Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands form an archipelago in the Southwest Pacific Ocean approximately 1,200 miles northeast of Australia. The capital, Honiara, is located on the Island of Guadalcanal. Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. Tourism facilities are limited, particularly outside of Honiara. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet for additional information on U.S. – Solomon Islands relations. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in the Solomon Islands, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Solomon Islands is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Solomon Islands moves on the left side of the road. Paved roads are found only in and around Honiara. These two-lane paved roads are poorly marked and have many potholes. Roads are not well lit at night. The remaining roads in Solomon Islands are made of coral or gravel or are dirt tracks. Be careful when driving off main roads to avoid trespassing on communal land.  If you are involved in a road accident, the law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive.

You should avoid travel by ferry, because safety regulations are not always strictly applied, and the travel can therefore be dangerous.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Solomon Islands' Department of Commerce website for information about Solomon Islands driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Solomon Islands, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Solomon Islands’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Acts of political violence and civil unrest sometimes occur in Solomon Islands and may coincide with Parliamentary sessions and court cases. Civil unrest can also occur at sporting or cultural events that attract large crowds, especially if alcohol is involved.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad. 

CRIME: Petty theft is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, so take extra care while walking the streets, going to the market, or going out at night. Guided or group tours are generally safer than traveling alone. Landowners may demand money if you enter their land without permission. Home invasions, burglaries, and violent crime typically increase in the months approaching the Christmas holiday season.

Gang-based criminal activity has increased in and around the Burns Creek area in East Honiara and in the Borderline area, which is close to the Japanese WWII memorial. You should not go alone to the Japanese memorial. Use caution when shopping in the central market area, as purse and mobile phone snatching is common. Police have established a post at the market area where you can report crimes.

There are incidents of yacht-related robberies, usually occurring at night while occupants are asleep. Most criminals are not deterred even when boats are anchored off-shore.  

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or Consular Agency.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Solomon Islands is “999”. Other emergency numbers are “911” for Ambulance and Hospital, “955” for National Disaster, and “988” for Fire.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.