The Seychelles has reopened to tourists - but and then those travelling by private jet

As more travel restrictions ease around the world, countries are making plans to reopen their borders to tourists.

The Seychelles, where tourism is probably the country's most important sectors, now allows tourists to visit the remote islands, but only when they're travelling by private jet.

"The destination is only going to consider visitors from low-risk countries travelling through private jets and chartered passenger direct flights," the Seychelles Tourism Board said.

As well as having to charter a plane to make it happen, travellers attempting to escape to the hawaiian islands need to undergo a Covid-19 test before boarding any flight. Negative results must be sent directly to the country's department of health and visitors must show the results after landing along with confirmation from their local health authority that the test was taken less than 48 hours before they boarded their private plane.

"Visitors failing woefully to present the mandatory proof will be turned back on a single aircraft," the tourism board said.

The limited reopening is founded on the advice of the country's health authority and was created to limit risk of Covid-19 transmission to persons living and focusing on the 115 islands that make up the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Upon landing in Mahe, all visitors must complete health formalities, have their temperature scanned and also have an indicator check. Some travellers may also be selected for an instant antigen test.

Travellers must have proof of the hotel or resort where they're planing to remain. They also won't be allowed to leave their resort to travel between islands.

Superyachts welcome

For elite travellers that prefer the ocean over the air, the Seychelles is in reach again as the waters of the corner of the western Indian Ocean have reopened to yachts and superyachts.

But entry is trickier for these travellers than those on private jet. There are strict rules in place for seafaring travellers, and cruise lines remain banned until 2022.

All vessels must clear immigration at port Victoria and specific clearance is necessary if travellers desire to disembark at the country's islands. Before this may happen, yachts must spend at least 2 weeks at sea, with passengers undergoing daily temperature checks.

Plans to reopen Seychelles AIRPORT TERMINAL to commercial flights are set for July, but visitor numbers will stay restricted for an interval once this happens.

There's also set to be always a $50 charge (Dh183) for tourists that may go towards supporting local public health measures.

A coronavirus-free destination

IN-MAY, the Seychelles declared itself Covid-19 free after nine weeks of battling the virus. The number of recorded cases was 11, which were found on the key island of Mahe. No cases were reported on Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island and the Outer Islands.

The Seychelles isn't the only Indian Ocean destination to reopen exclusively to elite visitors.

The Maldives in addition has reopened to travellers with private jets or charter flights. Regular travellers should wait a bit longer as travel restrictions are anticipated to help ease further in July.