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Solomon Islands

Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Solomon Islands. You can plan for safe travel by following the entry and exit requirements, reviewing local laws, and reading other travel guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Travel advisory levels

Learn more about Travel Advisory levels

  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel

Travel advisory - Solomon Islands

Level 2 - Exercise increased caution

Date issued: April 29, 2025 -
  • Crime (C)
  • Unrest (U)
  • Health (H)
  • Other (O)

Exercise increased caution

 to Solomon Islands due to risks to health, unexploded ordinance, crime and civil unrest.

Advisory summary

Mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread. Medical facilities and clinics outside of Honiara are under-resourced in terms of drugs and medical equipment.

Unexploded ordinance (UXO)

Unexploded ordinance from World War II remains a significant hazard and may be present on land, in forests, and underwater locations. Many areas have been swept or cleared, however previously undetected UXO continue to be discovered on a regular basis. While some areas are much more dangerous than others, caution is advised, even in areas reported to be cleared.

High-risk areas include:

  • Hell’s Point and the ridges behind Honiara
  • New Georgia group of islands
  • Russell Islands
  • Tulagi Island
Crime

While petty crime is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, Honiara has a higher risk of petty crime, break-ins, robbery, and sexual assault, including incidents targeting foreigners. Travelers should remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables in public, and be cautious in less populated or poorly lit areas. Other violent crimes are uncommon but can occur.

Civil unrest

Civil unrest can arise with little notice. Political developments, including Parliament sittings, elections, and times of political uncertainty, may lead to protests or demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent. Avoid large gatherings and political events.

If you decide to travel to Solomon Islands:

Scroll to review full advisory
Travel advisory levels

Learn more about Travel Advisory levels

  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel

About Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is an archipelagic nation located in the South Pacific, in the Southern Hemisphere. It is made up of over 900 islands. Of these, 147 are inhabited, spread across 6 major island groups. Solomon Islands is about 1,100 miles northeast of Australia. It has no land borders, but is located near Papua New Guinea.

Solomon Islands’ land coverage is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland.  There is 1 time zone. It does not observe daylight saving time.  It is 15 hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during Eastern Standard Time.

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

  • All short‑term visitors to Solomon Islands (including visitor, business, transit, commercial vessel crew, and special purpose visas) must apply and pay online via the official Solomon Islands e‑Visa portal.
  • Visitors may be permitted multiple entries depending on their visa or entry status. Immigration officials may ask about the purpose and frequency of travel, particularly for frequent visitors. Check with Solomon Islands Immigration before travel if you plan to make multiple visits.
  • If you arrive on a one-way ticket, you must carry documentation stating your purpose of travel, including a work permit if you plan to work in Solomon Islands.
  • If arriving or departing by yacht, apply for a visitor's permit through the Solomon Islands Immigration website before arrival. Do not attempt to enter via sea borders without proper documentation and approval.

Vaccinations

  • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Travelers arriving from measles-affected countries must provide proof of measles vaccination.  It must be administered no less than 3 weeks prior to arrival.  Review details in the Health section.

Valid passport requirements

  • Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
  • Must have 6 months’ validity beyond your arrival date.
  • 1 blank page available per stamp.
  • 2 blank pages required for entry.
  • Must have an onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for entry.

Currency on entry and exit

  • Entry maximum: 50,000 SBD (approximately $6,000)
  • Exit maximum: 50,000 SBD (approximately $6,000)

Tips from the U.S. embassy

  • It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products or derivatives into Solomon Islands, even with a prescription.
  • It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings without a pre-issued firearms import license from the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Help for U.S. citizens

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby

NOTE: The U.S. Embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands does not currently provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens. Such services are provided by U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Harbour City Road, Konedobu
P.O. Box 1492
Port Moresby, NCD 121
Papua New Guinea

Main telephone:

+675-308-9100

Emergency after-hours:

+675-7200-9439

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Travel guidance for Solomon Islands

Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.

Date issued: October 15, 2026

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Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful resources 


Traveling with children

Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child.

  • When 1 parent is traveling with a child, a notarized consent letter is required from the absent parent.  Otherwise, you must show proof of sole custody.
  • Local authorities have sometimes blocked U.S. citizen minors from leaving when traveling without a parent or guardian.  Minors should carry a Child Travel Consent Form in English, signed by the non-traveling parent or guardian, along with their original birth certificate.
  • If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parent or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction.
  • Review our information on Traveling with Minors.

HIV and AIDS restrictions

Some HIV and AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of the Solomon Islands.

  • According to the Solomon Islands Immigration Act, an immigration officer can stop you from entering the country or deport you if you refuse a request for an examination by a government medical officer.
  • Verify this information with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division or Ministry of Health before you travel.

Currency

  • The Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is the official currency of Solomon Islands.

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.


Crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is generally under-resourced, and response times, particularly outside Honiara, can be slow. Police often face limited capacity for crime investigations, forensic support, and emergency response. Victims of crime, particularly domestic or intimate-partner violence, frequently do not report incidents due to social stigma or limited confidence in the formal justice system.

Petty theft is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, especially near markets, memorials, beaches, and transit hubs. U.S. citizens and other foreigners are sometimes specifically targeted due to perceived wealth. Guided or group tours are generally safer than traveling alone.

  • Home invasions, burglaries, assault, and violent crime have been reported occasionally and tend to increase in the months approaching the Christmas holiday season.
  • Landowners may demand money if you enter their land or anchor in their territory.
  • High-risk areas in Honiara include slums and informal settlements around the Henderson area, Sun Valley, Lungga Bridge, Burns Creek/East Honiara, Kobito, Borderline, Kukum, East/West Kola Ridge, Chinatown, Mataniko Bridge, and White River.  Travelers should exercise particular caution at the Central Market, Point Cruz, Chinatown, the Kukum waterfront, the Yacht Club, and the Mt. Austin/War Memorial areas, especially after dark.
  • Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit or remote areas of Honiara, and avoid nightlife venues along the waterfront.
  • Yacht-related robberies can occur, usually at night while occupants are asleep.  Most criminals are not deterred even when boats are anchored offshore.
  • If you are visiting on a yacht, do not allow strangers to board. Boaters should take precautions when leaving the vessel to go ashore.
  • Travel in groups for safety and security, especially in the evening or at night.
  • Swimmers should be aware of saltwater crocodiles. These can be found at the mouths of rivers emptying into the sea.
  • Transnational organized crime is evolving rapidly in the Solomon Islands, exploiting maritime routes and natural resource sectors, such as logging, fishing, and mining, along with emerging synthetic drug markets.
  • The Solomon Islands serves as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking in persons, including forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation, as well as firearms trafficking, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other environmental crimes.
  • In recent incidents, groups of armed individuals have targeted homes to steal valuables and cash, primarily in areas outside Honiara and east of Honiara in Guadalcanal Province. Business establishments, logging companies, and their vehicles have also been targeted in these attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur during political events, holidays, or international events.

  • Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly violent quickly.
  • Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams have occurred in Solomon Islands.  Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help, foreign recruiters, or trusted local institutions.

Common scams include:

  • Money mule or banking scams:  Scammers recruit locals via Facebook, WhatsApp, phone calls, fake job offers, inheritance claims, or romance leads, then ask victims to transfer money through their bank accounts to conceal its origin, often without the victim realizing they are acting as a “money mule.” Banks, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), and the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) advise never sharing debit card or account details, and to report suspicious activity to your bank, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), or SIFIU.
  • Impersonator scams:  Scammers pretend to be U.S. military personnel or claim to be detained or hospitalized abroad, aiming to evoke sympathy and prompt fund transfers.
  • Romance and online dating scams:  Relationships initiated online can lead to requests for money from travel expenses to medical fees. Scammers may claim to be Americans in need or use fake backstories to solicit funds.
  • Grandparent or relative targeting scams:  Fraudsters contact victims claiming to be a family member, usually an elderly relative, in urgent need of financial help to avoid legal or medical consequences.
  • Prize, lottery, and free trip or luggage scams:  Emails or messages claim you've won a lottery or prize but require payment of taxes or handling fees to claim it. Free luggage or trip offers often follow similar patterns.
  • Inheritance scams:  Notices claiming large windfalls from unknown benefactors are circulated to trick individuals into sharing personal or financial information, usually as part of banking fraud.
  • Work permit and job offer scams:  Scammers impersonate recruiters (e.g., “Solomon Page”) offering remote work opportunities.  They ask for sensitive information, such as social security or bank details, or upfront fees for job processing.
  • Pyramid / Ponzi schemes:  Schemes such as “F-Mobile” promise high returns for recruiting new members or investing in digital platforms. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands warns that these operate as illegal pyramid schemes and can collapse, leaving many participants with losses.
Key Safety Tips:
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to be in crisis or offering quick financial gain.
  • Never send money or sensitive information to individuals you've met online.
  • Don't act on urgency; take time to independently verify identities.
  • Contact your bank, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, or Central Bank of Solomon Islands or Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit to validate suspicions.
  • At markets or when dealing with digital vendors, confirm prices, tally change in local currency, and use reputable operators.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Report crimes to the local police by dialing +677-999.

The U.S. Embassy provides consular services from Embassy Port Moresby, which can:

  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys (we do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys).
  • Provide information on victim's compensation programs in the United States.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Honiara and local law enforcement for assistance.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the U.S. Embassy in Honiara and/or the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for assistance.


Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world.  Follow these safe practices:

  • Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
  • Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
  • Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS.  The fastest route is not always the safest.
  • Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
  • You must register drones with the Civil Aviation Authority Solomon Islands, who will issue a permit prior to arrival.
  • You must have import permits to use satellite phones.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated:

  • Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
  • Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
  • Staff may not be trained or certified.
  • If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
  • First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
  • U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
  • Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Recreational diving in Solomon Islands may be dangerous.  We suggest the following tips for visitors who plan to dive:

  • Verify that your diving operator is currently certified through one of the international diving associations (PADI, NAUI, BSAC, CMAS, etc.).
  • Ensure that rental equipment is in good working condition, with up-to-date inspection stamps.
  • Make sure your equipment fits properly.
  • Postpone or cancel diving activity if any equipment is faulty.
  • Try to remain in pairs or in a group that includes a dive guide.
  • Determine your level of training before engaging in deep water or wreck dives.
  • Confirm that dive operators have adequate onsite emergency equipment and diver-recall systems.
  • The hyperbaric recompression chamber in Honiara is the only chamber in Solomon Islands and is operated by on-call volunteers; however it is currently not operational. Due to the high costs for decompression services and associated emergency transportation, divers are strongly advised to obtain adequate medical evacuation and diver’s insurance. Medical complications resulting from scuba diving accidents may require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.
  • Please report any unsafe conditions or diving practices to either the certifying diving association or the local authorities.
  • Always check with Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) for the latest weather forecast/updates before planning trips.
  • Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

  • U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
  • Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
  • You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
  • Before you start a business or a profession in Solomon Islands, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

  • If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

  • Detainees in Solomon Islands often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

  • They may be illegal according to local laws. 
  • Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
  • You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:


Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 


Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex acts are illegal in Solomon Islands and can carry long jail sentences.  Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, although violent incidents are not widely reported.


Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Solomon Islands does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. No conclusive evidence indicates that individuals are targeted specifically due to disability.

  • There are no special programs to help people with disabilities and no legislation mandating access to buildings, information, and communications.
  • The most common types of accessibility issues may include accessible facilities, information, and ease of movement or access.
  • Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
  • Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
  • The availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for devices is extremely limited or non-existent.
  • Service providers such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants may be available.
  • Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students


Women travelers 

  • High rates of intimate-partner violence are documented. Visitors, particularly women traveling alone, may face increased vulnerability to harassment or assault in certain urban areas.
  • Review our information for Women Travelers.
  • Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

  • Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources


Emergency phone numbers


Ambulance services

Ambulance services are generally available in Honiara, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

  • Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable throughout the rest of the country outside of Honiara.
  • Services may not be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
  • In areas outside Honiara, injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi, private vehicle, water-borne transportation, or private air ambulance to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

  • The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
  • U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
  • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
  • Medical care is not free in Solomon Islands. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
  • Lack of payment may bar future travel to Solomon Islands.
  • Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
  • Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
  • Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
  • If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

If you are coming from measles-affected countries, you must provide proof of measles vaccination administered no less than 3 weeks prior to arrival.

Measles-affected countries include American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are generally limited or inadequate in Solomon Islands. Facilities are available in Honiara and Auki, but health care may be below U.S. standards

  • The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
  • Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
  • Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
  • U.S. citizens have filed complaints about unethical billing practices at private hospitals and clinics in Honiara, citing high, unexpected costs and limited price transparency. Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should request an itemized bill and a written estimate, and gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed procedures.  
  • English is an official language, and many medical staff at public and private facilities speak English..
  • Public hospitals are under-resourced and understaffed, and services in non-emergency wards may be limited overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse.  Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
  • Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals or medical evacuation abroad.  Confirm transport costs in advance and obtain travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
  • Hospital-based care is available through both public institutions (e.g., the National Referral Hospital) and private clinics; public care is more basic but subsidized, while private clinics offer more personalized care at higher, and sometimes inconsistent, cost.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

  • Check with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure the medication is legal in Solomon Islands.
  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
  • Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
  • Solomon Islands does not allow the importation or possession of cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including medicinal cannabis. Travelers should avoid carrying cannabis, THC, or cannabis products, even if they are legal or prescribed in their home country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Solomon Islands to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

  • Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Solomon Islands with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Solomon Islands courts.
  • If you decide to pursue parenthood in Solomon Islands via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
  • People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

  • In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.
  • Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
  • Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
  • Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
  • You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
  • Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
  • Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
  • Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Roads are generally narrow and in poor repair. Traffic in Solomon Islands moves on the left side of the road.

