Solomon Islands
About Solomon Islands
| Currency | Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Honiara |
The Solomon Islands include more than 900 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Papua New Guinea, with a population of about 635,000 people. The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy with the chief of state being the monarch of Great Britain, represented by a governor-general. A prime minister is head of government.
The islands were inhabited as early as 1000 BC, however, early attempts at colonization were not successful. Europeans did not establish their presence until the mid-1800s. Britain declared the islands as a protectorate in 1893.
During World War II, the body of water at the centre of the Soloman Islands, known as “The Slot” and the island of Guadalcanal, were the scenes of fierce naval warfare. Many American and Japanese ships are on the bottom. After World War II, the country moved toward independence. In 1976, self-government was achieved, and in 1978, the Solomon Islands adopted a constitution and gained independence.
In 1998, tribal rivalries erupted into violent confrontations between the Gwale people on Guadalcanal and the Malaitans on the island of Malaita. The ongoing civil unrest between 1998 and 2003 was very damaging to the country. In mid-2003, the prime minister called on Australia to help in negotiations to reestablish law and order. An Australian-led multinational force was brought in. The country is still recovering from the conflict and struggles with an unstable economic situation.
Tourism is not a developed sector of the economy of the islands. For travellers to the Solomon Islands, there are opportunities for diving around World War II wrecks, snorkelling, surfing, exploring lagoons and staying at eco-lodges.
Recommended Vaccinations For Solomon Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever in Solomon Islands. However, the country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Solomon Islands
For Some Travellers
Anti-malarial Drugs
Recommended anti-malaria medications are atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline, or mefloquine. Drug resistance to chloroquine is present.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Solomon Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever may occur in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
For Some Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Malaria
All areas of this country are at high risk for malaria.
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. The Solomon Islands is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in Solomon Islands. However, the country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Solomon Islands, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Zika Fever
Zika fever may occur in this country.
Safety & Security in Solomon Islands
Personal Safety
Petty crime including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft occurs across the Solomon Islands, with Honiara experiencing higher risks. Break-ins, robberies, and more serious offenses including sexual assault target foreigners and expatriates, particularly in the capital. Specific high-risk areas in Honiara include the Central Market, Point Cruz, Chinatown around the old Mataniko bridge, Kukum area, Burns Creek and Lungga River in east Honiara, White River in west Honiara, and squatter settlements around the city. Crime typically increases during the Christmas holiday season and in the months approaching major holidays. Groups of youths have been reported blocking roads in suburbs and on the outskirts of Honiara under the guise of collecting fees for road maintenance. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force operates with limited resources and often responds slowly to calls for assistance. Vicious street dogs roam freely in Honiara, often in packs, and have attacked pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. Crocodiles and sharks present significant risks. Saltwater crocodiles are common in coastal waters, river mouths, and even lakes. Bull, hammerhead, and tiger sharks inhabit coastal waters. Unexploded ordnance from World War II remains throughout the country, particularly around Hell’s Point, ridges behind Honiara, New Georgia group of islands, Tulagi, and the Russell Islands. These munitions pose hazards on land, in forests, and underwater. Drink spiking can occur, and homemade alcoholic drinks carry methanol poisoning risks. Land ownership is sensitive, and you may need to pay kastom fees to landowners when using beaches near Honiara or trekking through certain areas.
Extreme Violence
Violent crime including home invasions, armed robbery, and carjacking occurs but is less common than petty crime. These incidents have targeted foreigners and expatriates. Other violent crimes are uncommon but can happen. Sexual assault is a serious concern, with 63.5 percent of women aged 15 to 49 experiencing physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetimes according to a 2021 UN Women report. Gender-based violence and domestic abuse remain serious and underreported problems. The country experienced significant violence during riots in 2006, 2019, and November 2021, when protesters set fire to buildings in Chinatown and elsewhere in Honiara. Three charred bodies were discovered following the 2021 riots, and four people were killed during protests on November 29, 2021. Over 100 people were arrested in relation to these events. While the country has experienced a reduction in crime and violence over the past decade, the Solomon Islands faced civil tensions and conflict from 1998 to 2003 that required international peacekeeping intervention.
Political Unrest
Political unrest can arise with little notice in the Solomon Islands. Demonstrations occur in Honiara during Parliament sittings, elections, and times of political uncertainty. These protests can turn violent quickly and lead to civil unrest. Major riots occurred in Honiara in 2006, 2019, and November 2021. The November 2021 riots began as peaceful protests against the government’s decision to recognize China over Taiwan but escalated, resulting in looting and arson, particularly in Chinatown. Buildings adjoining parliament burned, and a police station was set on fire. Australian, Papua New Guinea, Fijian, and New Zealand forces deployed to restore order. In February 2023, protests broke out in Auki following the removal of Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani through a vote of no confidence. Tensions exist between the national government and Malaita Province, which has maintained ties with Taiwan and opposed the 2019 diplomatic switch to China. The government postponed the 2023 elections to April 2024, raising concerns about democratic processes. Security lockdowns can be announced at very short notice, and services and supply chains may be disrupted during unrest. Civil society faces growing pressure, with the government showing sensitivity to criticism of its links with China. In August 2023, the government threatened to ban foreign journalists deemed not respectful of the country.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid squatter settlements around Honiara, including White River, Lungga Bridge, Sun Valley, Mataniko Bridge, Burns Creek, and the Henderson airport area. Foreign nationals are often targets of violent attacks in these locations. Security incidents in these areas have included serious violence. Exercise caution in Central Market, Point Cruz, the area surrounding old Mataniko bridge in Central Honiara (Chinatown), the Kukum area, Burns Creek and Lungga River in east Honiara, White River in west Honiara, Borderline and Kombito Market in the southeast of Honiara. Crime including pickpocketing, bag snatching, mobile phone theft, and harassment is common in these areas during the day. Harassment and assaults resulting in serious injury have occurred at popular tourist sites, including beaches close to Honiara. Check local advice before traveling to rural Guadalcanal, taking day trips outside Honiara, or visiting the island of Malaita. Some areas of Malaita have experienced land disputes and political tensions. Avoid nighttime travel in Honiara and throughout the country. Areas with unexploded World War II ordnance include Hell’s Point, ridges behind Honiara, the New Georgia group of islands, Tulagi, and the Russell Islands. Be alert when hiking, boating, or diving in these locations. Get local advice before entering unfamiliar waters, as saltwater crocodiles inhabit river mouths and coastal areas. The Western Province areas of Gizo, Munda, and Marovo Lagoon are generally safer for visitors concerned about personal security.
