Solomon Islands travel guide

Travel Advice

The Pacific Games 2023 will be hosted in Honiara from 19 November to 3 December. See Pacific Games 2023

We advise a high degree of caution in Honiara. Political unrest can happen in Honiara during sittings of Parliament, elections and times of political uncertainty. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and political gatherings. See Safety and security

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has limited resources and response times to calls for help can be slow. There have been reports of robberies involving violence, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing, distraction thefts and harassment, particularly around the central market in Honiara. See Crime

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May. You should monitor local and international weather updates and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural disasters

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are wide-spread across Solomon Islands. You should follow the advice of local authorities, the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Earthquakes are common in Solomon Islands. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the New Zealand government’s GetReadyGetThru website. If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes.

Fresh and salt water crocodiles and sharks are common. Large crocodiles have been seen offshore at beaches near Honiara. Be cautious of local dogs, which can be aggressive. See Dangerous wildlife

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Solomon Islands, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

Medical facilities are very basic throughout Solomon Islands, including in Honiara. Contact local health providers for further advice. See Health

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Solomon Islands on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Commercial flights to and from Solomon Islands resumed from 1 July 2022, although options remain limited. There are several weekly flights to/from Honiara, although these remain infrequent and are subject to change. Check with your travel company for the latest information.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Solomon Islands.

Travel from Solomon Islands to the UK via Brisbane and Fiji is possible. Travellers should ensure they have the documentation required to transit through Australia or Fiji.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Solomon Islands

COVID-19 is circulating in the Solomon Islands. From Friday 1 July 2022, internal flights started to return to normal. Taxis are available at the airport (when the airport is open).

Public places and services

Hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants have reopened. Shops are generally open between 8am and 5pm daily (except Sunday).

Healthcare in Solomon Islands

Healthcare facilities in Solomon Islands are basic. It is important that you have travel insurance and ensure it provides sufficient cover.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are wide-spread across Solomon Islands.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Solomon Islands.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

Finance

Solomon Islands has a limited ATM network outside of Honiara. Only major hotels and restaurants in Honiara accept international credit cards. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted elsewhere. It is important you have multiple ways to access money.

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Political situation

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, with the support of regional security personnel are maintaining order.

We advise a high degree of caution in Honiara. Political unrest can happen in Honiara during sittings of Parliament, elections and times of political uncertainty. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and political gatherings.

Security lockdowns can be announced at very short notice.

You should monitor local media.

Crime

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has limited resources and response times to calls for help can be slow. There have been reports of robberies involving violence, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing, distraction thefts and harassment, particularly around the central market and local beaches. There has been a recent increase in the number of house burglaries. Make sure you have effective security in place.

Civil unrest and drunken behaviour can occur. Foreigners and expatriates may be attractive targets for violence. Take care if going to local nightclubs and be aware that such venues rarely have adequate fire precautions in place.

Take sensible security precautions at all times, and maintain a high state of personal awareness. Be especially vigilant whilst travelling around Honiara at night particularly if on foot. Take particular care in the squatter settlements around Honiara, White River and the Lungga Bridge, Sun Valley, Mataniko Bridge, Burns Creek and Henderson (airport) area. Security incidents in these areas have included improvised road blocks, sporadic rock throwing and more serious violent criminal acts, including sexual assault, robbery and vehicle hijacking. If you plan to visit rural Guadalcanal, take day trips outside Honiara or visit the island of Malaita you should check local advice before travelling. Visits to other provinces in Solomon Islands are generally trouble-free.

Road travel

There are few roads in Solomon Islands; 90% of these are on Guadalcanal and Malaita. Many are heavily potholed and in some areas bridges have collapsed. Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor. Be especially careful when overtaking. Many Solomon Islanders chew betel nut and frequently open vehicle doors, including on the driver’s side, when travelling at speed, in order to spit onto the road. Take care when driving in and around town. Poor pedestrian discipline and speeding has resulted in a number of fatal accidents. Driving at night requires even more care as there is little street lighting.

