Before you go to Solomon Islands: what to know
Must know
- Official visa pages conflict: confirm advance e-visa requirements directly with Immigration before travel.
Entry and visas
The current government services portal directs tourists to apply for a visa through the Immigration e-visa portal before travel. Immigration lists a tourist visa with three-month stays; obtain confirmation for your nationality rather than relying on older arrival-permit advice. Carry onward travel, accommodation and funds evidence.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: immigration.gov.sb ↗, immigration.gov.sb ↗, solomons.gov.sb ↗, visitsolomons.com.sb ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- International cards mainly work at major hotels and shops in Honiara; cash and ATM access outside major centres are limited.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitsolomons.com.sb ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Tourist permission does not allow work.
- Declare currency above SBD 50,000 equivalent on arrival or departure.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, immigration.gov.sb ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask your hosts about local religious customs before visiting sacred places.
Clothing: Cover thighs to the knee in towns and villages; reserve beachwear for resorts.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people or places; kastom varies by province.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitsolomons.com.sb ↗
Climate
Hot and humid year-round; generally wetter November–April and relatively drier May–October.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Wetter season.
- February: Feb: Wetter season.
- March: Mar: Wetter season.
- April: Apr: Wetter season.
- May: May: Relatively drier season.
- June: Jun: Relatively drier season.
- July: Jul: Relatively drier season.
- August: Aug: Relatively drier season.
- September: Sep: Relatively drier season.
- October: Oct: Relatively drier season.
- November: Nov: Wetter season.
- December: Dec: Wetter season.
Best season: May–October for generally lower rainfall and humidity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitsolomons.com.sb ↗
What to pack
- Clothing suited to the local climate
- Personal medication and copies of travel documents
- A cash reserve kept separately from cards
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Depending on a single payment method
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and appliance voltage with your accommodation.
Water: Confirm the local drinking-water supply; carry safe water for outings.
Traffic: drives on the left
Mobile and eSIM: Mobile and internet coverage is better in main towns; remote coverage can be patchy.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitsolomons.com.sb ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.