  • Paved roads are found only in and around Honiara. These 2-lane roads are poorly marked and have many potholes. Roads are not well lit at night.
  • Remaining roads are made of coral, gravel, or are dirt tracks.
  • Be careful when driving off main roads to avoid trespassing on communal land. Vehicles are frequently poorly maintained. Traffic jams are common in Honiara.
  • Pedestrians often walk on the roads and may not consider vehicle traffic.  Unpaved surfaces may also form deep potholes or face erosion damage in heavy storms.
  • Major roads, including the Tandai Highway (West Honiara), Henderson–Mbarande Road (East Guadalcanal), and Point Cruz Market area, are undergoing upgrades, such as improved line markings and signage. Despite these improvements, high-speed crashes remain common on rural stretches and near villages, as well as within Honiara at locations, such as the GPPOL junction, Lunga Bridge, Panatina campus, and along the Tandai and Prince Philip Highways, often resulting in fatalities.
  • A national Road Safety Action Plan (2027-2029) aims to expand the road hierarchy, enforce speed limits, and improve signage to meet global standards. Ongoing installations include lane markings, guardrails, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and permanent signs. However, signage remains limited on many roads, and enforcement is inconsistent. Urban areas are prioritized, while rural roads are less regulated.
  • The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) conducts periodic checks targeting unroadworthy vehicles (e.g., defective brakes, lights, tires), unlicensed drivers and vehicles, drink-driving, speeding, and overloading.  Overloading is a habitual issue, particularly in trailers, taxis, and during public events or parades.

Traffic laws 

To avoid trespassing, seek permission from local landowners before accessing non-public areas, including beaches. Some landowners may charge a fee for access.

  • If you are involved in a road accident, local law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive. RSIPF's National Traffic Department and forensic officers investigate accident scenes, including those involving police vehicles, reflecting formal response protocols.
  • If a crowd gathers after an accident and you feel threatened, proceed directly to a police station. Incidents of individuals being harmed by crowds because of a traffic accident are rare, though bystanders should remain cautious, as isolated incidents of targeted assault following accidents have occurred.
  • Many local drivers are not well trained and do not follow basic traffic laws.  Be aware of drivers under the influence of alcohol, pedestrians who are not aware of traffic, and children running onto the road.
  • No formal roadside assistance services exist. Travelers should rely on private mechanics or auto parts shops (e.g., AA Auto Parts, Star Auto Parts, Doms Auto Services United Auto in Honiara).
  • Due to inconsistent vehicle safety standards and remote conditions, travelers should carry a spare tire, jack, tools, jumper cables, extra fuel, and water, and ensure their vehicle is well-maintained before departure. Plan routes with awareness of available services and mechanics (e.g., along Kukum Highway or in Mataniko).

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxi services are widely available Honiara and Auki are widely available and are generally safe.

  • International ridesharing apps do not work in Solomon Islands.

Public and commercial transportation

Public bus and mini-bus services are available, but safety standards may vary widely and information on routes may not be available in a published form. Cases of petty theft are generally rare but are more common on public transportation.

  • Ferry services are safer due to greater government rules and management, but safety standards may still vary widely. Onboard amenities are often extremely limited.
  • Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.
Tips for travelling by road:

Plan routes in advance, focusing on major highways and avoiding poorly marked rural roads.

  • Use a reliable vehicle in good mechanical condition, properly licensed, and never overloaded.
  • Drive cautiously, adhering to posted speed limits (generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h in rural areas), and reduce speed at night or in poor weather.
  • Pack a basic roadside kit, including a spare tire, jack, tools, jumper cables, extra fuel, and water.
  • Keep emergency contacts on hand: RSIPF (+677-999), ambulance (+677-111), and nearby auto shops or mechanics.
  • If involved in an accident, remain with the vehicle, flag down assistance, and report the incident to police promptly.
  • Always wear a seatbelt and never drive under the influence of alcohol; RSIPF enforces fines and penalties for violations.

Aviation safety oversight

  • The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Solomon Islands’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers in Solomon Islands ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

As recently as August 2025, ship owners have reported encountering individuals claiming to have the authority to demand anchorage fees in parts of the Solomon Islands. This has included instances of overlapping claims resulting in multiple requests for anchorage fees, particularly from individuals claiming to be customary land owners. Travelers should be aware that anchorage fees may not be well regulated in some areas. For specific details or clarification, travelers should contact the appropriate Solomon Islands authorities directly.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Solomon Islands should check the following: 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Solomon Islands is among the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world.  Natural disasters can occur at any time with little notice.

Cyclones

Cyclones can occur suddenly in Solomon Islands.

  • Cyclone season usually lasts from November to April.
  • Damaging winds, rough seas, intense rain and flash flooding, landslides, and disruptions to services may occur.
  • Local media and hotels will convey cyclone alerts issued by local authorities.
Volcanoes and earthquakes

Solomon Islands is subject to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

Embassies and consulates

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby

NOTE: The U.S. Embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands does not currently provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens. Such services are provided by U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Harbour City Road, Konedobu
P.O. Box 1492
Port Moresby, NCD 121
Papua New Guinea

Main telephone:

+675-308-9100

Emergency after-hours:

+675-7200-9439