Seychelles has restricted entry for travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil due to COVID-19 surges. Vaccination proof is required for entry, while citizens must quarantine. The vaccination campaign shows promising progress toward herd immunity with 95% of the target achieved.
Seychelles imposed new restrictions for travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil due to the escalating COVID-19 outbreaks in these nations. Beginning immediately, travelers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to gain entry. The Seychelles Ministry of Health specified that vaccination certificates must be verified by the Public Health Authority during the travel authorization process.
Travelers from Brazil are entirely barred from entering Seychelles, a collection of islands located in the western Indian Ocean. Notably, these restrictions do not affect Seychellois citizens and permanent residents, who can still enter but must quarantine upon arrival according to Public Health guidelines.
These travel measures come about a month after Seychelles reopened borders to all visitors, excluding those from South Africa, aiming to revive its tourism sector affected by the pandemic. As for vaccination progress, 50,524 individuals have received two doses of either the Covishield or Sinopharm vaccine, equating to 51% of the population of 98,462. The goal is to immunize 70,000 individuals to achieve herd immunity, with a current total of 66,433 vaccinated, representing 95% of this target.
The vaccination campaign commenced on January 10, administering the Covishield and Sinopharm vaccines to the population. The country is working diligently toward achieving full vaccination targets amidst the ongoing pandemic challenges.
In summary, Seychelles has implemented travel restrictions for individuals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brazil to curb COVID-19 spread. While citizens and permanent residents can enter under quarantine, the majority of travelers from these countries face prohibitions unless vaccinated. The vaccination drive is continuing to make significant strides towards herd immunity, crucial for reopening and protecting the local population amid the pandemic’s ongoing threat.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
