Seychelles to Open Border to Tourists: No Quarantine, no Vaccine Required

Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, is reopening its borders to tourists on March 25 no quarantine or COVID-19 vaccine required, the country’s tourism authority announced last week. Travelers only have to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, and then they’re free to roam Seychelles’ sandy white beaches and snorkel its warm turquoise waters.

Meanwhile, the Maldives fully reopened to foreign tourists in July without COVID-19 testing requirements, a feat made easier in a country where sprawling private overwater bungalows are the norm and entire islands can be bought out for $250,000 a night. The Seychelles opened to all fully vaccinated travelers, including those from the U.S., in January.

The 115-island paradise, where Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned, was the first African country to welcome vaccinated travelers, according to CNBC. It hopes to reach herd immunity by mid-March, when 70% of the local population is expected to be vaccinated, the AP reported.

Visitors to the Seychelles, where George and Amal Clooney also honeymooned, will need to maintain social distance while relaxing on the country’s white-sand beaches and frolicking in its turquoise waters. And don’t forget to pack a face mask, as they’re still required.