It has been a rocky year for South African travellers seeking to visit Seychelles. After closing their borders to South Africa for the majority of the peak times during the pandemic, they announced at the end of May 2021 that South African travellers would be welcome again starting the next month. This announcement was amended eight days later, stating that travellers who had been in South Africa within the last 14 days would be prohibited from entering Seychelles.
Relief came when Seychelles finally reopened its borders to South African travellers in September, irrespective of vaccination status. This was short-lived, as travellers from South Africa and other African countries were suspended once more on 26 November 2021, following the discovery of the Omicron variant by South African scientists.
Now, Seychelles has lifted its travel ban against seven southern African countries. Travellers from Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa can now enter Seychelles starting January 6.
All travellers to Seychelles must produce a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to departure, except for asymptomatic children aged two and under, according to Travel News. Travellers must also produce proof of travel insurance, and are required to retake a PCR test on their 5th day. Whilst vaccination is not a mandatory entry requirement, it is encouraged.
Picture: Christian Cacciamani/Unsplash
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