If you are involved in a road accident the law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive. There may however be circumstances where this is not safe, for example if a large and hostile crowd has gathered. In this case, it may be preferable to drive to the nearest police station to report the incident.

Air travel

International air travel routes have resumed but are infrequent and subject to change. From Friday 1 July 2022 domestic flights started to return to normal. When flights are in operation, reliability of services can be patchy and cancellations occur. Domestic flights are particularly prone to disruption and visitors with international connections should take note and plan accordingly. Facilities at Henderson International Airport are well below those at most international airports and you should prepare accordingly.

Sea travel

Domestic ferries to/from Honiara are currently operating a reduced service.

You should avoid travel on inter-island ferries wherever possible. Ferry services are usually crowded and safety regulations are not always strictly applied. Some domestic inter-island passenger ferries are operated at a nationally acceptable standard, but most domestic shipping is operated at a standard that would not be acceptable to an international traveller, and few carry recognised insurance. You should check with the operator before embarking. Bring your own lifejacket if you are taking sea journeys. Journeys to small and/or remote islands are usually in small-motorised canoes.

Dangerous wildlife

Salt water crocodiles are native to many parts of Solomon Islands, and there are regular sightings on beaches. Take local advice before entering unfamiliar waters, including lakes. There are also large species of shark (such as bull, hammerhead and tiger sharks) in the coastal waters.

Water sports

Many visitors to Solomon Islands take part in water sports, including scuba diving and snorkelling without incident. However, deaths and serious accidents have occurred because basic safety measures weren’t taken. Safety precautions and emergency responses may be less than those expected in the UK.

There is no decompression chamber in Honiara as the Hyberbaric chamber is currently out of service due to earthquake damage.

Make sure your travel insurance policy covers you for the activities you take part in.

Unexploded ordinance

The remnants of war are still present throughout Solomon Islands. The condition and stability of the weapons is unknown. You should get local advice before you travel to areas including Hell’s Point, Honiara and surrounding ridges, the New Georgia group of islands, the former capital of Tulagi and the Russell Islands.

Communications

There are two mobile telephone networks operating in Solomon Islands. Coverage is variable but does extend to the outer provinces and is becoming more extensive. Contact your service provider for further details. Your UK mobile phone is highly unlikely to work in the Solomon Islands. Local SIM cards and handsets are available. Solomon Telekom offers a hire service for satellite phones. Mobile 4G internet services are available in Honiara. Check with the operator for tariffs.

Pacific Games 2023  

The Pacific Games 2023, is a continental multi-sport event for Oceania countries, which will be hosted in Honiara from 19 November to 3 December. You should ensure you plan your travel carefully during this time as there is likely to be pressure on local infrastructure and resources due to an increased number of visitors. Confirm your travel plans in good time including your hotel accommodation. Traffic delays in Honiara are possible as road and transport arrangements are adjusted. There will be an increased security presence and you should take sensible precautions, monitor local media for any security changes and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Solomon Islands, attacks can’t be ruled out.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Drug use is illegal in Solomon Islands, and can lead to prison sentences.

Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail.

Dress codes, particularly for women, are modest. In certain areas there are ‘tabu’ sites only visited by men.

Land ownership in Solomon Islands is an important and sensitive issue. Walking and trekking off the beaten track, or the use of many of the beaches around Honiara, may require payment of a ’kastom’ fee to the landowner.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Solomon Islands and the penalties can include custodial sentences. Open displays of affection are likely to offend. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Solomon Islands set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Solomon Islands

Scheduled international flights to and from Brisbane (2 - 3 times per week) resumed on 1 July 2022. Other routes to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Nadi (Fiji) and Port Vila (Vanuatu) operate less frequently.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

The Solomon Islands will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 4 weeks prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Quarantine Requirements

With effect from Friday 1 July 2022, there are no quarantine requirements when entering Solomon Islands.

Entry Requirements

All incoming travellers must be fully (double) vaccinated.

