PRESS RELEASE 16/09/2020

For immediate Release

 

Seychelles launches new technology platform to process travel authorization

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Seychelles has today launched a new technology to facilitate the collection and analysis of traveler information ahead of their trip to the Indian Ocean islands, to ensure the re-opening of the borders in the safest manner.

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The new technology – Travizory - allows the Seychelles health authorities to collect identity and health information directly from the traveler via the easy-to-use web and mobile apps. The information is fed securely into a single system, providing advance information about all travelers wishing to travel to the Seychelles.

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The system gives authorities the capability to run rapid and efficient vetting procedures to minimize COVID-19 risks and other security risks. In short, it removes the guesswork for airlines at check-in and boarding and most importantly, it makes the passenger journey smoother and provides more peace of mind.

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This new Visitor Management Platform replaces the current email and form-based system, which was cumbersome for travelers and airlines, as well as authorities alike.

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In a few simple steps, travelers can apply from their mobile phone via Android or iOS apps or on the web https://seychelles.govtas.com in about 5 minutes. Travelers will receive a clear response on their eligibility to travel in the form of a secure barcode, also available as a wallet pass, which they can present at check-in and boarding.

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Without a Seychelles Health Travel Authorisation (SHA), a traveller will not be able to board the plane to Seychelles. It is important to apply for the HTA before the day of travel.

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Each individual is required to apply separately for an HTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for completing the application.

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The first step would require one to fill out the application and ensure all data are entered correctly. After submitting the application, the traveller will receive automatic emails confirming reception of application and payment. A US$50 fee (approximately 45€) will be charged per application.

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Another email will confirm approval or refusal of the application. In the event of a refusal, the traveller will not be allowed to travel for the moment.

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If the application has been approved, the traveller will need to download the document to his mobile phone device and save it in the HTA mobile app. This is the travel authorization that needs to be shown at the departure and arrival points.

 

It is important to note that the traveller needs to be in possession of a negative PCR test before submitting an application.

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The HTA is valid for one journey only and must be repeated for each journey.

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The Seychelles authorities has established a list of countries that are allowed entrance to Seychelles. Please visit the following link to find out if you are eligible for a travel authorisation to Seychelles: http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/

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Also enclosed with this release is the FAQs pertaining to the Seychelles Health Travel Authorisation.

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FAQS

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What is an HTA?

 

The Seychelles Health Travel Authorization is a system that determines the eligibility of individuals, based on pre-defined health and security criteria, to travel by air or sea to the Seychelles. The HTA determines travel eligibility of an individual up to 72 hours prior to the start of travel. The HTA’s assessment process ensures that only individuals authorized to travel are allowed to board the means of travel. Such action decreases the possibility of further spreading COVID-19 infection and allow to prevent potential threats to enter the country. The HTA will also enable the authorities to contact travelers in case a suspected close contact to an infected person has occurred.

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Who must obtain the Seychelles Health Travel Authorization?

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The Seychelles Health Travel Authorization (HTA) is mandatory for all individuals, national and foreign citizens, of all ages, that want to enter into Seychelles.

Each individual is required to apply separately for an HTA before the day of travel. It is mandatory to use this website to submit your application. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.

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How do I apply for the Seychelles Health Travel Authorization and how does the process look like?

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The Seychelles Government has made this website available as a secure platform with the purpose of allowing travelers to gather information and initiate the authorization process. An HTA application can be completed through this official website or through the “Seychelles Health Travel Authorization” official mobile application and must be done for each individual who intends to travel by air or sea. 

Steps:

• Individually fill out the application

• Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly

• Submit the application

• An email confirming reception of your application will be sent to you automatically

• An email confirming reception of payment will be sent to you automatically

• An email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you

• If your application has been approved, please print the PDF document that has been attached to the e-mail, download the document to your mobile device or save it in the “Seychelles Health Travel Authorization” mobile app. This is your travel authorization that needs to be shown at the departure and arrival points.

• If your application has been denied, you will not be able travel to Seychelles for the moment. Please contact the Public Health Authority on visitor@health.gov.sc  to report your situation and obtain further details. 

