Seychelles has introduced travel restrictions for Brazil, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan due to COVID-19 surges, requiring proof of vaccination for travelers from the latter three countries. Brazilian travelers are prohibited from entering. Seychellois citizens and residents can travel but must quarantine. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with over 50% of the population vaccinated, aiming for herd immunity.
Seychelles has implemented new travel restrictions targeting travelers from Brazil, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan due to the escalating COVID-19 outbreaks in these countries. The announcement by the Ministry of Health stated that, effective immediately, individuals from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to gain entry into Seychelles. Vaccination certificates must be verified and approved by the Public Health Authority during the travel authorization process.
In contrast, travelers from Brazil are not allowed entry into Seychelles at all. Notably, these regulations do not extend to Seychellois citizens and permanent residents, who may travel back home but are required to quarantine upon arrival, as per the instructions from the Public Health Authority.
These travel measures arrive nearly a month after Seychelles had reopened its borders to tourists, with the exception of direct entries from South Africa, in an effort to revitalize its tourism sector, which suffered greatly due to the pandemic. As of the latest vaccination reports, over 50,524 individuals, approximately 51% of the Seychelles population, have received two doses of either the Covishield or Sinopharm vaccines. The government aims to achieve herd immunity with a target vaccination of 70,000 individuals, with current vaccination figures reaching 95% of this target.
In summary, Seychelles has instituted strict travel restrictions for travelers from Brazil, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan amid rising COVID-19 cases in these nations. Vaccinated travelers from the latter three countries may enter the islands with proper documentation, while travelers from Brazil face a complete travel ban. These measures are a critical part of Seychelles’ broader strategy to protect public health and support recovery within its tourism sector.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
