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Seychelles reopening on August 1 — but Americans won't be allowed in

July 12, 2020
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2 min read
CRUISE SHIP, AERIAL, SEYCHELLES ISLAND
Seychelles reopening on August 1 — but Americans won't be allowed in
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Editor's Note

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Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect that commercial flights to the Seychelles will be resuming on August 1, 2020.

The Seychelles are thought of as a luxury destination by most, as evidenced by the country's initial reopening plan which only allowed visitors traveling on private and chartered flights. Beginning August 1, the Seychelles will open to even more tourists as it resumes commercial flights, but many (including Americans) still won't be welcome.

Related coverage: Country-by-country guide to reopening

Visitors from 17 approved low-risk countries (including China, Japan and New Zealand) will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel. If a PCR test is not available, they will need to submit to a rapid antigen test. Visitors from medium-risk countries are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel.

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In addition, visitors must submit their negative test as well as their flight itinerary and accommodations to visitor@health.gov.sc prior to arrival, or they may be subject to additional COVID testing upon arrival. Guests can only book stays at licensed establishments or liveaboards, and are required to have valid travel insurance with full medical coverage for the duration of their stay.

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Related Coverage: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening

(Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)

Visitors from high-risk countries (which are all countries excluding the 37 designated as low and medium-risk) will not be permitted to enter the Seychelles at this time.

Where to stay

If you're traveling from one of the approved low and medium-risk countries, check out some of TPG's past coverage for advice on where to stay:

Featured image by Getty Images

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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