Solomon Islands
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to the Soloman Islands. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For entry requirements for the Solomon Islands, please contact the High Commission of the Solomon Islands in Belgium.
Avenue Edouard Lacombe 17
B-1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: + 32 2 732 7085
Fax: +32 2 732 6885
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
SAFETY & SECURITY
You should, be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Wide scale civil unrest took place in the Solomon Islands between 18 and 22 April 2006. On 4 May, Members of the Solomon Islands Parliament elected a new Prime Minister who has since appealed for calm in the country. The security situation in the Solomon Islands has now stabilised. However, you should continue to exercise caution and avoid public gatherings and large crowds.
CRIME
Incidents affecting tourists are rare, but there is the potential for trouble due to civil unrest and drunken behaviour. You should take security precautions at all times in Honiara, and maintain a high state of personal awareness.
LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS
Drug use is illegal in the Solomons, and can lead to prison sentences.
Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and
even jail.
Dress codes, particularly for women, are modest and you are advised
to dress appropriately. In certain areas there are ‘taboo’
sites only visited by men.
Homosexuality is illegal in many Pacific countries. Open
displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend local
inhabitants.
ROAD SAFETY
There are few roads in the Solomon Islands, 90% of these are on Guadalcanal and Malaita. Only a few of the main roads are of reasonable quality. The rest are very heavily potholed and in some areas the bridges have collapsed. Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor.
