AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety: The U.S. issued a travel warning over chikungunya, flagging Costa Rica’s Guanacaste/Playa Langosta and urging mosquito-bite precautions; CDC also lists other higher-risk destinations including Mauritius and Seychelles. Connectivity Boost: Starlink became operational in Seychelles on July 18, with broadband planned across the archipelago’s 115 islands—aimed at improving reliability for remote islands, tourism operators and maritime users. Air Seychelles Expansion: Air Seychelles has signed a lease for two Airbus A321XLRs, with delivery expected in 2028 to extend reach beyond its regional network. Tourism Spotlight: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List puts Praslin, Seychelles among the “next wave” island picks (plus St. Lucia top spot), with searches up strongly year-on-year. Local Travel Context: Seychelles-linked tourism talks include exploring Indonesia’s Pemapak hot springs potential, while Berau and Seychelles discuss candlenut cultivation on former mining lands. Visa Watch: Nigerians can access 44 destinations without pre-arrival visas, including Seychelles, with entry rules varying by country. Power Disruptions (Elsewhere): Cyprus announced rotating load-shedding with detailed area groupings.

Air Seychelles Expansion: Air Seychelles has signed a lease for two Airbus A321XLRs, with the first aircraft due in 2028, aiming to strengthen Seychelles’ long-haul connectivity and tourism access. Island Travel Buzz: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” shows Praslin, Seychelles jumping 80% in search interest, placing it among the world’s fastest-rising island getaways. Seychelles–ASEAN Tourism Links: Seychelles’ President’s Special Envoy to ASEAN visited Berau’s Pemapak Hot Springs, where Seychelles is exploring partnerships to develop the nature-based site and boost visitor numbers. Seychelles in Visa-Free Headlines: Moldova’s 2026 visa-free list includes Seychelles (one of only two African countries on the list), while South Africa’s visa-free rules continue to highlight Seychelles as eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Cruise & Market Watch: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises unveiled new 2027–28 itineraries, including a first-ever winter Indian Ocean season, as travel operators gear up for the next wave of demand.

Island Travel Buzz: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” puts St. Lucia top, with searches up 125%, and highlights Porto Santo (+85%) and Seychelles’ Praslin as a nature pick—showing island demand is rising fast worldwide. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Russia’s expanded visa-free deals now include Seychelles for short visits, while Moldova’s 2026 visa-free list names only Mauritius and Seychelles among African countries. Visa-Free Advantage (Pacific): Tonga’s 2026 visa-free entry list includes Seychelles as the only African country, with a strict 30-day limit. Aviation Connectivity: The Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement to enable direct scheduled flights; the Maldives says Ethiopia is its sixth African aviation partner, including Seychelles. Tourism Development: Seychelles is exploring cooperation to develop Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs, aiming to boost visitor numbers through facilities, accommodation and partnerships. Health Alert for Travellers: UK holidaymakers are warned about rising mosquito-borne viruses in Europe, including West Nile, dengue and chikungunya.

Island Buzz (Expedia): Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List shows island searches up an average 55% year-on-year, with St. Lucia (+125%) leading, Porto Santo (+85%) second, and Seychelles’ Praslin named among the “next wave” picks. Seychelles in the spotlight (visa-free): Tonga says Seychelles is the only African country whose citizens can enter visa-free in 2026, with a strict 30-day limit. Regional tourism development: Seychelles is exploring nature-based tourism links with Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs, where visitor numbers have rebounded after renovations. Marine conservation: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island to guide future conservation, biosecurity, and monitoring. Travel safety note: UK holidaymakers are warned about a triple threat of mosquito-borne viruses (West Nile, dengue, chikungunya) spreading across European hotspots. Air connectivity: The Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement to enable scheduled flights between the two countries.

