Solomon Islands visa

Solomon Islands Visa Policy

The Solomon Islands has a visa policy that spells out the rules and regulations for visitors coming to the Island for whatever purpose. Under current regulations, all visitors must have valid visas unless they are citizens of any of the visa-exempt countries or territories on the visa waiver list. All visitors are also required to hold a valid passport of at least 6 months from their entry date.

The Solomon Islands also requires visitors from non-visa-exempt countries to submit visa applications, have the applications approved, and have the visa issued before making the trip. With valid visas, such visitors will be allowed entry.

Accepting Schengen Travel Documents

The Solomon Islands accepts Schengen documents, having signed bilateral agreements with the EU. This agreement means that holders of Schengen visas or online ETIAS authorizations may visit the Island for short visits as long as their documents are valid. Despite not being a bonafide bloc member, the Solomon Islands still partially recognizes Schengen policies.

 Furthermore, citizens of the Solomon Islands don't need visas to visit Schengen countries as they enjoy visa waiver benefits; instead, they require an online travel permit called ETIAS for entry, but this only applies to short-term visits.

Visa On Arrival

There is a visa-on-arrival program for selected nationals from more than 40 countries or territories that qualify for a free permit on arrival at the point of entry. This permit allows the holder to stay for up to 3 months within a calendar year. This visa may also be issued to persons with an existing pre-arranged visa.

Key Information About Solomon Islands Visa and Travel Tips

Unless you have traveled to the Solomon Islands before, you are in for a culture shock as the world out there is quite different from what you are familiar with. Read out travel tips and vital information to know more.

Applying For the Visa: You cannot apply for a visa inside the territory of the Solomon Islands. 

The territory has hundreds of large and small islands representing Solomon's commonwealth, not just the largest Island, Honiara. As a visitor to the Island, you are not allowed to apply for a visa within the jurisdiction; applications must be submitted to a foreign mission while abroad.

Application Fee: A one-time fee payment for your application must be paid to the consulate for processing. Thus fee is subject to exchange rate and policy changes, so find out before you begin the process.

Kastom Fee: Land ownership in Solomons is a big deal and often a cause for disagreements and power tussles. You may be required to pay a special fee to local landowners called a "Kastom Fee" for trekking in what may seem like a wilderness or open ground. Swimming on some beaches or merely walking through them may require this fee as well.

Dress Codes: Tourists are advised to dress modestly and show skin that many locals may find offensive. Outlandish and exposed attire is considered disrespectful in Solomons's custom.

Taboo Sites:  Some sites considered to be taboo sites still exist in different parts of the islands, which are off-bounds to women. Only men are allowed to visit such sites. As a female tourist, having a guide who knows the area well when you go out on tour pays. Make sure you avoid such sites.

Don't Swear: Swearing at others in public is not only frowned upon; it is considered a crime and may lead to compensation claims or prison time, or both in extreme cases. To avoid breaking this law, avoid confrontation with the locals.

Same-Sex Relationships: Same-sex relationships are taboo in the Solomon Islands and viewed as a crime before the law. Portraying sexual acts or showing intent by members of the same sex in public will attract stiff penalties, including jail time.

Photographs: Curiosity is part of the adventure, and you may be keen to take memories of your time on the Island back to your home country in the form of pictures. While this is not a bad idea, you may run into trouble with the locals if you are not careful. Don't take photographs of the locals without seeking their permission first; if they decline your request, don't force it.

Extensions: Most short-term visas can only be extended if under special conditions. To extend your stay on Solomon's Island, you must visit the nearest immigration office to submit your application for an extension. The officer on duty will review your application, ask a few questions, and decide whether to grant you the extension. The duration granted will be done at his discretion.

Confirmed Ticket: You must hold a confirmed ticket for your return trip before your arrival. This means that you must have a round-trip ticket to and from the Island. The immigration officers will ask for your return ticket at the entry point and check the date to see if it has the same exit date as you claim.

How To Apply For A Solomon Islands Visa?

To apply for a visa, the applicant must complete a visa application form the type of visa applied for will depend on the purpose of the trip. Such applications must be submitted to a foreign mission abroad, and processing takes a few weeks. Holders of visas can stay on the Island for a minimum of 90 days per visit.

 Note that over two dozen countries are on the visa-exempt list, and their citizens can also stay on the Island for up to 90 days. A visa is only required for longer visits. The list comprises mostly Schengen countries and a few others like Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Solomon Islands e-Visa Online – Get your Solomon Islands e-Visa with VisaHQ

The Solomon Islands is open to visitors from other countries as long as they meet the requirements for such visits. The South West Pacific island nation is a notable tourist location in the region, and every year, thousands of visitors throng to its beaches and natural reserves, and you can do the same.