Solomon Islands Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago nation in the South Pacific, welcomes tourists with relatively straightforward entry procedures. All visitors must hold a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Upon arrival, travelers will pass through immigration and customs at Honiara International Airport (HIR) or other designated ports of entry. It's important to ensure all documents are in order, as entry is ultimately at the discretion of the immigration officer. Travelers should be aware that infrastructure and services outside the capital can be limited, and planning accordingly is essential for a smooth visit. General requirements include having at least one blank visa page in the passport and ensuring the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Solomon Islands. While many nationalities receive a visa on arrival or enter visa-free, it is the traveler's responsibility to confirm their specific visa requirements prior to travel. Immigration processing can sometimes be slow, so patience is advised.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The Solomon Islands operates a tiered visa system, offering visa-free entry to many Commonwealth and Pacific nations, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for certain countries, and a traditional visa application process for others.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days for most nationalities (some are limited to 30 or 45 days).

Nationalities that do not require a visa prior to arrival. A visitor's permit is issued on arrival.

Includes

United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Canada European Union member states Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Fiji Papua New Guinea Vanuatu Samoa

The visitor's permit issued on arrival is typically for tourism or business. Extension of stay is possible by applying to the Immigration Division in Honiara. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond departure.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 90 days.

Mandatory pre-travel authorization for citizens of the United States and several other countries.

Includes

United States of America Argentina Brazil Chile China India Israel Mexico Philippines Taiwan Thailand United Arab Emirates

How to Apply: Apply online through the Solomon Islands Immigration Department's ETA portal. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply well in advance of travel.
Cost: Approximately SBD $400 (subject to change).

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You must carry a printed copy of the approval. It is a pre-authorization; the final entry permit is still issued by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa issued.

Nationalities that must obtain a visa from a Solomon Islands diplomatic mission or the Immigration Division prior to travel.

How to Apply: Apply at a Solomon Islands embassy or high commission, or directly to the Immigration Division in Honiara if applying from within the country. Requires a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, proof of funds, and fee.

This category includes many African, Middle Eastern, and some Asian countries not listed in the visa-free or ETA categories. Processing times can be lengthy.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Honiara International Airport is generally straightforward but can be slow. Have all documents organized and readily available.

1. Health Screening

You may be asked to complete a health declaration form, if coming from a region with health alerts.

2. Immigration

Present your passport, completed arrival card, and proof of onward travel/return ticket. For ETA holders, present your printed ETA approval. The officer will issue a visitor's permit stamp in your passport.

3. Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed through the customs channel (Green/Nothing to Declare or Red/Goods to Declare). Be prepared for your bags to be inspected.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must have at least 6 months validity from your planned departure date and one blank visa page.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof you intend to and have the means to leave Solomon Islands before your permit expires.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Such as bank statements, cash, or credit cards. The amount is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Visitor's Permit/ETA (if applicable)

Visa-free nationals receive a permit on arrival. ETA holders must show printed approval. Visa-required nationals must present their visa.

Completed Arrival/Departure Card

Provided on the aircraft or at the airport. Must be filled out accurately.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, ticket, ETA printout) in a single, easily accessible folder.

Fill out the arrival card neatly and completely while on the plane to save time.

Answer immigration questions politely and directly. Have your accommodation details written down.

Declare any items required at customs. Honesty is the best policy to avoid fines.

Customs & Duty-Free

Solomon Islands customs regulations are designed to protect the local environment, agriculture, and society. Declare all items of value, restricted, or prohibited goods.

Alcohol

2.25 liters of wine or 1 liter of spirits

Traveler must be 21 years or older.

Tobacco

250 grams of tobacco products (e.g., 200 cigarettes)

Traveler must be 21 years or older.

Currency

SBD $50,000 or foreign currency equivalent

Amounts exceeding SBD $50,000 (or equivalent) must be declared upon arrival and departure.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and new goods up to a value of SBD $3,000

Goods intended for commercial purposes or exceeding this value are subject to duty and taxes.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Indecent or pornographic material
Firearms, ammunition, and weapons without prior permit
Protected wildlife and products (e.g., coral, turtle shell, certain shells) without CITES permits
Counterfeit goods

Restricted Items

Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and plant products - require import permit and phytosanitary certificate
Animal products, meat, and live animals - require import permit and veterinary health certificate
Medicines ( prescription drugs) - must be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription
Radio communication equipment - requires approval from the Telecommunications Commission

Health Requirements

There are specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on vaccination against Yellow Fever for travelers from at-risk countries. Other vaccinations are strongly recommended due to local health risks.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas)
Rabies (for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals)

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Medical facilities are limited, outside Honiara, and serious conditions often require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand at significant cost.

Current Health Requirements: As of May 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry. However, this is subject to change. Check the Solomon Islands Government and WHO websites for the latest health advisories before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website. Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and others have diplomatic representation in Honiara.

Immigration Authority

Solomon Islands Immigration Division

Official source for visa/ETA information and applications. Website: https://www.immigration.gov.sb/

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 999 for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent, with relatives, or alone, it is advisable (though not always mandatory) to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This can prevent delays during immigration checks.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets is complex and strictly regulated to prevent rabies and other diseases. An import permit from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is mandatory. Requirements include a valid veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titer test, and treatments for parasites. Pets are subject to quarantine upon arrival. Start the process months in advance.

Extended Stays

To stay beyond the initial visitor's permit (usually 90 days), you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Division in Honiara before your current permit expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials and require a valid reason, proof of sufficient funds, and payment of a fee. Overstaying is a serious offense resulting in fines and potential deportation.

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