Seychelles: 10 Things You Need To Know About COVID-19 Testing

So you’re finally heading on that dream vacation to the Seychelles, but there’s that one lingering worry; Covid-19 testing. Is it easy to find? Can I get results in time?

For those thinking of a trip to these marvelous islands, you are in for a treat. The islands have recovered and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic marvelously.

But how do I find Covid testing in the Seychelles? And what if I test positive?

Finding a Covid-19 test in the Seychelles isn’t a problem, even with the stringent new 1-day US testing requirement. So even if you haven’t traveled recently and dealt with return testing, there’s nothing to worry about.

And meeting the travel requirements to enter the Seychelles is even easier.

So here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 testing in the Seychelles before you head over there.

1) You need an RT-PCR test to enter the Seychelles

This one may not surprise Europeans, but Americans headed over to these islands may have more difficulty finding RT-PCR testing.

The Seychelles require negative results within 72 hours of departure, which isn’t always easy to find. And even if you do find PCR testing with results that quick, you’re likely to have to pay extra.

Luckily, airports all across the US have become the ultimate solution to finding rapid PCR testing for travel. Problem solved.

2) You must be approved to travel into the Seychelles

Part of the requirement to take an RT-PCR test before traveling to the Seychelles actually involves filling out an application!

Much like applying for an E-Visa, the Seychelles Health Pass is mandatory for entry. You’ll need to provide info including

• Inbound and outbound flights
• A list of your accommodations for the entire stay
• Your travel history over the last month
• and more

Make sure to apply as soon as you have your PCR results – it can take up to 9 hours for your application to be received. There is a fee – and you can pay extra to have your application processed in under 60 minutes.

3) There are cheaper Covid testing providers than the one recommended during your Seychelles “Health Pass” application

Seychelles Medical is the company that processes Health Pass applications, so they get first dibs on advertising their services.

Though Seychelles Medical does offer the most convenient service, it certainly does not offer the cheapest COVID-19 testing.

There are many other providers throughout the islands offering results just as quickly for much better prices – as low as 1200 SCR per test.

4) You can save money by pre-booking your Seychelles COVID-19 exit test – but they’re still expensive

Regardless of the provider you select for your COVID-19 test, you’ll often find discounts if you book ahead of time.

For example, Seychelles Medical offers a discount of 20% for those booking their exit COVID-19 test online.

Because of this, our initial fee for a COVID-19 test in the Seychelles was reduced from 155 Euro down to 124 Euro. Still expensive, but stings a tiny bit less.

5) You can easily get your test results in one day, even for a PCR testing

The Seychelles actually have pretty advanced testing facilities. As such, they are able to process both Antigen and PCR testing as quick as the same day.

For example, most testing centers can provide antigen results, the kind needed to enter the USA, in only 15 minutes. PCR test results are available in mere hours.

6) Testing can be done almost everywhere, even at your hotel

While planning our Seychelles vacation, one worry persisted: how we were going manage the logistics of getting to a testing center before leaving. Our hotel, the Hilton Labriz Silhouette Island, was an hour ferry ride away from the main island of Mahe.

Luckily, we were able to book a test right in the comfort of our hotel, meaning we wouldn’t have to scramble over to Mahe for our tests.

Seychelles Medical provides testing on almost all of the Seychelles, including even some private islands!

7) The COVID-19 test kits used in the Seychelles are totally painless

Gone are the days when a PCR test swab gets inserted so deep into your nasal passages that it reaches your brain.

Welcome to the new age of COVID-19 testing, where you barely feel even a tickle.

So you don’t have to spend your vacation in the Seychelles fretting about that test you’ll have to do before leaving.

8) You may be charged extra fees that aren’t listed when you prepay for your test

The main reason we recommend against Seychelles Medical is because they aren’t upfront about their costs.

Lured in by the convenience and discount offered during our Health Pass application, we opted to stick with Seychelles Medical – despite knowing there were other providers available.

But at the end of our vacation, we found an extra 1000SCR (about $40 USD) charge affixed to our room bill. The receptionist told us that the previous guests were also appalled by this unannounced charge – which does not leave a great taste in your mouth to end your vacation.

I contacted Seychelles Medical and was told by the associate that he would “contact his manager.” After that, I was ghosted.

It would be one thing to announce the extra fee ahead of time, but it’s a completely different thing to try and hide it.

9) You can get test results right at the airport in under 2 hours

For those last minute travelers, as I often am, consider using the testing center right at the airport. It’s located at the domestic terminal side of departures.

Most flights, including those to Dubai and Doha, leave late in the evening. And most hotels require checking out in the early afternoon.

This leaves a perfect window to get tested while waiting for your flight. Plus, there are a couple great cafes to enjoy right at Seychelles International Airport as you await your results!

Antigen results arrive in only 15 minutes, while PCR results take up to 2 hours. It is recommended, but not required to book your test ahead of time.

10) Your health or travel insurance should cover COVID-19 related expenses in case you test positive

According to the Seychelles Public Travel Advisory, “All visitors must have a valid travel health insurance to cover potential COVID-19 related costs (isolation, quarantine, and treatment).”

In the unlikely event that you test positive, you are required to isolate. Symptomatic patients need to isolate at a health isolation facility while asymptomatic positive people can isolate at any tourist facility.

Having solid travel insurance, such as Trawick Medical (my favorite because it’s the cheapest), is a great backup. Hopefully you won’t need it though!

Bottom line: the Seychelles is one of the easiest places to find COVID-19 testing – ever!

As you can see, getting a COVID-19 test to leave the Seychelles is super easy and convenient. In fact, I’d consider it easier than finding a test in almost every country I’ve been to during Covid. This includes much of Europe and the USA!

And if you are struggling to find a test at home, consider approved self-test kits or getting tested right at the airport. Thanks for reading!