Solomon Islands — Passport and Visa Information
Passports
| Country | Passport Required | Visa Required | Return Ticket Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | Yes | No | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No | Yes |
| British | Yes | No | Yes |
| USA | Yes | No | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | No | Yes |
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Return tickets and proof of sufficient funds may be demanded. It is recommended you have two blank pages in your passport.
Visas
A Visitor's Permit will be issued to most nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months, and are granted on arrival. The cost of the permit varies according to nationality.
Visa Note
Some countries need clearance from the immigration department and are required to give prior notice in order to obtain a visitor's permit. Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).
Entry Restrictions
If you arrive by yacht you need to complete an arrival form and ask for a visitor's permit.
Travel Warnings
Due to the geographical location of Solomon, earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. Two earthquakes occurred in the Western Province, causing huge waves to hit the islands of Tetepare and Rendova on the morning of 4 January 2010, causing significant structural damage.
Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail.
In April 2006, political tensions in the Solomon Islands resulted in wide-scale civil unrest. Political tension in Honiara has eased significantly since the new government took over in December 2007, but the risk of civil disturbance remains. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid public gatherings and large crowds and monitor local information sources.
Law and order in the Solomon Islands is fragile.
If visiting the Solomon Islands, caution should be exercised at all times and a high state of personal awareness maintained. It is strongly advised to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's security arrangements. Visitors should take up to date advice about day trips or travel around the area close to Honiara and refrain from traveling around Honiara at night.
Instances of pickpocketing, theft and burglary against expatriates have been on the increase recently. Caution should be exercised in local nightclubs as instances of drunken attacks are not uncommon. Such venues rarely have adequate fire precautions in place.
On 2 April 2007, a tsunami hit the Western and Choiseul Provinces of the Solomon Islands.
The tropical cyclone season in the Solomon Islands normally runs from November to May.
The threat from terrorism in the Solomon Islands is low. But travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
Health Care
Medical facilities are very limited and there are drug shortages. There are several hospitals, the largest being the Central Hospital in Honiara. Church missions provide medical facilities on outlying islands. Health insurance is essential.
Vaccinations
| Vaccination | Special Precaution |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Rabies | No |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
Special Notes
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from an infected area.
