The turquoise blue waters and buttery beaches of Seychelles don’t seem so far away now, does it! With the world’s oldest ocean islands throwing open its arms to tourists all over the world, here’s what you should know about the country’s latest travel guidelines!
The tourism industry of Seychelles will kickstart with a 2-pronged approach to reopening borders. In the first phase, travellers should submit vaccination certificates (at least two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine) with a negative COVID-19 PCR report taken not less than 72 hours prior to departure. These visitors are exempt from quarantine upon arrival in Seychelles.
What happens in the second phase?
While the United Arab Emirates donated 50,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, India has offered 100,000 doses of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine to Seychelles. The country has forecast that 25% of its population will likely finish vaccination by mid-March, after which, the second phase of relaunching tourism begins.
Borders will be opened to all visitors, irrespective of being vaccinated or not. Travellers are only required to furnish a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained 72 hours prior travel, with no quarantine required upon arrival.
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What it means for Indian travellers:
The country is currently open to Indians arriving via private jet transfers only. Indian travellers also have to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR report taken less than 72 hours before travel. Tourists who haven’t completed both vaccination doses and/or are not arriving via private jets, will not be allowed to enter the island country. This protocol shall remain until Seychelles has vaccinated a majority of its population.
Nevertheless, visitors are expected to follow the necessary health protocols of wearing face masks, social distancing and so on, at all times. Tourism operators should also mandatorily abide by the existing COVID-19 standard operating procedures. Meanwhile, the Indian government has also signed an air bubble agreement with Seychelles allowing Air Seychelles to fly in from India.
Seychelles opening up to the world is certainly an exciting news and a boost of positivity for globetrotters and the tourism industry alike. If you can’t wait to start planning a holiday to this paradise, click here for the best packages crafted your way!
For more information on the latest guidelines on Seychelles tourism reopening, you may visit here.