Applications are processed immediately after the application is received. You should receive a response within the next 3 hours. You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://seychelles.govtas.com/application-check

Please take into consideration that you are only allowed to travel once your application has been approved by the Seychelles Government.

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Why do I have to pay for a Travel Authorization?

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As borders are reopening, we want to make sure our visitors and citizens are safe, and limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus as much as possible. Our authorities are doing everything to make sure of that. The funds collected through the Health Travel Authorization allows us to make sure we assess the health and safety risks of all travellers, and lets us provide free of charge airport arrival COVID-19 tests when necessary. This means you do not have to worry about extra costs when arriving in Seychelles.

Do I need a COVID-19 test prior to applying for an HTA?

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Visitors coming from countries that appear on the “permitted list” require a negative PCR certificate no more than 72 hours old from the date of travel. 

Please be aware that visitors coming from high-risk countries will not be authorized to enter Seychelles even if a valid PCR test is presented. There may be exceptions for Seychellois and resident permit holders.

Visit http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/ for the list of permitted countries.

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How can I check if my country is part of the nationalities authorized to enter Seychelles?

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The Ministry of Tourism has established a list of countries that are allowed entrance to Seychelles. Please visit the following page to find out if you are eligible for a travel authorization to Seychelles: http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/

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Do children or infants also require an HTA and COVID-19 negative test certificate?

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Yes. The Seychelles Health Travel Authorization is mandatory for all individuals, national and foreign citizens, of all ages, that want to enter into Seychelles.

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What information is required to apply for an HTA?

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• Valid passport 

• Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process

• Contact details (home address, telephone, email)

• Travel information (arrival flight number, seat or cabin number, departure and arrival airports or ports, date of departure with initial flight in case of corresponding flights)

• The information on the hotel you will be staying at

• Negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate

• A valid travel insurance with full medical coverage for the duration of your entire stay in Seychelles.

• Credit or debit card information

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How far ahead of my flight should I apply for an HTA?

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The application can be made between 72 and 3 hours before departure. The reviewing process may take up to three hours before validation. You will not be able to travel if your application has not been approved by the time of your departure. 

In case of an emergency or unplanned departure to the Seychelles, an express application is available. The reviewing takes only up to 30 minutes and comes with an additional charge of 100 dollars per applicant.

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How do I check the status of my HTA application?

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You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://seychelles.govtas.com/application-check

Within minutes after submitting your application, the system will send you an email confirming receipt of your application. This email will contain the Reference number assigned to your application. Use this number to check your application status. Do not immediately re-apply for a travel authorization.

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Does an HTA guarantee permission to travel?

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No. While it is obligatory to present a valid STA to gain access to the departure point and during the check-in and boarding process, you still need to present all documents required by your carrier. The HTA is not a substitution for documents such as your Passport or boarding pass. In addition, you might be subjected to questioning and health assessment such as temperature taking at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.

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Is the HTA a health certificate?

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No. Although a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required and health related questions are asked during the application process, the HTA does not constitute a valid health certificate, and further medical tests may still be asked during your travel. The HTA is only your official authorization allowing you to travel to the Seychelles.

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For how long is my HTA valid? Does it expire?

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The HTA is valid for one journey only and must be renovated for each additional journey. It expires once you exit the country.

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Can I apply for an HTA even before booking my journey?

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No, the travel information is an obligatory section of the application process. Therefore, it is only possible to apply for the HTA after having booked your ticket.

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What do I do if my means of payment has been refused?

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The system will require a valid credit or debit card to complete the transaction. No checks or cash is accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes, and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient founds on the account you used.

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What do I do if I am refused the HTA?

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If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Please contact the Public Health Authority on visitor@health.gov.sc to report your situation and obtain further details.

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How does the Seychelles government protect the privacy of the STA data and who has access to it?

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Please refer to our Privacy Policy to get more information.

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For how long is my application data stored?

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Please refer to our Privacy Policy to get more information.

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Is my credit or debit card information safe?

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Please refer to our Privacy Policy to get more information.

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