AGP Executive Report

Travel & Entry Rules: Canada says citizens of Seychelles and Morocco may qualify for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when flying, but only if they’ve had a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, and the stay is temporary. Regional Travel Updates: South Korea lists only eight African countries for K-ETA, including Seychelles, while Thailand cuts its visa-free stay to 30 days (and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius) from 15 September. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands its 2026-27 winter network to 170+ destinations, with Seychelles services moving to daily from March 1, 2027. Seychelles Spotlight: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island launches biometric wellness medical screenings and personalised multi-day programmes. Tourism Demand: Expedia reports Praslin (Seychelles) searches up 80% year-on-year, as island getaways keep surging. Sports: CAF Champions League return legs this weekend feature Simba SC, TP Mazembe, Pyramids FC, Al Hilal and Atlético Petróleos carrying away advantages.

Court & Justice: Green Mamba’s CAF Confederation Cup second-leg showdown in Angola is tied to a potential E6.4 million jackpot, with the Seychelles Tribune noting the stakes after their 2-0 first-leg lead. Wellness Tourism: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island rolls out a new 60-minute Wellness Medical Screening using non-invasive biometric checks, feeding into personalised multi-day programmes. Illicit Finance: Namibia’s first assessment of illicit financial flows flags N$16.7bn in annual “leakage” via tax evasion, misinvoicing, corruption and crime—an eye-opener for regional governance debates. Seychelles-Russia Ties: “Under One Sun” opens in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air works celebrating 50 years of independence and diplomatic relations. Human Capital Cooperation: Seychelles hosts a conference on co-operation with Russia focused on education and vocational training. Transport & Connectivity: Ghana’s transport reforms highlight rail, maritime and aviation upgrades—useful context as Seychelles weighs its own connectivity priorities. Tech & Finance (Seychelles-linked): Zoomex expands Stock Perpetuals and launches ZWTC 2026 with a prize pool up to 5 million USDT, underscoring Seychelles’ growing role in global financial services.

Maritime Security: Seychelles is raising concern over renewed Somali piracy and emerging threats along key shipping routes, a reminder that sea-lane safety remains vital for the islands’ trade and tourism. Tourism Pulse: Expedia reports island travel is surging in 2026, with Praslin in the Seychelles up 80% in search interest year-on-year, as social buzz around island getaways climbs too. Regional Air Connectivity: IndiGo will add daily nonstop Mumbai–Dar es Salaam from 20 November 2026, and Qatar Airways expands its winter network to 170+ destinations, with Seychelles services set to become daily from 1 March 2027. Local People & Health: A Seychelles-linked story hits hard as Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch remains in ICU after a scooter crash in the Seychelles. Education & Cooperation: Seychelles hosted an international conference on 50 years of friendship with Russia, focusing on education and human capital development. Sports: Seychelles Football Federation league action continues, with Tigers leading early in the Championship League and Au Cap strong in League One.

Seychelles-Russia Human Capital: Seychelles hosted a conference marking “50 Years of Friendship” with Russia, focusing on education, vocational training and international co-operation to build human capital. Seychelles Tourism: STB charts a stronger, more resilient path for Seychelles tourism as the islands keep drawing visitors despite distance and perceptions. Aviation & Connectivity (Region): Mauritius approved amended fisheries ERS rules to curb IUU fishing, while it also plans a National Aviation Council to review air access policy—moves that could shape regional travel flows affecting Seychelles. Travel Watch (Regional Rules): Thailand is tightening visa-free travel, cutting stays to 30 days from Sept 15 and limiting land-border entries—important for Seychellois travellers planning multi-stop itineraries. Local Sports: Seychelles Football Federation updates show early momentum in the Championship League and League One, with Tigers and Au Cap setting the pace after opening rounds. Health (Seychelles-linked): Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch remains in ICU after a scooter crash in Seychelles. Business & Finance (Seychelles-linked): FiveComply highlights its licensing footprint across Cyprus, Dubai, Mauritius and Seychelles, reflecting ongoing growth in regulated financial services.

Seychelles–Russia Human Capital Talks: Seychelles hosted a conference on “50 Years of Friendship” with Russia, focusing on education and vocational training to build human capital, with the Education Minister and the Russian ambassador among attendees. Local Governance: Vice-President Sebastien Pillay told the National Assembly there is no “Special Housing Loan” under the Housing Finance Company, clarifying instead a “Special Housing Scheme” aimed at vulnerable groups. Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing stronger market diversification after Middle East disruptions, with Russia leading the rebound and growth also seen in China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. Finance & Regulation (Seychelles link): Global broker FP Markets says it holds a Seychelles Financial Services Authority licence, as it adds a UAE Capital Market Authority Category 5 licence—highlighting the growing role of Seychelles in international financial services. Health Capacity Building: A MEA-supported international programme at PGIMER, Chandigarh includes Seychelles among 27 countries, training nursing leaders on public health policy and management. Sports (Seychelles): The Seychelles Football Federation’s Championship League and League One kicked off with early leaders Tigers and Au Cap setting the pace after two rounds. Public Safety (Seychelles-related): An Australian national tennis coach, Tim Horpinitch, remains in ICU after a scooter crash in the Seychelles, with life-threatening injuries reported.

