Seychelles Layover Guide (SEZ)

What are you looking for in SEZ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Seychelles Airport (SEZ) is an international airport located on Mahé Island, near Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. It’s situated about 11 km (7 miles) from downtown Victoria. The airport officially opened in 1972. Victoria is the largest city in Seychelles and a key gateway to the Indian Ocean archipelago. It’s known for its tropical climate, stunning beaches, coral reefs, and its unique blend of Creole culture and island hospitality.

Can you leave Seychelles Airport (SEZ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), travelers may clear immigration and leave the airport without a visa. A free Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival for up to three months, provided you have a valid passport, onward/return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds. No transit visa is required. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market Explore the vibrant Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria, featuring fresh produce, spices, crafts and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in Seychellois culture while sampling local treats and interacting with vendors. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi or public bus line 14 to Victoria.)
• Victoria Clocktower Admire the iconic Victoria Clocktower, a replica of London’s Little Ben erected in 1903. This historic monument symbolizes Seychelles’ colonial past and offers a photo opportunity, located in town centre. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi or bus line 14 to Victoria.)
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens Stroll through the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, home to indigenous palms, exotic orchids and giant tortoises. Enjoy shaded pathways, ponds and learn about the archipelago’s unique flora with informative signage. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or bus line 24 plus short walk.)
• Beau Vallon Beach Relax on Beau Vallon Beach’s powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. Swim, snorkel among picturesque coral reefs or try jet skiing. Cafés and beachside bars offer refreshments with sunset views. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi or bus line 14 to Beau Vallon.)
• Mission Lodge Viewpoint Drive to Mission Lodge Viewpoint overlooking western Mahé. Explore the ruins of a 19th-century school among endemic trees. Marvel at ocean vistas and learn about Seychelles’ mission heritage onsite plaques. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 35-minute taxi; no direct bus.)
• Eden Island Marina Explore Eden Island Marina, a modern waterfront complex housing luxury yachts, boutiques and restaurants. Experience al fresco dining, water’s-edge bars and scenic canal walks in this leisure area near Victoria. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi or bus line 14 plus 10-minute walk.)
• Anse Royale Beach Soak up the atmosphere at Anse Royale Beach, featuring a calm turquoise lagoon sheltered by coral reef. Snorkel among colorful fish beneath swaying palms or picnic on the golden sands. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi or bus line 22.)
• Sainte Anne Marine Park Take a boat excursion to Sainte Anne Marine Park, Seychelles’ marine reserve. Swim alongside tropical fish, explore coral gardens and spot hawksbill turtles. Admire vistas en route to secluded beaches. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi to Eden Island Jetty + boat transfer; see official site.)

Things to Do in Seychelles Airport (SEZ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Seychelles International Airport features the Air Seychelles Majestic Lounge and the CIQ Aspire Lounge, offering comfortable seating, complimentary beverages, light snacks, free Wi-Fi, charging stations and panoramic runway views. Entry is available via business class tickets, eligible frequent-flyer membership or pay-per-use access bookable online or at lounge reception with dedicated restrooms. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels are located within a 5-minute drive from SEZ, including Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort and Coral Strand Smart Choice. Guests benefit from airport shuttle services, booking flexibility, on-site dining, swimming pools, spa facilities and serene beachfront or hillside settings for restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
SEZ lacks dedicated sleep pods or napping rooms, but offers ample seating areas with reclining chairs near Gates 9–12 and the transit lounge. Quiet zones are available beyond security, where travelers can rest on benches, stretch out in less crowded corners or use complimentary blankets upon request.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals upon arrival. Passengers can connect to the “Seychelles Airport Free WiFi” network for up to two hours per day. Unlimited premium Wi-Fi passes and faster bandwidth options are purchasable via the portal. Ethernet ports are not provided.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local SIM cards from Airtel and Cable & Wireless are sold in arrivals halls, offering data, voice and text plans. Providers offer prepaid physical SIMs and eSIM activation via QR-code. Kiosks operate daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Top-up vouchers, plan changes and international roaming bundles are also available. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are immediately outside the arrivals terminal, offering metered service to destinations across Mahé. Fares to Victoria cost approximately 200–250 SCR (roughly USD 15–20), plus night surcharges after 9 PM. All vehicles are air-conditioned and licensed by the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority. Card payments accepted in most taxis.

Train: Seychelles has no rail network, so there is no train service to or from SEZ. All ground transport relies on road vehicles, including buses, taxis, shuttle vans and private cars. Visitors requiring info on inter-island ferries or road transport can consult the national transport portal. (more info)

Bus: The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) operates two bus routes (Nos. 5 and 6) connecting SEZ to Victoria Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM until 8:30 PM. A single-zone ticket costs 5 SCR (approx. USD 0.40). Buses depart from the station directly outside the arrivals hall. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-booked shuttle transfers between SEZ and popular resorts. Vehicles range from shared minibuses to private vans, typically meeting flights in the arrivals area. Costs vary by provider and group size. Reservations should be confirmed 24 hours in advance to ensure availability and flight coordination.

Car rentals: Major car-hire brands including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt maintain counters in the arrivals terminal. Drivers must present a valid driving license, passport and credit card for deposit. Rental options include economy hatchbacks, SUVs and 4×4s. Opening hours are 24/7, with after-hours key drop services available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots flank both sides of the terminal, totaling over 500 spaces. Rates start at 50 SCR per hour and 200 SCR per day, payable via cash or card at pay stations. Disabled, electric-vehicle charging and premium parking spots are designated near the terminal entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SEZ does not provide self-service lockers; however, baggage storage services are available at the airport information desk for a daily fee. Larger luggage handling and oversized items can be stored in secured facilities offsite by local providers. Lost-and-found and luggage assistance are also handled at baggage services. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Seychelles Airport (SEZ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks