The Seychelles is shifting gears, allowing visitors to enter the destination without having to present a negative PCR test.
Gone into effect March 15, all visitors over 18 years of age who have received the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (or a booster dose after six six months since completing the primary series) will be considered fully immunized. Full immunization for visitors aged 12 to 18 years, necessitate the completion of only two vaccine doses. All fully immunized visitors will therefore be exempted from pre-travel PCR test requirement, while unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test done in a certified laboratory within 24 hours before departure to Seychelles.
Potential visitors having tested positive to the COVID-19 virus between two and 12 weeks prior to travel are also exempted from pre-travel COVID-19 testing upon provision of proof of infection and recovery.
This move aims at making Seychelles more accessible and competitive as a destination, the Seychelles Tourism Board said in a statement.
In addition, all visitors are still required to have travel insurance as well as medical insurance; they are also encouraged to book their stay at a certified accommodation. Moreover, it is mandatory that all visitors apply for a Travel Authorization prior to travel.
"The exemption of the PCR test for fully vaccinated visitors is certainly excellent news for Seychelles. With restrictions being removed and many destinations reviewing their PCR requirements for entry it was a necessary step for us as a destination to retain the interest of our potential visitors,” said Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis in a written statement. “As an industry, we are keeping our commitment towards safe tourism, and we should not be complacent and remain vigilant to protect our population and our visitors.”
The country has also recently eased other restrictions, including the removal of the overnight curfew and closing time for entertainment services such as bars and casinos, which became effective on March 1, 2022.
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