapsed and the islands are suffering from an unprecedented economic downturn; putting many people out of work and under incredible strain. A way to help the locals is to consider rescheduling your travel plans instead of cancelling bookings for the time being.
When it’s safe to travel again and if time permits - explore more of the region than you may have previously considered. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are all within easy reach of each other and offer something unique and worth experiencing. You can learn more about the region to help plan your trip on our dedicated Travel Tips pages.
Seychelles Ferry services during Coronavirus restrictions
Until further notice, reduced ferry services will continue to operate. Travel on Seychelles ferry services is limited to those providing essential services ONLY.
Cat Coco Ferry - Click here for temporary schedule
Inter Island Ferry - Click here for temporary schedule
Contact information
If you have a ferry booking for travel in the next few months, or for any other destination-related questions, feel free to contact us directly if you wish to reschedule your trip. We also invite you to consult our Terms and Conditions if you have any questions regarding a cancellation.
