Solomon Islands: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
The Solomon Islands allow entry without a prior visa application for many nationalities: the entry permit is granted directly upon arrival, generally for up to about 90 days depending on the passport. The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) and the official language is English, although Melanesian Pidgin is used daily alongside more than 60 local languages.
The archipelago is known for its World War II wrecks and little-visited coral reefs, ideal for diving, but the country has no decompression chamber: any serious diving accident requires evacuation to Australia or Papua New Guinea. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and diving coverage is essential for anyone practicing this activity.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Many nationalities enter without applying for a visa in advance; the entry permit is granted on arrival for up to about 90 days, depending on the passport.
Health & travel insurance: Medical care is limited outside Honiara, and there is no decompression chamber for diving accidents; insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities receive an entry permit directly at Honiara airport, with no prior consular process required, for stays of up to about 90 days depending on the passport. It's worth confirming the exact allowed period before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Return or onward travel ticket.
- Diving certification if you plan underwater activities, required by some operators.
Health, Hospitals, and Travel Insurance
Honiara has the best hospital services in the country; the rest of the islands have basic clinics. There is no decompression chamber, so serious diving accidents require evacuation to Australia or Papua New Guinea.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in the Solomon Islands; code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). Travel between islands is mainly by small aircraft or boat, with limited schedules subject to weather conditions.
When to Travel
The dry season, from April to November, offers better visibility for diving and lower cyclone risk. Cyclone season runs from November to April, with a higher chance of heavy rain.
Travel checklist for Solomon Islands
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Solomon Islands.
- Check the visa requirement for Solomon Islands based on your passport: Many nationalities enter without applying for a visa in advance; the entry permit is granted on arrival for up to about 90 days, depending on the passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Medical care is limited outside Honiara, and there is no decompression chamber for diving accidents; insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Solomon Islands's emergency number: 999 (policia) / 111 (ambulancia) / 988 (bomberos), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Dolar de las Islas Salomon (SBD)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for a visa before traveling to the Solomon Islands?
Most nationalities receive their entry permit directly upon arrival, with no prior consular process, for up to about 90 days depending on the passport.
What is the emergency number in the Solomon Islands?
999 for police, 111 for ambulance, and 988 for fire; some towns have additional local numbers.
Is there a decompression chamber in the Solomon Islands?
No, so serious diving accidents require medical evacuation to Australia or Papua New Guinea; insurance with that coverage is essential for divers.
What currency should I use in the Solomon Islands?
The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD); access to ATMs is limited outside Honiara.
