Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Solomon Islands
About
| The Solomon Islands archipelago is made up of nearly 1,000 tropical islands scattered across the south western Pacific, just to the east of Papua New Guinea. The remote location has kept the islands as an unspoilt gem of a travel destination, with a slowly developing tourist industry. Villages and scenic drives are within easy reach of the capital, as are the popular WWII battlefield tours and carving villages on the islands of Rennell and Bellona. Explore the 900 volcanic islands and coral atolls spread across the blue tropical waters. The superb marine life makes the islands an excellent destination for swimming and cruising. Head out on an educational tour to the tropical rainforests that cover most of the archipelago and visit dormant volcanoes with the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. |
|
| Capital: | Honiara (HIR) |
| Currency: | Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) |
| Language: | English. Pidgin English and 70 local dialects are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 677 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +11 hours (9 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | May to October |
| Best For: | Diving , Cultural exploration |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-type angled, flat three-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited and are subject to drug shortages. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Certain areas may be reserved for men-only. Women should cover their thighs when in public places. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Swearing is a crime and can lead to huge compensation claims and even jail. Local customs may differ from province to province. Visitors should ask about appropriate behaviour (you can contact the tourism bureau). Always ask permission before taking pictures of people or places. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Tipping is not required, nor recommended in the Solomon Islands. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the Solomon Islands by travellers aged 18 years and older without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or 225g of tobacco • 2L of wine or spirits • Other goods up to a value of SI$400 |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited goods include counterfeit coins and currency, indecent articles and films, honey, matches containing white or yellow phosphorus, narcotics, Royal Arms, flick knives and war relics. Restricted goods include alcohol (including brandy, whisky and rum), arms and ammunition, cannabis, worn clothing, tobacco (more than 200 cigarettes), electrical equipment and fireworks. Fruit and vegetables require an import permit, except those from New Zealand. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18-19, 21; Jul 7; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3-4, 6; May 25; Jul 7; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visa applications are through the Director of Immigration: commerce.gov.sb
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Measles, Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
