Developing the Seychelles Electronic Border System for the
Government of the Republic of Seychelles
Misinformation continues to circulate about Travizory Border Security and the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS). Travizory wishes to clarify several of the key false allegations that have been published.
When the health screening system was launched during COVID-19, the Government’s Platinum Committee established an authorization process for Seychellois citizens returning home. Initially, citizens had to request permission from the Public Health Authority (PHA) via email, but this quickly became overwhelming for the doctors. Travizory’s technology automated this process, making it quicker and safer, as all COVID certificates could be verified, minimising risk for the country. At the time, the Government decided that a fee should apply, even for citizens, and unfortunately, some people were not permitted to come home due to positive test results. To this day, many people wrongly associate Travizory with these policy decisions.
Seychelles is a sovereign nation with complete control over its borders. Travizory provides the software that Immigration uses to manage the borders more efficiently and effectively. Travizory has no input into Immigration policies and does not make decisions about who is permitted to enter the country. Only Immigration officers have the authority to approve or deny entry to the country. All questions, requirements, and rules relating to the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS) are set by the Department of Immigration.Travizory employs Seychellois agents to provide 24/7 operational and technical support for SEBS. Their primary functions include:1) facilitating passenger screening at the airport using the SEBS Biometric Corridor and; 2) assisting travelers in completing or submitting their ETA applications.These agents have no authority to make immigration decisions. Their role is strictly limited to technical and customer support. Responsibility for these tasks and resources will be transferred to the Government as soon as requested, in line with the official transition plan.
All the money collected belongs to the Government of Seychelles, and the Government can decide how that is used. Part of the money is allocated to the running of the system, e.g., the purchase of hardware and ongoing maintenance services provided by Travizory. Separately, 100% of the voluntary donations made by tourists are sent directly to the Environment Trust Fund, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. Monthly statements are provided to the Ministry of Finance, which has full audit access to all accounts associated with SEBS.
The Travel Authorization is not a Visa. It grants permission to travel to Seychelles, giving Immigration and other border agencies advance information about who plans to travel. Many countries have a TA system in place, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Kenya, Thailand, and the UK, and we expect them to become more common over the next few years. Traveler reviews of Seychelles’ TA process are overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of travellers saying they are satisfied, and 93% saying that the TA fee would not deter them from visiting Seychelles again.
The contract was subject to extensive negotiation and review at all levels of the government and underwent all appropriate procedures, in line with Seychelles’ procurement policies. The SEBS project was launched under the previous administration during COVID-19. The scope was expanded via a long-term contract under the current government. It is standard practice for a contract relating to national security to remain confidential, a copy is available to all Members of the National Assembly.
Travizory has never had any Seychellois shareholders or owners. Our investors include leading European Venture Capital firms and high-profile family offices, none of which have any ties or links to Seychelles. We are audited annually by PwC, a reputable audit firm, and have no ties to any Seychellois beyond the staff that we employ.
Travizory is a locally registered company and fully complies with all of Seychelles' tax obligations. We have filed all required tax returns from 2020 through 2024, including those for goods and services (VAT) and all payroll and income taxes for our 47 employees in the Seychelles. We have prepaid all of our estimated business tax and are awaiting the final assessment from the Seychelles Revenue Commission.
Travizory does not collect any data. Travizory provides a computer system used by the Government to collect and process traveler data. All data belongs to the Government of Seychelles. Travizory has no right to use, sell, or share any data. The Government of Seychelles controls who has access to the data.
Specific travel/tourism services are available for purchase on the SEBS platform, offering a convenient option for visitors. The Government controls all decisions about which businesses are made available on the platform. Today, the services available for purchase include: SIM Cards (Airtel / CWS), Bus Passes (SPTC), Biometric Pre-Enrolment (Eden Island VMA), and 24/7 Doctor Services (Seychelles Medical Services). Travizory has no vested interest in any of the companies or charities present on the platform. Any business interested in selling services on the platform should contact the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Transport for more information.