Seychelles reopening on August 1 — but Americans won't be allowed in
Editor's Note
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.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel news
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.
Related Coverage: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening
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:
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app