Visitors to the Solomon Islands must obtain a visa unless they are arriving from one of the countries that allow visa-free travel, or countries whose citizens are eligible for a permit on arrival. All visitors must have a passport valid for 6 months.
Visa-free access
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from visas for visits of up to 3 months in any 180-day period (unless otherwise specified):
Schengen zone countries, Israel, United Arab Emirates
Permit to visit the Solomon Islands, received on arrival
Citizens of the following 42 countries and territories can obtain a permit for 3 months during any period of the year upon arrival:
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Ireland, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago , Tuvalu, United Kingdom, USA, Vanuatu.
Visitors who are citizenss of countries not mentioned above require prior authorization from the Director of Immigration before entering Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Short-term Visitor Visa
Short-term visas are offered to foreign nationals who wish to visit the Solomon Islands for a short-term stay. This can be a maximum of 3 months or 12 months depending on the type of visa. Reasons for obtaining this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, short-term work.
Visitor Visa
This is a short-term visa that allows owners to enter and remain in the Solomon Islands for a short-term visit as a tourist, or to visit friends and family.
The minimum period of stay for visa owners is 6 weeks with a maximum total period of 90 days. The Border Control Branch of the Immigration Department is responsible for processing this type of visa on behalf of the Director of Immigration.
Extended stay visitor visa
This is a short-term visa that allows owners to extend their stay in the Solomon Islands beyond the time allowed for a visitor visa.
The minimum stay for visa owners is 6 months, and the maximum is 12 months. The Border Control Branch of the Immigration Department is responsible for processing this type of visa on behalf of the Director of Immigration.
Travel requirements and necessary documents:
Visitors wishing to travel to the Solomon Islands must meet the following travel requirements:
1.Application form. Fully completed in English, signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, under 18 years of age);
2.It is necessary to carry a valid passport or other travel documents, valid for at least six months after the date of departure and with blank pages for placing stamps;
3.Copy of the identification card;
4.Have an onward plane ticket for travel from the Solomon Islands;
5.Evidence of having sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay in the Solomon Islands;
6.It is necessary to have a valid visa for entering other countries (where necessary);
7.Confirming documents indicating the reason for the trip
For tourism:
- Proof of residence (confirmation of hotel, apartment rental agreement, etc.). The dates in this document must match the travel dates selected in the application. This is a requirement set by the Solomon Islands government in order to obtain a visa.
- If you are into adventure tourism, you need to purchase travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. The minimum amount of insurance coverage is 50 000 USD.
For visiting relatives and friends:
- Original invitation from the inviting person;
- The original document confirming ownership of the property (housing) of the invited person, if you intend to stay there,
- Copies of passport, ID card/residence certificate of the inviting person.
- For minors:
- Copy and English translation of birth certificate/certificate of adoption/guardianship decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of one of the parents
- Letter of consent from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if traveling unaccompanied.
Short-term visa processing time for Solomon Islands
The average time for issuing a short-term visa to the Solomon Islands is 10-15 calendar days. It depends on the country of the visa application.
Where to apply for a short-term visa to the Solomon Islands?
You apply for a Solomon Islands short-term visa at Solomon Islands visa centers, embassies, consulates or the Director of Immigration, depending on how visa applications are accepted in your country of residence.
Requirements:
Microchip for pets
Solomon Islands does not require your pet to be identified with a pet microchip, however your dog or cat does need a microchip to enter Australia, the UK or New Zealand. Your pet must come to Solomon Islands from one of these countries.
Vaccinations
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies 30 days to 12 months before entering the country. Dogs must be vaccinated against parvovirus hepatitis at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before entry. Feline panleukopenia, rhesus inotracheitis, and calicivirus must be administered to cats at least 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to entry.
Rabies titer test
A rabies titer test is not required to enter the Solomon Islands from any country.
Health certificate
The Veterinary Medical Certificate for Solomon Islands must be completed by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin and must be approved by the State Veterinarian.
Import permit
An import permit is required to enter the Solomon Islands with a pet.
Entry to the Solomon Islands by plane
Pets can be carried as checked baggage or air cargo only from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom. Veterinary services must be notified at least one working day in advance of arrival. Pets must be neutered or spayed to enter the Solomon Islands. Whenever you are traveling to a foreign country like the Solomon Islands, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification that shows ownership of your pet. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any disease that can be transmitted to humans when screened at the airport of entry. If your dog or cat is not in good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
Puppies and kittens
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not allowed to enter the Solomon Islands.
Import of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is mandatory), local currency – no more than SBD250. Export of foreign currency is allowed within the limits declared in the entry declaration, local currency – up to SBD250.
Persons over the age of 18 are allowed duty-free import of up to 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; up to 2 liters of any alcoholic beverages, as well as other goods for a total amount not exceeding SBD400.
The transit of drugs and narcotic medicines, weapons and ammunition, as well as poisonous chemicals and objects of fine art is prohibited. It is prohibited to import and export without special permission objects and things of historical and artistic value, especially those found at the bottom of the sea, as well as unpreserved meat products, coral products, sea turtle shells, feathers or skins of tropical birds and animals. Gold and jewelry must be declared.
Various fruits and plants can be imported only with a special permit from the quarantine service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Solomon Islands. Importation of domestic animals (cats and dogs) is allowed only from the territory of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, and a special international veterinary certificate is required.