Discover the Beauty and Culture of the Solomon Islands
Blessed with sun-soaked beaches, crystalline waters and leaf-hut villages where traditional culture still thrives, the Solomon Islands archipelago is fast becoming a popular ecotourism destination, offering world-class snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and surfing.
Sprinkled across the South Pacific, these remote Melanesian islands have seen a lot of history. It is believed that Papuan-speaking settlers arrived around 30,000 BC, while the first European to discover these gems was Alvaro de Mendana de Neira, a Spanish navigator who set out from Peru in 1893. During World War II, the Solomon Islands saw some fierce battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, with shipwreck graveyards beneath the azure waves bearing testament to this.
Ocean lovers will have a whale of a time exploring some of the world’s most diverse aquamarine life, while landlubbers can marvel at the islands’ unique fauna and flora, majestic volcanoes and one of the world’s rarest orchids. History buffs will love the WWII historical sites such as Iron Bottom Sound, where the remnants of sunken vessels lie in their watery graves.
Popular islands and groups within the archipelago include Guadalcanal, Santa Cruz and Choiseul. The capital city of Honiara on Guadalcanal has a number of interesting historical sites and a bustling Central Market for souvenir shopping, along with several restaurants and nightclubs.
Though much of the country’s economy is still based on subsistence fishing, the Solomon Islands, with its unrivalled natural splendour, deserves to be raking in tourism revenue. Unfortunately, the lack of infrastructure and amenities is hindering the growth of the country’s tourism sector. On the other hand, this is great news for those seeking a beach holiday in a tropical paradise as yet devoid of the ill effects of mass tourism.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
Visitors are required to hold return or onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The local currency is Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). International credit cards are accepted at hotels and resorts in major centres; ATMs are available in Honiara, Gizo, Munda and Auki.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in the Solomon Islands is 230 volts, 50Hz. The most commonly used plug is the three-prong Australian plug.
Climate in Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands’ climate is tropical, with little variation in temperature or humidity throughout the year. There are two distinct seasons: a drier season (May to November) and a monsoon season (December to April), where heavy rainfall is common and there is a threat of tropical storms. The most comfortable time to visit is between June and September, though the best time for surfing is between October and April.
Health Notes when travelling to Solomon Islands
A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to the Solomon Islands arriving from an infected area, while the territory has in the past few years been subject to outbreaks of dengue fever and rubella. A measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is also recommended, as is a typhoid vaccine. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Medical facilities are very limited so travellers should pack a personal medical kit and bring adequate supplies of all medications. Should a doctor be needed, the main facility is the Central Hospital and National Referral Hospital in Honiara. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for travellers.
Safety Notes when travelling to Solomon Islands
Visitors should keep their money and phones secure at all times, and avoid being alone in remote places, as there have been reports of robberies involving violence, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing, distraction thefts and harassment, particularly around the central market and local beaches. Demonstrations can turn violent, so it’s best to avoid protests and political gatherings.
Customs in Solomon Islands
Local culture in the Solomon Islands is relaxed but traditional, and it’s important to show respect for older people, especially in rural areas. Girls should avoid showing friendliness to strangers of the opposite sex when accompanied by their relatives; guests will be expected to eat first if invited into a local’s home. While informal dress, including shorts, is acceptable, visitors should avoid wearing beachwear off the beach.
Duty Free in Solomon Islands
Travellers to the Solomon Islands age 18 and older may import 200 cigarettes, 250g of cigars or 225g of tobacco, two litres liquor, and other goods valued to SBD 3000 duty-free. Offensive weapons, pictures, and literature are prohibited.
Doing Business in Solomon Islands
Meetings can seem informal as jackets and ties aren’t necessary, and ‘island time’ can mean that colleagues may not show for appointments, or that meetings can be arranged at short notice. Banking hours are 8.30am or 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday; commercial hours tend to run from 7.30am to midday, and from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, as well as Saturday mornings.
Communication in Solomon Islands
The international access code for the Solomon Islands is +677. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available at hotels and restaurants.
Tipping in Solomon Islands
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected, though a standard 10 to 15 percent would be appreciated. Rounding up taxi fare is common practice.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors are required to hold return or onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months if travellers are visiting from New Zealand.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
A visa and passport is required.
Solomon Islands Embassies
- In the United States:
Solomon Islands High Commission, New York, United States: (212) 599 6192
- In Australia:
Solomon High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6282 7030
- In New Zealand:
Solomon Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 5535
Foreign Embassies in Solomon Islands
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Honiara, Solomon Islands (also responsible for Canada): +677 21 561
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Comission, Honiara, Solomon Islands: +677 21 502
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
