Travel advice for Solomon Islands

Exercise caution throughout the Solomon Islands because political instability may cause unrest, especially in Honiara. Petty theft and scams occur, particularly near markets and beaches; avoid demonstrations and crowds. Take extra care, especially at night, on Guadalcanal and Malaita because of criminal attacks. Medical care is very limited, so bring insect protection and comprehensive travel insurance.

Hungary advises a high degree of caution for Solomon Islands.

Japan advises a high degree of caution for Solomon Islands.

Exercise caution because pickpocketing, theft and violent robbery occur, especially in Honiara and after dark. Avoid isolated streets and parks, and secure valuables. Drugs carry severe penalties, public sex is prohibited, alcohol is forbidden under 21, and LGBTQ+ people may face strict punishment, discrimination or aggression. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, unexploded ordnance, violent demonstrations and unsafe boats also pose risks, so follow local authorities.

Exercise increased caution in the Solomon Islands, particularly in the November-to-May monsoon, when floods and landslides can disrupt services and close airports. Protests in Honiara and Malaita can become violent, and opportunistic crime rises in Honiara around the central market and main beaches before Christmas. Limited health facilities, dengue, malaria and other infections, poor roads and dangerous sea conditions, including rip currents, crocodiles and sharks, all pose risks.

Exercise increased caution because of health risks, unexploded World War II ordnance, crime, and possible civil unrest. Malaria and dengue fever are widespread, and facilities outside Honiara are under-resourced; unexploded ordnance remains a hazard even in cleared areas, including Hell’s Point, the ridges behind Honiara, New Georgia, Russell Islands, and Tulagi. Honiara has higher petty crime, robbery, and sexual-assault risks, while protests may arise suddenly and turn violent.

Australia advises normal precautions for Solomon Islands.

Travel is generally safe in the Solomon Islands if usual precautions are followed. Exercise particular caution in Honiara, where protests and political gatherings may become violent during parliamentary meetings, elections or political uncertainty; avoid them. The November-to-May cyclone season can bring extreme weather, and decompression illness after diving may require specialised transport and treatment abroad because Honiara's hyperbaric chamber cannot provide life support.

Exercise normal security precautions in the Solomon Islands; violent crime has targeted foreigners, particularly in Honiara. Petty theft occurs and crime usually increases before Christmas; demonstrations and unrest are concerns in Honiara and Malaita. Currents, riptides, crocodiles and sharks are hazards. Avoid boating or diving after dark, stay on marked trails, and avoid unexploded ordnance near Hell’s Point, New Georgia, Russell Islands and Tulagi; roads are poor, ferries unsafe.

Exercise normal precautions, but note that Estonia and other EU countries have no diplomatic representation in the Solomon Islands, so consular assistance for passport loss, theft or detention is extremely difficult. Estonian citizens may stay visa free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Consult other countries' travel information because entry conditions may change without prompt notification.

Germany advises normal precautions for Solomon Islands.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Solomon Islands.

Take normal precautions, but avoid public gatherings and crowds, especially in Honiara and Malaita, because civil unrest and political violence may occur. Guard against opportunistic crime in Honiara and drive cautiously because roads are potholed and bridges have collapsed. Unexploded Second World War ordnance remains around Hell’s Point, the ridges behind Honiara, New Georgia, Tulagi and the Russell Islands; prepare for cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, malaria, dengue and Zika.

Exercise normal precautions in the Solomon Islands: check entry requirements with official sources, do not leave belongings unattended, travel in groups, and avoid going out alone at night. Medical facilities are limited and evacuation can be expensive, so purchase comprehensive insurance for activities. Dress appropriately and be aware of local sensitivities, especially outside resort areas. Monitor weather forecasts during the November to April wet season and follow local authorities' instructions.

No warning is issued. Tourists need a tourist visa valid for three months and should apply early because of processing delays. Passports need six months’ validity and two blank pages, and a yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a listed transmission risk country. Health risks include Zika, malaria, dengue, insects, ticks, and viral infections, so wash hands and drink bottled water.