Capital: Honiara
Time zone: GMT + 11
Telephone services: Country Code: 677 Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.
Tourist information: Refer to the Consulate.
Passport information: Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all. Return Ticket Required. Regulations may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Visa Not required for stays of up to 3 months except for nationals of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who do require a visa. A Visitors Permit is required by all other nationals and will be issued on arrival at the airport. A multi entry visa for Australia is advised for long term stays on the Solomon Islands.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in particular areas in the Falciparum variety, which is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Immunisation against Hepatitis A recommended. Hepatitis is endemic. Filariasis, Dengue fever, and Typhoid.
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Boil water before mixing with powdered milk. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SI$) = 100 cents. NOTE: Export of local currency is limited to SI$ 250.
Credit cards are not accepted. Australian dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged.
ATM availability: Unavailable.
Cost of living: Accommodation can be quite expensive due to the small number of hotels. However, in the Reef accommodation is cheaper.
Languages: English and Pidgin English and over 87 local dialects are spoken.
Weather: Mainly Hot and Humid with little variation throughout the year.
Electricity: 240 Volts AC 50Hz, Australian-type, flat 3 – pin plugs are commonly used.
Post: Approx. 7 days to Europe.
Transport: FLIGHTS: National airline runs services between main islands and towns. SEA: Large and small ships provide the best means of travelling between the islands. Services are run by the government and a host of private operators. ROAD: General condition is poor resulting in limited use. TAXI: Available in main cities, advisable to agree the fare in advance.
Special information: EXTREME RISK: Because of local tension we advise against travel to Guadalcanal. Permission is required before use of beaches – footpaths etc. Beachwear should be kept for the beach. Swimming is not advised in the sea around Honiara because of the presence of sharks – bristle-worms – stinging corals and sea urchins. Health insurance is essential. PHOTOGRAPHY: Always seek permission before taking photographs of locals.