Solomon Islands Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Solomon Islands.
Healthcare services in the Solomon Islands are very basic. The main public facility is the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, which handles serious cases. For anything beyond routine care, medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is often necessary.
The National Referral Hospital in Honiara is the primary hospital. There are also smaller provincial hospitals. But their capabilities are extremely limited. For serious illness or injury, the only viable option is often evacuation.
You can find pharmacies in Honiara. But they may not stock specific brands or medications you rely on. It's essential to bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you need, along with a doctor's note.
Complete travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is considered essential for any visit to the Solomon Islands.
- ✓ Carry a complete travel medical kit including antibiotics for infections, antiseptics, bandages, and remedies for common traveler's illnesses.
- ✓ Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date and consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis, which is present in the islands.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft like bag snatching and pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting visitors, often targeting visible items like phones, bags, and cameras.
Road conditions in the Solomon Islands are often poor, with potholes, limited lighting, and unpredictable local driving habits. Vehicles and ferries may not be well-maintained.
Malaria is present throughout the Solomon Islands, including in Honiara. Dengue fever is also a risk, transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
A vendor, taxi driver, or guide might quote a price for goods or services that is significantly inflated for tourists, counting on visitors not knowing local rates.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Respect local customs and traditions, known as *kastom*. Ask permission before taking photographs of people, in villages.
- • Avoid political demonstrations or large public gatherings, as they can occasionally turn confrontational.
- • Carry a copy of your passport and visa, and leave the originals in a secure place.
- • Use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours rather than standalone machines.
- • Carry only the cash you need for the day. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger businesses in Honiara. But not widely elsewhere.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Solo women travelers are not uncommon in the Solomon Islands, and most visits are without serious incident. However, verbal harassment and occasional unwanted attention can occur, in Honiara.
- → Cover shoulders and knees. Locals notice. Modest dress earns quiet respect in this conservative archipelago.
- → Book established guesthouses or hotels with solid reputations. Ask them to call a registered taxi, after dark.
- → Stay firm, stay polite. Ignore the chatter. Walk with purpose toward lights and people.
Same-sex sexual relations remain illegal in the Solomon Islands and carry prison terms.
- → Keep affection private. Talking openly about orientation is rare here.
- → Two men or two women checking into one room may raise questions. A private bungalow keeps things simpler.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Clinics are basic. A medevac is likely. Complete travel insurance is not optional for the Solomon Islands.
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