India–Seychelles Blue Economy: A State Visit (27–29 June 2026) delivered 19 bilateral outcomes across development finance, digital payments, maritime cooperation, agriculture and institutional capacity-building—an opening for stronger ocean-based growth and resilience. Seychelles Tourism & Culture: The National Gallery hosted a preview of Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition ahead of Seychelles’ 50th independence celebrations, with stage costumes and historic materials spotlighting “living culture.” Conservation on Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island to guide future conservation, biosecurity and monitoring amid hotel development. Reef Education Push: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin’s Vijay International School to teach Year 3 students reef threats and hands-on restoration using “Reef Stars.” Digital Finance Focus: A new analysis highlights how Seychelles can use digital finance to connect its dispersed islands, modernise services and reduce tourism-linked vulnerabilities. Travel Access Update: Oman’s 2026 visa-free rules include Seychelles for up to 14 days, while Spain is set to add Seychelles to its 2026 visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days).

Cruise Deals: Scenic Group launched its third Summer Black Friday Sale with savings of up to 40% on select Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours departures, for new bookings from July 20 to August 3, 2026 (use code SUMMERBF). Visa Updates for Seychellois Travellers: Oman confirmed visa-free entry for stays up to 14 days in 2026, listing Seychelles among the eight African countries eligible for the 14-day exemption. Seychelles Conservation & Tourism: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island (Dec 2025–May 2026) to guide conservation, biosecurity, and monitoring linked to ongoing hotel development. Marine Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin’s Vijay International School to teach Year 3 students about coral reefs and reef restoration at Raffles Seychelles Resort. Digital Finance Focus: A new analysis looks at how digital finance could help Seychelles modernise its financial services and reduce tourism-linked vulnerabilities. Travel Safety Note: UK police jailed three men behind a £4m “fake police” crypto scam, a reminder to never share account details or transfer funds after unsolicited calls.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture: The National Gallery of the Seychelles hosted a preview of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition, featuring stage costumes and photos, with Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Nicola Amanda Jane Bernstein and Russia’s ambassador Artem Kozhin in attendance. Eco-Tourism Push (Ghana): Ghana’s Tourism Ministry says it will target the Volta Region as a major eco-tourism hub, with plans to package local attractions and improve access roads under the “Big Push” infrastructure programme. Visa-Free Travel Watch: Slovakia, Romania and Montenegro have published 2026 visa-free entry lists for select nationalities, with Seychelles and Mauritius repeatedly appearing on African-friendly routes; meanwhile, Hong Kong, Latvia and Spain have also updated visa-free access rules for African travellers (stay lengths vary by country). Travel Disruption & Safety: A gap-year and conservation tour operator collapse left students without refunds, while a UK crypto scam case shows fraudsters even used “police” impersonation to steal money—worth a reminder to travellers to stay alert to scams.

Visa Updates for African Travellers: Montenegro has published its 2026 visa-free list for African countries, allowing eligible passport holders to enter and stay up to 90 days (Seychelles and Mauritius are included). Caribbean Access: Jamaica says Sierra Leoneans can now travel visa-free, and the island has confirmed visa-free entry for 16 African countries in 2026, with Commonwealth ties a key factor. Middle East Tourism Link: Iran’s tourism visa-free list names six African countries for a 15-day stay (once every six months), including Seychelles and Mauritius. Europe Easing (Spain): Spain will grant visa-free short stays (up to 90 days) from 2026 for ordinary passport holders from eight African nations, including Seychelles—while South Africa is not listed. Regional Integration Push: Chad announced it will abolish entry visas for all Africans from 1 January 2027, joining a growing group that already includes Seychelles. Seychelles Culture & Tourism: The National Gallery hosted a preview of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition, timed to Seychelles’ 50th independence anniversary celebrations. Travel Disruption Watch: Gap-year and internship dreams are hit after GVI collapsed into liquidation, leaving students without refunds. Safety & Security Note: A UK crypto scam gang that impersonated police officers has been jailed—an indirect reminder to stay alert to fraud targeting travellers.

