Solomon Islands travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Solomon Islands.

Visa: Citizens of many countries, including Austria, Germany, and the UK, can enter visa‑free for up to 90 days. Norwegian citizens also do not need a visa for stays of up to three months. A "Border" visa is available on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, issued once per calendar year.

• New visa‑free arrangements: Effective 26 August 2026, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit visa‑free for up to 30 days.
• Required Documents: A valid onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry.
• Measles Vaccination: Proof of measles vaccination is strongly recommended. Acceptable proof includes a vaccine card stating the vaccine was administered at least 15 days before arrival, or a letter from your doctor confirming immunity.
• Children: Minors (under 18) travelling without both legal guardians require a notarised parental consent letter, plus copies of the guardians' passports and the child's birth certificate.
• Stolen Documents: The use of previously stolen or lost travel documents is strongly discouraged, as this can lead to entry refusal at the border.
• Departure Tax: A departure tax is payable at the airport; confirm the current amount before travel.

Official links: Solomon Islands Government Portal · Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry to the Solomon Islands, unless arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Measles vaccination is strongly advised.

• Malaria: Malaria is a risk throughout the Solomon Islands. Take anti‑malarial medication and use insect repellent.
• Mosquito‑borne Diseases: Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Ciguatera Poisoning: Eating reef fish can result in ciguatera poisoning, a naturally occurring seafood toxin. Exercise caution when eating fish.
• Travel Health Insurance: Essential. Medical facilities are very limited, and medical evacuation (air ambulance) to Australia is often required for serious cases. This can be extremely expensive. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.
• Medical Care: Medical facilities and rescue/emergency services throughout the Solomon Islands are very limited. The hyperbaric chamber in Honiara has basic functionality but is not capable of providing in‑chamber life support.
• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of all required medications for the duration of your stay, in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water.

Links: CDC – Solomon Islands · TravelHealthPro – Solomon Islands

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Criminal activity, including theft, assault, and sexual assault targeting foreigners, has occurred. Pay close attention to your personal security.
• Hotspots: Exercise increased caution in Honiara and on the islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita due to the risk of criminal activity, especially at night.
• Civil Unrest: Political protests and demonstrations can occur and may turn violent with little warning. Avoid large gatherings.
• Local Laws:
  • It is illegal to import or possess pornographic material.
  • Penalties for drug offences are severe and include jail sentences.
  • Consuming or being supplied with alcohol is illegal for those under 21.
  • Solomon Islands does not recognise same‑sex relationships; it is a criminal offence to engage in same‑sex sexual activity. Avoid public displays of affection and swearing.
  • Dual nationality is recognised.
• Natural Hazards: The Solomon Islands are in an active seismic zone; earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis can occur. The Pacific cyclone season usually runs from November to April.
• Driving: Drive on the left. Road conditions are poor, and driving at night is not recommended. An International Driving Permit is required in addition to your national licence.

Official travel advisories: Australian Smartraveller · New Zealand SafeTravel · Austrian MFA

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. No European embassy is based in the Solomon Islands . The Australian, New Zealand, and U.S. embassies are located in Honiara.

• Australian High Commission Honiara: Town Ground, Honiara · Tel: +677 21 561
• New Zealand High Commission Honiara: Town Ground, Honiara · Tel: +677 21 502
• U.S. Embassy Honiara: Mud Alley, Honiara · Tel: +677 23 521

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates accredited to the Solomon Islands

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: The Solomon Islands is an archipelago of over 900 islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth. The country is known for its pristine coral reefs, WWII history, and rich cultural diversity. The capital is Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal.

• Capital: Honiara (on Guadalcanal)
• Population: ~720,000
• Economy: Fishing, agriculture (copra, palm oil), and tourism.
• Nature: Pristine coral reefs, lush rainforests, and the Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world.

Official information: Solomon Islands Government Portal · Solomon Islands Tourism

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical — warm and humid year-round, with temperatures around 27-30°C . The climate is moderated by trade winds .

• Dry season (May–Oct): Pleasant, lower humidity, less rainfall. The best time for travel.
• Wet season (Nov–Apr): Hotter, more humid, with heavy rainfall and a risk of tropical cyclones.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly outside the beach area.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops for the beach, and reef shoes for water activities.
• Rain gear: A lightweight raincoat or poncho is essential, especially during the wet season.

8. Language & Communication

Official language: English. Pijin is the most widely spoken lingua franca. Over 70 indigenous languages are also spoken.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 240 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type I (Australian standard, with three flat pins in a V-shape).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: Yes — need an adaptor (Type C/F to Type I). For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to Type I). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 8.80 SBD; 1 USD ≈ 8.10 SBD.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially outside Honiara. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger shops in Honiara.
• ATMs: Available in Honiara, but their reliability can be limited.
• Cash Declaration: You must declare cash (SBD or foreign currency) if the total value is approximately 10,000 SBD or more.
• Price level: High — due to the country's isolation, many goods are imported.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airport is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal.

• Flights: No direct flights from Europe. Fly via Australia (Brisbane), Fiji (Nadi), or Papua New Guinea.

Domestic transport: Solomon Airlines operates domestic flights connecting Honiara to other towns. Ferry services are also available between some islands.

Driving: Drive on the left. Road conditions are often poor, and driving at night is not recommended. An International Driving Permit is required in addition to your national licence.

Official transport pages: Solomon Airlines

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: Limited options. Most accommodation is in Honiara, with a few hotels and guesthouses.
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00. Many shops close on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Solomon Islands cuisine is based on local produce, with a focus on seafood, coconut, and root vegetables.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Solomon Islands Time (SBT) – UTC+11. No daylight saving time.
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: +9 hours (when Central Europe is on standard time) / +10 hours (when Central Europe is on summer time).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 3 April – Good Friday
• 5 April – Easter Sunday
• 6 April – Easter Monday
• 7 July – Independence Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – Boxing Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Solomon Islands for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

The Solomon Islands is a paradise for divers, history enthusiasts, and travellers seeking a remote Pacific experience.

Official tourism pages: Solomon Islands Tourism

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nightlife in the Solomon Islands is very limited, mostly confined to Honiara, with a few bars and hotels. Avoid bars and nightclubs late at night due to security concerns.

• Honiara: A few bars and hotels with evening entertainment.
• Outer islands: Very limited.

Festivals & events:

• Independence Day (7 July) — the national day, with celebrations and parades.
• Pacific Games (if held) — a regional sporting event.

Event calendars: Solomon Islands Tourism Events

17. Media & Further Links

🇸🇧 Solomon Islands — where the Pacific meets paradise and history lies beneath the waves.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.