Seychelles–Saudi Ties: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation, including economic and tourism partnerships. Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reporting momentum in July and August after a tough first half of 2026, with Russia leading the rebound and growth also seen in China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey, as it maps a 2027 shift from planning to implementation. Local Football: The Seychelles Football Federation season is underway with early sparks in the Championship League and League One, while Premier League pre-season action saw Real Maldive and Anse Reunion hold top spots in their groups. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A Seychelles-based tennis coach, Tim Horpinitch, remains in ICU in Australia after a serious scooter crash in the Seychelles. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand will cut visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept. 15 and cap visa-exempt land border entries at two per year, with Seychelles and Mauritius set for a separate 15-day tier. Tech & Finance (Seychelles-linked): FiveComply says it has expanded licensing operations including Seychelles, while Zoomex announced a major expansion of its Stock Perpetuals product with more than 30 equities.

Local Sports: The Seychelles Football Federation season is off to a lively start, with Tigers leading the Championship League and Au Cap setting the pace in League One after two rounds of goals and dramatic finishes. Health & Safety: Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch is fighting for life in an induced coma after a serious scooter crash in the Seychelles, with life-threatening injuries reported a week later. Tourism & Trade: Seychelles Tourism Board reps and trade partners met at Eden Bleu to review 2026 performance and map 2027, citing a July-August rebound led by Russia and growth in China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. Business & Finance: FiveComply says it has expanded from Cyprus into a global licensing and compliance group with operations in Mauritius and Seychelles, supporting hundreds of licences and regulated entities. Diplomacy: Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral economic and tourism cooperation. International Mobility: Thailand’s visa-free rules tighten from September 15, cutting standard stays to 30 days and limiting land border entries—Seychelles travellers are set for a separate 15-day tier.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual marketing meeting in Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing market diversification to cushion shocks after a tough first half linked to Middle East disruptions, with July and August showing a rebound and Russia leading the recovery. Bilateral Spotlight: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting economic and tourism cooperation. Regional Trade Push: Seychelles is set to host the headquarters of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor, a US$5.17bn digital trade and interoperable payments initiative aimed at cutting the cost and friction of intra-African commerce. Local Sports: The Seychelles Football Federation Premier League pre-season tournament continued, with Real Maldive and Anse Reunion holding top spots in their groups after draws. Energy & Mobility Link: A five-year fuel supply deal between IndianOil and Mauritius was signed, underscoring long-term energy cooperation across the region.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing a 2027 shift from planning to implementation, with visitor momentum in July and August and Russia leading the rebound while China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey show growth. Seychelles-Saudi Ties: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation, including economic and tourism links. Seychelles Football: The Seychelles Football Federation pre-season Premier League Tournament continued with Day Three results, including Real Maldive drawing 1-1 with Bel Air to stay top of the Mahé group. Regional Travel Rules (Thailand): Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from September 15, cap land border entries at two per year, and keep a separate 15-day exemption for Seychelles and Mauritius—major for frequent travellers. Digital Trade for Africa: AfCFTA and Quest Ghana signed a US$5.17bn digital trade corridor deal, with Seychelles set to host the venture’s headquarters in Victoria. Global Aviation Safety Watch: Ukraine urged airlines to avoid Russian airspace after drone-linked disruptions, while Russia rejected the claim; FlightConnections lists nonstop routes including Seychelles and Tanzania.

Seychelles-India Diplomacy: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta, praising shared democratic values and centuries-old ties, and highlighting growing interest in Yoga on the islands. Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing market diversification to protect the sector from shocks, with Russia leading the rebound. Regional Mobility Rules Affect Visitors: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15 and cap land-border entries at two per year; Seychelles travellers get a separate 15-day exemption. Seychelles Finance Plan: Finance Minister Pierre Laporte says Seychelles is moving toward a new fund focused on health, education and infrastructure, with independent governance to protect public resources. Business & Governance Watch: A businessman linked to the Duma Boko School and Clinic project says his role was limited to company registration and that he has since left the venture. Sports & Culture: Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay met Saudi FM Prince Faisal in Riyadh to discuss cooperation, including tourism and economic partnerships.

