The Seychelles will open its borders to visitors from low- and medium-risk countries from August 1. Guests will be required to follow a set of regulations before arrival and during their stay.

The list of low- and medium-risk countries can be found here. For visitors from low-risk countries, either a negative COVID test or a rapid antigen test must be provided – but for those from medium-risk countries only a negative COVID test will be accepted, said Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune.

Lafortune said the tests, along with a form containing details about the accommodation and flight, must be sent to the Department of Health before departure for the Seychelles. All tests must be done at least 72 hours before a traveller leaves their own country.

Visitors must also have valid travel insurance with full medical coverage for the duration of their stay.

Masks are required when disembarking the aircraft and at the airport. “They will have to have their temperature checked and fill out some forms, not forgetting to practise social distancing and good hygiene. Sanitisers are available. If any of the passengers have any COVID-19 symptoms, further health checks will be carried out in a designated area. Their voucher displaying their duration of stay will need to be submitted to immigration,” said Lafortune.

Visitors will only be able to make bookings with establishments that have been certified as safe to receive guests as per the health guidelines. They will also have access to a list of services and businesses that have been verified via the Ministry of Tourism’s website.