If you are 12 years old or above and are double vaccinated, you do not need to undertake any COVID-19 test prior to entry into Solomon Islands. You will need to show proof of vaccination.

For any child under 12 years, it is recommended but not mandatory that they are double vaccinated before entering the Solomon Islands. Children under 12 who are not double vaccinated must undertake one COVID-19 PCR within a period of 72 hours before arrival into the country. You will need to show a negative test result at the time of check-in. Further information can be found on the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health Facebook page.

You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Solomon Islands high commission. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.

Entering the country illegally could result in a fine of up to SBD$1 million (approx. £100,000) and/or 20 years imprisonment.

Testing / screening on arrival

All incoming travellers eligible to enter the country must complete a Traveller’s Public Health Declaration card. You must provide full details of your place of stay, travel itinerary and current personal contact details in Solomon Islands for 14 days after your arrival in Solomon Islands.

You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Solomon Islands high commission. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.

Regular entry requirements

Visas  

British nationals visiting Solomon Islands do not need a visa. However, you should have a printed copy of a return or onward ticket. Check with the Solomon Islands Immigration Department for any other visa related questions, including how to apply for research, business or residency permits.

If you’re visiting or living in Solomon Islands, you’re advised to get a multiple entry visa for Australia.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Solomon Islands.

Measles vaccination evidence requirements

All travellers, with effect from 28 December 2019, will be required to complete a Travellers Health Declaration Card on arrival.

Travellers will also need to show proof of vaccination against measles if you have travelled from or via Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.

The requirement is not applicable to persons transiting through Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Philippines, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea where the original port of boarding, departure or embarkation is outside of the affected countries. A transit in this instance, means staying within the airport terminal complex.

You must be vaccinated at least 15 days prior to arrival in Solomon Islands and you must be able to provide documentary evidence of your vaccination. Failure to do so may result in you being unable to board your inbound flight or deportation.

For the purposes of entry into the Solomon Islands, the proof of vaccination is required to be in the form of:

• A vaccine card (yellow card) or other documentation that lists the measles vaccine as having been administered at any date prior to the 15 days stipulated, including in childhood.

• A medical certificate from a recognised medical practitioner or hospital that states the traveller is protected from measles due to a past infection or immunisation with measles vaccine;

• A medical certificate from a recognised medical practitioner/hospital that states a traveller’s blood test confirms the presence of measles antibodies or that the test is reactive for measles.

These requirements are not applicable for infants under 6 months of age, pregnant women and persons where there is evidence of contraindications for vaccine administration such as immune deficiency and allergies.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Other health risks

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread across Solomon Islands. You should follow the advice of local authorities, National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Viral infections are common and you should take precautions to reduce the risks (ie washing hands and drinking bottled water).

UK health authorities have classified Solomon Islands as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Medical treatment

Medical facilities are very basic. There are limited hospital facilities and medical supplies aren’t always available. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara frequently runs out of blood supplies and often has a very limited stock of oral re-hydration salts, paracetamol and basic antibiotics. Wards and units can close down at very short notice. Gizo hospital is newly built and has good facilities, but can also run short of supplies.

Take a basic medical kit with you when visiting rural and remote areas. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. To receive medical treatment in Australia, you’ll need a medical visa before you arrive in Australia.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Solomon Islands is a part of the ’Ring of Fire’ that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean; earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity can occur at any time.

Sometimes localised tsunamis are caused by larger undersea earthquakes. The Solomon Islands authorities are responsible for providing tsunami warnings and alerts, usually through radio broadcasts. You can get up to date information from the U.S Tsunami Warning System.

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the  World Meteorological Organisation and Solomon Islands Meteorological Service.

Heavy rain and flooding can affect Solomon Islands. Bridges are often washed away as a result. Check local weather forecasts and take care if you are travelling during the tropical cyclone season.

Access to banking facilities is difficult in rural areas. ATMs are available in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki.

Credit and debit card payments through the two main banks ANZ and BSP are becoming more widely available in Honiara

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, ), or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.