Visa-Free Boost for Seychelles: Jamaica has expanded visa-free entry for citizens of 17 African nations, including Seychelles, aiming to strengthen tourism and ties with Africa. Russia Entry Rules: Russia’s embassy published its full 2026 visa-free list, with African countries named under varying conditions (often limited to diplomatic or service passports). Iran Tourism Access: Iran’s foreign ministry lists six African countries eligible for visa-free tourism for 15 days (once every six months), including Seychelles. Spain Eases Travel for Seychelles Passport Holders: Spain’s 2026 update grants visa-free short stays (up to 90 days) for ordinary passport holders from eight African countries, including Seychelles. Chad Opens Borders: Chad announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining a growing group that already includes Seychelles. Seychelles Culture Spotlight: The National Gallery hosted a preview of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition, marking Seychelles’ 50th independence and deepening cultural links. Travel Disruption Warning: Gap-year and internship students face losses after Global Vision International (GVI) collapsed into liquidation, with some trips cancelled and refunds not offered. Tourism Tech Upgrade (Region): Ghana’s Accra airport is rolling out security scanners so travellers won’t need to remove shoes, belts or laptops from August.

Visa Rules for Seychelles Travellers: Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a 27-country tourism visa-free list, with Seychelles among six African nations granted a 15-day stay (once every six months, non-extendable). Spain Opens a Door: Spain’s 2026 update adds Seychelles to an eight-country African visa-free list for short stays up to 90 days (tourism/business/family visits, with standard border checks on arrival). Regional Mobility Push: Chad announced it will abolish entry visas for all Africans from 1 January 2027, joining a growing group including Seychelles and others. Seychelles in Culture: The National Gallery hosted a preview of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition ahead of Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations. Tourism Reality Check: A gap-year provider collapse left students without refunds, including placements linked to conservation work in Seychelles. Travel Safety & Security: Accra Airport’s upgrade is rolling out new security scanners and ends the “shoes/belts/laptops” routine from August, improving the passenger experience. Crime Watch: UK police jailed a crypto gang that impersonated police officers, with luxury holidays including the Seychelles mentioned in court.

UK Crypto Fraud Sentences: Three Nigerians—Anthony Ikenwe, Kevin Nwamma and Hamza Bashir—were jailed in London for a £4m cryptocurrency scam where they impersonated police, used fake “secure police accounts,” built convincing police websites, and spent proceeds on luxury cars, Rolexes and holidays (including trips to the Seychelles). Seychelles Culture Spotlight: The National Gallery of Seychelles hosted a preview of the Russian Bolshoi Theatre Museum exhibition, featuring stage costumes and theatre history, ahead of the Seychelles 50th Independence celebrations. Visa-Free Travel Moves (Africa focus): Tunisia published a 2026 visa-free list for 21 African countries (including Seychelles) for up to 90 days; Iran also lists Seychelles for 15-day visa-free tourist entry (once every six months). Spain Easier for Some Africans: Spain’s 2026 visa-free short-stay access (up to 90 days) includes Seychelles among eight African countries, with standard border checks still required. Regional Integration Push: Chad announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and Congo.

Visa Updates for Seychelles Travellers: Spain has added Seychelles to its 2026 visa-free list for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, alongside Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia and Rwanda—tourism and business only, with standard border checks still required. Regional Mobility Push: Chad will abolish entry visas for all Africans from 1 January 2027, joining Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and the Republic of the Congo. More Caribbean Access to Spain: Spain also granted visa-free entry to nine CARICOM countries (up to 90 days), but Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti were left out. Seychelles in the Spotlight Abroad: Luxembourg’s 2026 visa-free list includes only two African countries—Mauritius and Seychelles. Security Reminder: In the UK, three men were jailed for a £4m crypto scam where they impersonated police to trick eight victims; police say about £1m was recovered and more assets are being traced.

