It has been reported by media outlets that the Seychelles is now allowing visitors to its remote islands, but only if they're travelling by private aircraft. The islands declared themselves Coronavirus free in May after nine weeks of battling the virus and the limited relaxation of access rules is based on advice from the country's Department of Health.
The Seychelles are open, but only to visitors arriving by private aircraft or chartered flights
It has been reported by media outlets that the Seychelles is now allowing visitors to its remote islands, but only if they're travelling by private aircraft. The islands declared themselves Coronavirus free in May after nine weeks of battling the virus and the limited relaxation of access rules is based on advice from the country's Department of Health.
The new measures are designed to minimise the risk of Covid-19 being transmitted to the community living and working on the 115 islands that make up the Indian Ocean archipelago.
"The destination will only consider visitors from low-risk countries travelling through private jets and chartered passenger direct flights," and "Visitors failing to present the required proof will be turned back on the same aircraft," the Seychelles Tourism Board said.
Persons wishing to visit the Seychelles need to undergo a Covid-19 test before boarding a private aircraft or chartered direct flight. Negative results have to be sent directly to the Department of Health as soon as they are available and shown to the authorities upon landing along with proof that the test was taken less than 48 hours before they boarded their aircraft.
Once landed in Mahe, all visitors must complete health formalities, be screened for a higher than normal body temperature and have a symptom check. Random rapid antigen tests may also be mandated. Travellers need to declare the hotel or resort in which they are planning to stay and will not be allowed to leave their hotel or resort to travel between islands.
There are plans to reopen Seychelles International Airport to commercial flights in July but visitor numbers will remain restricted until the authorities deem further relaxation of the measures to be safe.
To support local public health measures, tourists may be asked to contribute $50 fee (Dh183).
The Maldives has also reopened to travellers arriving by private aircraft or charter flights.
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