Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: There is no tipping in Solomon Islands and visitors should honour this custom. Drug use or possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Women visitors should not enter areas exclusively reserved for men. Swearing is a crime, and those caught may face a fine or jail sentence. Crossing private land may incur a fee to the landowner.

Dress is generally casual but modest, particularly for women. For business meetings ties are not required. English and French are widely spoken in business circles, and the best time to visit on business is from May to October. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1300–1630; Sat 0730–1200.

Immigration and customs: All passports must be valid for six months from date of entry. Visas are not needed by most nationals but visa requirements should be checked well in advance of travel.

It is prohibited to import weapons and offensive literature. Only fruit and vegetables from New Zealand can be brought into the country.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all those arriving from infected areas.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left and visitors can use their national driving licence. Car hire is available through hotels in Honiara.

Travel to other islands is by domestic scheduled or charter flights and there are also ferry services. The more remote islands are serviced by small, motorised ‘canoes’.

There is a limited bus network, and taxis are only available in Auki and Honiara. Fares should be agreed before travel.

Travel health: Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance and should carry a basic medical kit when travelling to the more remote areas. Malaria is endemic, and insect repellent and suitable clothing should be taken to protect against mosquito bites.

All water for drinking or making ice should first be boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled before use.

Money: Automated foreign exchange machines are available in Honiara. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks, and major credit cards are accepted in hotels and tourist resorts. Honiara has three ATMs. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0830–1500.

There were 9,400 tourist arrivals in 2005.