Visa-Free Updates for Seychelles Travellers: Poland’s 2026 visa-free list includes Seychelles (along with Mauritius and São Tomé & Príncipe), while Hungary’s 2026 exemption covers only Mauritius and Seychelles for short stays up to 90 days. Regional Access Boost: Trinidad and Tobago’s visa-free list for 2026 includes Seychelles, and Luxembourg’s 2026 visa-free policy names only two African countries—Mauritius and Seychelles. Tourism Policy Watch: Thailand approved a revised visa approach to curb misuse—ending the 60-day exemption for 93 countries and shifting many to 30-day visa-free stays; Mauritius and Seychelles get up to 15 days. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Seychelles Tourism Board says India demand is rising fast, targeting 15,000 Indian arrivals in 2026, supported by improved connectivity (including direct Mumbai–Seychelles flights). Local Independence Event: Mason’s Travel marked Seychelles’ 50th Independence with a Jubilee Cruise bringing residents and visitors aboard Le Cerf. Crime & Travel Safety Note: A UK crypto scam gang jailed after impersonating police and laundering £4m reportedly spent on luxury trips including the Seychelles.

Seychelles Tourism & Arrivals: Seychelles is pushing for stronger Indian demand, targeting 15,000 Indian arrivals in 2026, with the Seychelles Tourism Board citing improved connectivity and growing awareness beyond honeymoons. Seychelles Travel Business: Mason’s Travel marked Seychelles’ 50th Independence with a Jubilee Cruise aboard Le Cerf, bringing residents and visitors together for two days at sea. Regional Mobility (Visa News): Spain has added nine CARICOM countries to its visa-free list for short stays, and also extended visa-free access to eight African nations including Seychelles for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Regional Mobility (Visa News): Norway’s 2026 visa-free list includes only Seychelles and Mauritius from Africa, while most other African passport holders still need a visa. Regional Mobility (Visa News): Mozambique confirmed its 2026 visa-free policy for selected African countries, noting that entry conditions and eTA requirements may still apply. Travel Security: A UK crypto fraud gang that posed as police officers has been jailed after stealing over £4m, a reminder to travellers to stay alert to scams. Sporting Spotlight: Seychelles’ sporting history is marked in a July 16 recap, celebrating milestones from the nation’s volleyball and wider sports journey.

Seychelles Aviation & Connectivity: Aeroflot has resumed flights to Seychelles, shifting the Moscow–Victoria route to a year-round schedule with two weekly services (Wednesdays and Saturdays), a move the Seychelles Transport Minister says signals confidence in the destination and should strengthen a key source market. Seychelles Tourism Product: Fregate Island is set to reopen after three years of renovations, adding an on-site distillery where guests can experience island-made gin and rum as part of a circular-economy, waste-to-wealth approach. Visa-Free Travel Watch: Norway’s 2026 visa-free list includes only Mauritius and Seychelles from Africa, while Spain’s 2026 short-stay waiver adds Seychelles among eight African countries and also grants visa-free entry to nine CARICOM nations (with some regional exclusions). Regional Entry Updates: Germany confirms only Mauritius and Seychelles can enter visa-free for up to 90 days (no work allowed), and Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa all publish updated visa-exemption lists that include Seychelles.

Thailand Visa Overhaul: Thailand’s cabinet cut the visa-free stay for 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days and tightened misuse controls, with Seychelles and Mauritius now getting visa-free tourism stays of up to 15 days; visa-on-arrival remains for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Spain Opens More Doors: Spain added nine CARICOM nations for visa-free short stays up to 90 days, and also extended visa-free access to eight African countries including Seychelles. Germany Clarifies Entry: Germany’s updated rules keep Nigerians needing visas, while only Mauritius and Seychelles are listed for visa-free short stays for African passport holders. Seychelles Connectivity Boost: Aeroflot has resumed flights to Seychelles on a year-round basis (twice weekly), with the Transport Minister calling it a vote of confidence for tourism and stronger Russian arrivals. Seychelles Tourism Product Update: Fregate Island is set to reopen after renovations, adding an on-site distillery that turns surplus island produce into gin and rum as part of its circular economy. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Emerald Cruises announced two new 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure sailings aboard Emerald Kaia for November 2026.