COVID-19 Special Status: Category 2 Countries

In light of the current impact of COVID-19 on international travel, the government of Seychelles has declared Special Status to seven countries that represent key tourism partners for the destination: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. No matter the COVID-19 situation within each of these countries, by designation of the Category 2 listing, residents of these countries will be permitted entry to Seychelles as long as adhering to the conditions of entry in the government travel advisory.

With health and safety as our top priority, we strive to ensure that all Category 2 guests enjoy the very best of their vacation on Desroches Island within the designated guidelines.  

BEFORE TRAVELLING TO SEYCHELLES

Prior to taking an international flight, a PCR test for COVID-19 must be done not more than 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.

THE FIRST FIVE DAYS

Local authorities specify that during the first five days of arriving to Seychelles, residents from Category 2 countries must not leave the premises of their resort. On Desroches Island, this allows guests to enjoy all of our Resort facilities, aside from fishing and diving. Access is also permitted up to the runway, as well as to the cycle pathway adjacent to Four Seasons Private Retreats.  

As from the fifth day, a PCR test must be taken. As long as a negative test result is received, guests may then continue with their vacation in Desroches and will have access to the entire island and all fishing and diving services. Alternatively, onward travel within Seychelles is also permitted with no further restrictions. Until receipt of a negative PCR test result, Special Status guests will be required to have their temperature taken and recorded each day, with this data being logged by the Ministry of Health.

PCR TESTS IN DESROCHES – SPECIAL STATUS DAY FIVE TEST

With Desroches enjoying a remote location in the Outer Amirantes, we ensure peace of mind for all travellers by having a Medical Clinic at the Resort, with a doctor on call 24 hours a day. Through our Clinic, we are able to facilitate the required day five PCR test for Special Status guests. 

For guests arriving to Desroches on a Sunday, the PCR test may be taken on a Thursday morning and will be sent to the laboratory in Mahé for processing on the same day’s domestic flight, which will allow guests to receive their results by email within 24 hours. (A fee of EUR 85 applies for the test and ground transportation of the swabs to the laboratory in Mahé).  

For guests arriving on any other day of the week, PCR tests may still be taken in the Clinic, but result processing times may take longer depending on our domestic flight connections. (Domestic flights are only guaranteed to operate on Thursdays, but may operate on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until further notice.) The PCR swab must be processed in the laboratory in Mahé on the same day it is taken. Test timings will be coordinated at the earliest convenience as from day five based on the domestic flight schedule. Private charters are available on request should guests wish to have PCR test swabs processed on days where a domestic flight is not scheduled.

PCR TESTS IN DESROCHES – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FLIGHTS AFTER RELEASED FROM SPECIAL STATUS

A negative test result from the day five PCR test is required before Special Status guests may enjoy all of Desroches Island or continue with onward travel within Seychelles. Should a second PCR test result be required for onward international travel at a later stage, we recommend relocating to Mahé for the processing of the results due to the time restrictions of PCR test results for international airlines and our current domestic flight schedule. PCR tests may be conducted in our Medical Clinic on the same morning of the domestic flight departure and sent directly to the laboratory in Mahé. (A fee of EUR 85 applies for the test and ground transportation of the swabs to the laboratory in Mahé). Results of the test will be communicated by email.