Mataniko

Passport validity requirements

To enter the Solomon Islands, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit the Solomon Islands without a pre-arranged visa for up to 30 days. You will be given a visa when you arrive. Contact the Solomon Islands Immigration Department for information.

Vaccine requirements

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

To enter the Solomon Islands, you must have a certificate to prove that you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Solomon Islands . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Solomon Islands . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Emergency services in the Solomon Islands

Ambulance: 111

Fire: 988

Police: 999  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers in the Solomon Islands
• dealing with a death in the Solomon Islands
• being arrested or imprisoned in the Solomon Islands
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Swearing

Swearing is illegal. If you swear at someone, you could face a large compensation claim, or even a prison sentence.

Dress code

Dress conservatively, with shoulders and knees covered, especially if you’re a woman. Wearing beach clothes away from the beach may cause offence.   

‘Tabu’ sites

In certain areas there are ‘tabu’ sites with restricted use and access, for example where only men are allowed. Check with your tour guide or hotel staff.

Land ownership

Land ownership in the Solomon Islands is an important and sensitive issue. On some hiking trails or on many of the beaches around Honiara, you may need to pay a fee (‘kastom’) to the landowner. Ask local advice before setting off.

Illegal drugs

The possession, selling and use of drugs is illegal in the Solomon Islands and can lead to prison sentences.   

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and penalties can include a prison sentence. Showing affection in public is likely to cause offence. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money  

Access to banking facilities is difficult in rural areas. ATMs are only available in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki. Only major hotels and restaurants in Honiara accept international credit cards. Make sure that you have several ways to access money.