Entry Requirements & Visas
Visa on Arrival for Most Travelers
Visitors from over 130 countries, including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a 30-day visitor's visa on arrival at Honiara International Airport or major ports for a fee of SBD 200 (about USD 25). This simple process requires a passport photo and proof of onward travel, making entry straightforward for short stays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Solomon Islands, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify your passport's condition, as damaged documents may lead to entry denial at immigration checkpoints.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to avoid complications.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many Pacific nations can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This policy promotes easy access to the islands' remote atolls and cultural sites without prior paperwork.
Overstaying can result in fines up to SBD 1000, so monitor your dates closely during multi-island hops.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a pre-arranged visa, apply online through the Solomon Islands Immigration website (fee around USD 50-100) at least 4-6 weeks in advance, providing documents like a completed form, passport copies, proof of accommodation, and financial statements showing at least USD 150 per day.
Processing typically takes 10-20 working days; expedited options may be available for an extra fee through the nearest Solomon Islands embassy.
Border Crossings
Most arrivals are via Honiara International Airport (HIR), with seamless immigration for visa-on-arrival eligible travelers; expect a short wait of 15-30 minutes. Inter-island travel by domestic flights or ferries requires no additional border checks, but carry your passport for identification on remote islands.
Yacht arrivals at ports like Gizo involve customs clearance within 24 hours, including health declarations for biosecurity.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (which can cost over USD 50,000 due to remoteness), trip delays, and activities like diving or surfing in the Coral Triangle. Ensure your policy includes coverage for adventure sports and repatriation to a major hospital.
Affordable plans start at USD 5-10 per day from global providers, and having proof at entry can expedite processes.
Extensions Possible
Visitor visas can be extended up to three months by applying at the Immigration Office in Honiara at least one week before expiration, with fees around SBD 500 and requirements including a valid reason (e.g., extended diving trip) and proof of funds. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, so plan ahead for longer explorations of WWII sites or cultural villages.
Multiple extensions may require an exit and re-entry, subject to approval.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Honiara by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international airfare to this remote Pacific destination.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for fresh fish barbecues and market stalls in Honiara for meals under SBD 100, avoiding resort restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%. Local produce like taro and cassava from village markets provides authentic, affordable sustenance during island explorations.
Join community feasts for immersive experiences without the high prices of tourist-oriented dining.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses (PMVs) for inter-town travel at SBD 20-50 per ride, or opt for multi-day ferry passes around the provinces for SBD 300-500, drastically reducing transport expenses. These options connect remote atolls efficiently while supporting local economies.
Combine with walking tours in Honiara to minimize costs further.
Free Attractions
Explore WWII relics on Guadalcanal, pristine beaches on smaller islands, and cultural villages at no cost, offering genuine insights into Melanesian heritage without entry fees. Snorkeling in protected lagoons and hiking rainforest trails provide endless free adventures amid stunning coral reefs.
Many community-led eco-tours start with voluntary donations rather than fixed prices.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and airports, but cash (SBD) is king for rural areas and markets; ATMs are limited to Honiara and Gizo. Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high fees up to 10%.
Carry small bills for ferries and local shops to avoid change shortages.
Diving Passes
Purchase a multi-dive package at renowned sites like Iron Bottom Sound for SBD 800-1200, which covers gear and multiple sessions, making it cost-effective for underwater enthusiasts. These passes often include marine conservation fees, supporting reef protection while saving on individual dives.
Group bookings can reduce costs by 20-30% for shared boat trips.
Smart Packing for Solomon Islands
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry tropical clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and long-sleeve shirts for sun protection during humid days and modest cover for village visits. Include swimwear, sarongs for cultural respect, and a light rain jacket for sudden showers in this equatorial climate.
Neutral colors help blend in while exploring remote islands, and pack enough for 7-10 days since laundry options are limited outside resorts.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type I plugs (Australian style), waterproof phone case, solar charger for off-grid areas, and a GoPro for capturing underwater scenes in the world's richest coral reefs. Download offline maps of the archipelago and apps for birdwatching or language translation in Pidgin.
Power banks are crucial for multi-day boat trips where outlets are scarce.
Health & Safety
Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with antimalarials, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, and rehydration salts for tropical heat; include vaccinations proof for yellow fever if coming from endemic areas. Travel insurance docs and a basic water purifier ensure safety during freshwater stream dips or remote hikes.
Pack anti-fungal creams for humid conditions and motion sickness remedies for ferry rides.
Travel Gear
Opt for a waterproof daypack for snorkeling gear, reusable water bottle with filter, dry bag for electronics on boats, and a headlamp for evening village walks without reliable electricity. Include multiple passport copies, a money belt, and eco-friendly snorkel mask rental alternatives to reduce plastic waste.
Sturdy sandals or reef walkers protect feet from coral and uneven paths on atolls.
Footwear Strategy
Choose versatile water shoes or flip-flops for beach hopping and light hiking, plus closed-toe shoes for urban Honiara or muddy rainforest trails leading to WWII sites. Avoid heavy boots; focus on breathable, quick-dry options to handle daily wading through lagoons or climbing volcanic paths.
Extra socks prevent blisters from wet conditions during extended island explorations.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste to respect marine environments, along with aloe vera for sunburn relief and a wide-brim hat for intense UV exposure. Include wet wipes for off-grid sanitation and lip balm with SPF to combat constant humidity and salt air.
Compact toiletries save space in limited luggage for multi-leg domestic flights.
When to Visit Solomon Islands
Dry Season (May-October)
The optimal time for travel with sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures averaging 25-30°C, ideal for snorkeling in clear waters around Marovo Lagoon or hiking Mount Austen. Fewer rains mean reliable ferry schedules and vibrant marine life sightings, though it's peak season with higher prices.
Cultural festivals like the Shell Money Festival in July add authentic experiences with minimal crowds on outer islands.
Wet Season Peak (November-February)
Expect heavy rains and highs of 28-32°C, but this low season offers solitude for birdwatching in rainforests or exploring hidden coves with discounted accommodations up to 40% off. Stronger winds can enhance surfing at Auki, though cyclone risks require flexible itineraries.
Lush greenery and fewer tourists make it perfect for immersive village stays and waterfall hikes.
Transition Wet (March-April)
Moderate rainfall tapering off with warm 27-31°C weather, great for diving the Florida Islands as visibility improves and sea turtles nest on beaches. This shoulder period balances fewer crowds with accessible paths for trekking to ancient petroglyph sites.
Harvest seasons bring fresh tropical fruits and community events at lower costs than dry months.
Early Dry (September-October)
Mild trade winds and 24-29°C temperatures signal the end of dry season, excellent for kayaking around Ngela or fishing expeditions with calmer seas. Whale migrations begin, offering rare sightings, and accommodations ease in price as peak fades.
Ideal for combining cultural tours in Honiara with relaxed beach days before the wet season arrives.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). ATMs are available in Honiara; cards accepted at resorts but cash essential elsewhere.
- Language: English (official), Solomon Islands Pidgin, and over 70 indigenous languages. English suffices in tourist areas.
- Time Zone: UTC+11 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type I plugs (two flat pins, Australian standard)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, 998 for fire, 911 for ambulance
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; small amounts (SBD 20-50) for exceptional service at resorts
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water unsafe in most areas outside major hotels
- Pharmacies: Limited; stock up in Honiara. Look for "Pharmacy" signs at clinics