Video: Re-Launching Seychelles – COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Why not spoil your self with a spectacular Seychelles holiday? We know you may have some questions, so let's hope we cover most of them below. Please do reach out to us if we have missed out on any below or if you are interested in booking a holiday in the Seychelles.

1. Is Seychelles open to Tourism?

• Yes - Scheduled commercial flights have started since the 1st of August 2020.

2. Which Airlines are flying to Seychelles?

• The list of airlines will be confirmed by the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).
• As and when these are confirmed, we suggest you please check back with us as we expect ongoing updates and changes.
• Kindly refer to the following website: www.scaa.sc where you access general information including flight schedules: www.scaa.sc/index.php/flight-schedule for more instant access.
• To date, the following flights are schuled to the Seychelles:
  • Emirates Airlines 04 times weekly
  • Etihad Airways 02 times weekly
  • Ethiopian Airlines 03 times weekly

**This information is subject to change / The above-mentioned links will have the most updated schedules.

3. Which countries are allowed entry into Seychelles as from the 1st of August 2020?

• Seychelles is open only to a certain number of approved countries by the Ministry of Tourism and the Public Health Authority. You may refer to www.tourism.gov.sc for the most updated requirements and updates, more specifically in relation to COVID-19, which is an additional link on the far right of the webpage. Ref. List of approved countries.
• Private jet clients may be considered from any country subject to the local Public Health Authority’s approval.

4. What are the current set conditions for entry into Seychelles?

• • Negative COVID-19 PCR test certification from an authorized laboratory no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel.
  • All negative test certificates, flight and accommodation details and health declaration forms are to be e-mailed to info@tailormadeafrica.com prior to departure, so we can get this through to the necessary authorities.
    Health declaration forms can be downloaded at www.health.gov.sc/index.php/covid-19/ which we will also require prior to departure.
  • Travel insurance with full medical cover is required for the entire duration of the client’s stay in Seychelles, including COVID-19 cover.
  • Airlines are required to ensure that all passengers submit their negative COVID-19 PCR test results for verification at check-in upon departure where they are to also comply with all other airline protocols.
    **NB. Some airlines already require passengers to have proof of negative COVID-19 PCR tests.

• Clients must be able to provide vouchers and itineraries reflecting the entire duration of their stay to Immigration upon arrival in Seychelles. We do not recommend it, but in the event that a client has part-booked a non-certified accommodation or live aboard they will be directed to an alternative option that has been already certified.
  **Any difference in price is at the clients’ own costs.

5. Is there any additional airport protocol upon arrival in Seychelles?

• Upon arrival, face masks are to be worn upon leaving the aircraft until the client arrives at their final destination (hotel or live aboard). All clients will be subject to temperature checks and health screening.
• Any client identified with a high temperature or showing respiratory-like symptoms (e.g runny nose, shortness of breath) may be isolated and subject to further checks which may include a PCR test or Rapid Antigen test.
• There are two health screening areas and two Isolation rooms at the Seychelles International Airport:
  • Health screening area and isolation room in the arrival lounge
  • Health-screening area and isolation room in the departure lounge
• All suspected cases will be attended to at a designated screening area in the arrival/departure lounge by health authorities. Family and friends travelling together may be subject to health protocols at the time.
• Airport trolleys that have been disinfected will be located in clearly demarcated areas.
• Face masks are required when leaving the airport for land transfers, domestic flights and local ferry transfers.

6. What are the main safety protocols in place in Seychelles currently?

• World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centre for Communicable Diseases (CDC) guidelines are the benchmark for Seychelles:
  • Effective hand hygiene (frequent washing of hands/use of sanitiser when hand washing is not possible).
  • Social distancing of not less than one metre at all times.
  • Use of face masks (where social distancing is not possible).
• Face masks are mandatory in most public places including but not limited to; airports, banks, post office, domestic flights, local ferries amongst others. It is suggested that clients ensure at all times that they have a face mask at their disposal as some places may reserve the right to request the use of masks at their facility and/or service.
• Disposable and/or re-usable (3-ply) face masks are permitted.
• It is recommended that clients bring an adequate personal stock of face masks and hand sanitiser as these are not always readily accessible in Seychelles.