Seychelles–Saudi Cooperation: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral ties, including economic and tourism partnerships. Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing market diversification to protect the sector from Middle East-linked disruptions, with Russia leading the rebound. Seychelles–India Parliamentary Links: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta, highlighting shared democratic values and deepening cooperation, including interest in Yoga. Seychelles Social Infrastructure Fund: Finance Minister Pierre Laporte says Seychelles plans a new fund focused on health, education and infrastructure, designed to protect scarce public resources with independent governance. Regional Mobility Watch: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, while Seychelles travellers get a separate 15-day exemption—plus land-border caps may affect frequent travellers. Blue Economy Training: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training as blue economy investment grows, adding ship design and shipbuilding courses.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and setting a 2027 shift from planning to implementation, with visitor momentum building in July and August after a tough first half linked to Middle East disruptions; Russia is leading the rebound, while China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey are also showing growth. Seychelles-India Ties: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta in New Delhi, highlighting shared democratic values and celebrating 50 years of independence and diplomatic relations, with renewed focus on people-to-people links and interest in Yoga. Seychelles Diplomacy: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, including economic and tourism partnerships. Regional Mobility Watch: Thailand’s visa-free stay rules tighten from September 15—cutting many nationalities from 60 to 30 days, capping land-border entries at twice a year, and giving Seychelles a separate 15-day tier—changes that could affect travellers planning longer trips. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training for ship design and shipbuilding as blue economy investment grows, ahead of a major blue economy conference in September. Cruise Spotlight: Seabourn opened bookings for a 138-day 2029 world cruise that includes Praslin in the Seychelles, alongside stops such as Zanzibar and Cape Town.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and mapping a 2027 shift from strategy-setting to full implementation, with visitor arrivals gaining momentum in July and August after Middle East disruptions; Russia is leading the rebound, while China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey are also showing growth. Bilateral Diplomacy: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation, including economic and tourism partnerships. AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor: The AfCFTA Secretariat and Quest Ghana signed an agreement for a US$5.17bn digital trade corridor, with Seychelles set to host the joint venture headquarters in Victoria and support interoperable payments and a commodities exchange to cut cross-border transaction costs. Seychelles Social Infrastructure Fund: Finance Minister Pierre Laporte says Seychelles plans a new fund focused on health, education and infrastructure, designed to protect scarce public resources with independent governance and expected to start operating next year. Global Travel Rules Affecting Seychelles Links: Thailand confirmed visa-free stays will drop from 60 to 30 days for many countries from September 15, while Seychelles is listed for a separate 15-day exemption. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up training, including ship design and shipbuilding courses, as blue economy investment grows—an angle relevant to the wider Indian Ocean region.

Seychelles Tourism Recovery: Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) partners met at Eden Bleu to review 2026 performance and set the 2027 rollout, citing a tougher first half after Middle East disruptions but a rebound in July and August, with Russia leading the recovery by about 6,000 more visitors than last year; STB says it is pushing stronger market diversification to build resilience. Seychelles–India Ties: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held talks with Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta, highlighting shared democratic values and celebrating 50 years of independence and diplomatic relations, with renewed focus on cooperation including yoga. AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor (Victoria HQ): The AfCFTA Secretariat signed with Quest Ghana to create a US$5.17B digital trade corridor, including a digital marketplace, an African minerals and commodities exchange, and interoperable payments, with Seychelles set to host the joint venture headquarters in Victoria. Seychelles–Saudi Cooperation: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss expanding economic and tourism partnerships. Climate & Cooling Debate: A new study says air conditioning saved nearly 58,000 lives in the US from 2010–2020, but experts warn cooling demand is rising fast and could worsen global warming. Blue Economy Skills Push (Regional): Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is scaling up ship design and shipbuilding training as blue economy investment grows.

Seychelles–India Ties: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta in New Delhi, highlighting shared democratic values and celebrating 50 years of independence and diplomatic relations, with a focus on cooperation including Yoga. AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor: The AfCFTA Secretariat and Ghana’s Quest Ghana signed an agreement for a US$5.17bn digital trade corridor hosted in Victoria, aiming to cut cross-border payment and trade costs and support an interoperable payments system plus a commodities exchange. Seychelles Social Infrastructure Fund: Finance Minister Pierre Laporte says Seychelles plans a new fund focused on health, education and infrastructure, with independent governance to protect public resources from political interference. Maritime & Security: A Seychelles-linked regional spotlight comes as Kenya reports a major methamphetamine seizure from an unregistered vessel, underscoring risks from small, unmarked boats and IUU activity in Indian Ocean shipping lanes. Tourism Academy in Russia: Seychelles Tourism Academy held a “Knowledge Day” lesson in Russia with students, linking education and environmental habits like waste sorting and reducing plastic packaging. Global Context: A report warns air conditioning is saving lives but could drive major climate impacts as cooling demand rises worldwide.

Diplomacy & Tourism: Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay in Riyadh to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation, including economic and tourism links. Parliamentary Ties: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held talks with Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta, highlighting shared democratic values and support for promoting Yoga. Regional Trade Tech: AfCFTA signed with Ghana’s Quest Ghana to set up the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor (US$5.17B), with Seychelles hosting the joint venture HQ in Victoria to cut cross-border payment and trade frictions. Seychelles Residency Rules: Government outlined three conditions for residence permits: no prohibited-immigrant status, family/domestic ties, and a meaningful contribution to life in Seychelles. Health, Education & Infrastructure Fund: Seychelles plans a new social fund focused on health, education and infrastructure, with independent governance to protect public resources. Maritime Security: Ukraine warned airlines to avoid Russian skies; FlightConnections lists 46 nonstop route pairs linking Russia with Seychelles and other African states. Travel & Leisure: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many countries from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15, while Mauritius and Seychelles get 15-day exemptions. Business & Travel Services: Thomas Cook India opened a new outlet in Manapakkam, Chennai, expanding its Tamil Nadu network. Cruise Tourism: Seabourn opened bookings for its 2029 world cruise, featuring Praslin in the Seychelles among 58 destinations.