Travel Tips

Essential Travel Tips

1. Visas & Entry Requirements

  • Most passport holders from Pacific nations and many Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

  • Check with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division before your trip.

  • Passport validity: At least 6 months.


2. When to Visit

  • Best time: May to October (dry season)

  • Wet season: November to April, with chances of cyclones and rough seas.

  • Travel outside peak seasons for fewer tourists and better prices.


3. Currency & Payments

  • Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) – Cash is king in most places.

  • ATMs available in Honiara and major towns.

  • Many remote areas do not accept cards, so carry enough cash.

  • Mobile money (e.g., M-SELEN) is growing, but still limited.


4. Connectivity

  • Internet and mobile coverage are limited in rural areas.

  • Get a local SIM card from Our Telekom or Bmobile.

  • Starlink and satellite-based providers like Kacific now help fill the connectivity gap in outer islands.


5. Local Transport

  • Domestic flights with Solomon Airlines connect major provinces.

  • Small boats and OBMs are the main transport in island provinces — safety gear is a must.

  • Taxis are cheap but unmetered—always negotiate the price.

  • No ride-sharing apps like Uber.


6. Accommodation

  • Ranges from budget guesthouses to eco-lodges and resorts.

  • Book early for popular islands like Gizo, Munda, or Uepi.

  • Many rural accommodations have limited electricity (solar or generator).


7. Health & Safety

  • Malaria is present — use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.

  • Ensure you have travel insurance covering medevac.

  • Honiara is safe but take precautions at night.

  • Water in rural areas may not be safe — boil or use purification tablets.


8. Culture & Respect

  • Modest dress is expected, especially in villages.

  • Always ask before taking photos.

  • Sundays are usually reserved for church and rest – plan around it.

  • Customary land is everywhere — respect local protocols when visiting.


9. Local Foods to Try

  • Fresh seafood (tuna, crayfish, mud crabs)

  • Poi (fermented taro paste)

  • Taro, cassava, pana (island yams)

  • Coconut-based dishes and local fruits