7. Where can I stay in the Seychelles?

• Only properties that have received a COVID-19 health certificate from the Public Health Authority will be allowed to open and operate. This is subject to continual review.
• Tailormade Africa will assist you in providing the most up to date information on the status quo.
• All clients must ensure that accommodation bookings are made only at licensed tourism establishments or live aboards that have been certified by the local Public Health Authority. www.tourism.gov.sc will also have the most updated requirements and updates, more specifically in relation to COVID-19, which is an additional link on the far right of the webpage. Ref. List of approved countries. Tailormade Africa will only book certified accommodations, so you can rest assured.
• It must be noted, clients should not stay in more than two properties and/or islands, during the first 7-nights. After this period, clients are free to stay at additional properties and/or islands as long as it was part of the pre-booked package.
• Clients will not be allowed to stay at private residences.

8. How do I get around in Seychelles?

• Clients can only use authorised transportation. Tailormade Africa will arrange vehicles that are fully certified by the Ministry of Health, and adhere to both local and international health and safety protocols
• Face masks are required on all arrival land transfers (and domestic transfers).
• Clients will not be allowed to use Public Transport; local busses.
• Clients will be able to experience and enjoy excursions organised by Tailormade Africa which are fully certified by the Ministry of Health, and adhere to both local and international health and safety protocols.
• Inter island domestic transfers (flights & ferries) are operating on limited schedules, planning & taking into consideration that waiting times may be extended due to:
  • Enhanced safety protocols
  • Limited operations

9. What happens in the event of an identified suspect COVID-19 case during your stay in Seychelles?

• Any client that develops symptoms will be isolated as per the hotel’s health and safety procedures and the client will be referred to the Public Health Authority. Along with the hotel team, clients will be assisted by our experienced Tailormade Africa Ground Support Team.
• In the meantime, should clients develop any symptoms they are encouraged to self-isolate and contact the hotel manager and their dedicated Tailormade Africa representative (details provided upon booking) for further assistance.

10. Is the ground support in the Seychelles COVID-19 safe and certified?

• Yes – A complete review of all the health and safety standards have been undertaken and new COVID-19 protocols have been put in place across the board. Please contact us if you require any further details in this regard.
• Our ground support has received its certification from the Ministry of Health after successfully passing all health and safety requirements.

11. Can a client have a PCR Test in Seychelles prior to departure?

• • Yes – PCR tests are available in Seychelles at a designated health centre on Mahe. Additional health centres on additional islands will be available in due course. Testing takes place daily from 0800 – 1200 Hrs local time, with no bookings / appointments required.
    * PCR tests are accredited by the Seychelles Ministry of Health.

• PCR test results are obtained within 24-48 hours of testing and clients are required to collect their results from the health centre.
• All formalities, payments & tests will be conducted at the designated health centre.
• PCR tests cost approximately Seychelles Rupees. 2,500.00 (+-USD140) – exceptions for under 12 years & over 65 years (subject to change) – Cash or Credit / Debit cards are accepted (Visa).
• Your dedicated Tailormade Africa representative may assist with organizing these arrangements and/or transfers to and from the health centre.
• It is advisable to plan for these arrangements at least 48-72 hours prior to clients' departure.
• We strongly recommend client itineraries to conclude on Mahe (prior to departure), at least for the last 2-3 nights, especially over the coming weeks & months up until we have the set procedures for other islands to ensure all goes smoothly.
• As always, we are available to assist & guide you on the best way forward for both existing and new bookings.

12. Is there any additional airport protocol upon departure from Seychelles?

• Upon departure from clients’ hotel, face masks are to be worn throughout the land transfer, airport procedures and onwards.
• Check-in times for ALL international departure flights have been reviewed and thus require:
  • Economy Class – 4 hours prior to departure
  • Business & First Class – 3 hours prior to departure
  ***ALL departure gates close 1 hour prior to departure

**** Please note we will consider any land transfers and/or connections when planning itineraries. Please allow for enough time as set out above.

These guidelines are subject to change. For the latest information as the Seychelles re-opens, please check back with us regularly.

Let us tailor-make your ideal Seychelles holiday. Feel free to pick up the phone on +44 1932 361807 (UK & Rest of the world) / 1 844 390 1798 (USA toll free) or pop us an email at info@tailormadeafrica.com, and we can help you to plan your bespoke Luxury safari holiday with us – and by doing so, help us to support those most in need on the ground.