Travellers no longer need to quarantine when arriving in St Helena after the remote South Atlantic island dropped all Covid entry restrictions.
The country, located almost 2,000 km off the southwestern coast of Africa, had enforced a strict entry policy since the pandemic began which included a seven-day mandatory quarantine for all arrivals.
However, it has now dropped all entry requirements, although mask wearing may still be required in some places.
More: Cook Islands aims to boost visitor numbers with trade-focused campaign
Feature: Exploring remote St Helena in the South Atlantic
St Helena, a British Overseas Territory, opened an airport in 2017 and has fortnightly flights to Johannesburg, or is accessible by a five-day voyage from Cape Town.
The news has come as welcome news to tour operators that run trips to the island, such as Chester-based Africa specialists Rainbow Tours.
The lead-in price for the 11-day Discover St Helena tour is £5,035, and includes an island tour, spending an evening with a local family, hiking up Diana’s Peak, and a boat tour where guests are likely to see bottle-nosed and rough-toothed dolphins, rays, sharks and turtles.
Candice Buchan, head of Rainbow Tours, said: “St Helena is completely unlike anywhere else and a wonderful choice for clients looking for somewhere a little different to explore.
“It’s a rugged paradise that has impressive biodiversity and untouched landscapes which really appeal to adventurous travellers and wildlife enthusiasts.
“Although it’s a year-round destination, the summer months (December to March) are best for diving and January is a great time to go to see whale sharks in the waters around the island.”
She added: “Although entry restrictions have been removed, clients should be mindful of the fact that this is a small, isolated community and as such mask wearing may still be requested in some places.”
More: Cook Islands aims to boost visitor numbers with trade-focused campaign