Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel can continue to Soloman Islands ensuring the political situation is monitored before departure and a security brief is given.

 

Political situation

 

A general election was concluded in December 2014. Former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was returned for a 3rd term. The election was conducted peacefully. Previous major political events, however, have resulted in civil unrest. You should monitor local media and be vigilant around political demonstrations and large gatherings.

 

Crime

 

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has limited resources and response times to calls for help can be slow. There have been reports of robberies involving violence, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing, distraction thefts and harassment, particularly around the central market.

 

Civil unrest and drunken behaviour can occur. Foreigners and expatriates may be attractive targets for violence. Take care if going to local nightclubs and be aware that such venues rarely have adequate fire precautions in place.

 

Take sensible security precautions at all times, and maintain a high state of personal awareness. Where possible avoid travel around Honiara at night. Take particular care in the squatter settlements around Honiara, White River and the Lungga Bridge, Sun Valley, Mataniko Bridge and Henderson (airport) area. Security incidents in these areas have included improvised road blocks, sporadic rock throwing and more serious violent criminal acts, including sexual assault, robbery and vehicle hijacking. If you plan to visit rural Guadalcanal, take day trips outside Honiara or visit the island of Malaita you should check local advice before travelling. Visits to other provinces in Solomon Islands are generally trouble-free.

 

Road travel

 

There are few roads in Solomon Islands; 90% of these are on Guadalcanal and Malaita. Many are very heavily potholed and in some areas bridges have collapsed. Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor. Be especially careful when overtaking. Many Solomon Islanders chew betel nut and frequently open vehicle doors, including on the driver’s side, when travelling at speed, in order to spit onto the road. Take care when driving in and around town. Poor pedestrian discipline and speeding has resulted in a number of fatal accidents. Driving at night requires even more care as there is little street lighting.

 

If you are involved in a road accident the law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive. There may however be circumstances where this is not safe, for example if a large and hostile crowd has gathered. In this case, it may be preferable to drive to the nearest police station to report the incident.

 

Air travel

 

Reliability of services can be patchy and cancellations occur. Domestic flights are particularly prone to disruption and visitors with international connections should take note and plan accordingly. Facilities at Henderson International Airport are well below those at most international airports and you should prepare accordingly. International flight departures are to Brisbane, Port Moresby or Port Vila. A new weekly service to Sydney is scheduled to begin in June 2015.

 

Sea travel

 

You should avoid travel on inter-island ferries wherever possible. Ferry services are usually crowded and safety regulations are not always strictly applied. Some domestic inter-island passenger ferries are operated at a nationally acceptable standard, but most domestic shipping is operated at a standard that would not be acceptable to an international traveller, and few carry recognised insurance. You should check with the operator before embarking. Bring your own lifejacket if you are taking sea journeys. Journeys to small and/or remote islands are usually in small-motorised canoes.

 

On 18 December 2013, an inter-island ferry travelling from Honiara to the island of Malaita sank with at least 300 people on board. The MV Francis Gerena sank 8 miles north of Anuha as a result of overcrowding. All were rescued but at least 11 people needed hospital treatment.

 

In May 2012 an inter-island ship travelling from Honiara to Temotu foundered in rough seas. After a search and rescue operation lasting several days, all 49 people on board were rescued.

 

Dangerous wildlife

 

Salt water crocodiles are native to many parts of Solomon Islands, and there are regular sightings on beaches. Take local advice before entering unfamiliar waters, including lakes. There are also large species of shark (such as bull, hammerhead and tiger sharks) in the coastal waters.

 

Diving

 

There is a decompression chamber in Honiara, manned by volunteers. Registered dive operators can provide information on access arrangements.

 

Communications

 

There are two mobile telephone networks operating in Solomon Islands. Coverage is variable but does extend to the outer provinces and is becoming more extensive. Contact your service provider for further details. Your mobile phone is highly unlikely to work in the Solomon Islands. Local SIM cards and handsets are available. Solomon Telekom offers a hire service for satellite phones. Mobile 3G internet services are available. Check with the operator for tariffs.

 

There are plenty of internet cafes in Honiara; costs are around 50 cents per minute.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Drug use is illegal in Solomon Islands, 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. In certain areas there are ‘tabu’ sites only visited by men.

 

Land ownership in Solomon Islands is an important and sensitive issue. Walking and trekking off the beaten track, or the use of many of the beaches around Honiara, may require payment of a ’kastom’ fee to the landowner.

 

Homosexual acts are illegal in Solomon Islands and the penalties can include custodial sentences. Open displays of affection are likely to offend.

 

Money

Access to banking facilities is difficult in rural areas. ATMs are available in Honiara, Honiara Airport, Gizo, Munda and Auki.

 

Medical facilities are very basic. There are limited hospital facilities and medical supplies are not always available. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara frequently runs out of blood supplies and often has a very limited stock of oral re-hydration salts, paracetamol and basic antibiotics. Gizo hospital is newly built and has good facilities, but can also run short of supplies. Take a basic medical kit with you when visiting rural and remote areas. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. As a precaution, make sure you have a valid visa for Australia in case of the need for urgent medical evacuation.

 

Dengue fever and malaria occur in Solomon Islands. A significant measles outbreak has been reported which has so far resulted in several deaths. Most of the cases are in Honiara, but cases have been reported across all provinces.

 

Ministry of Health and Medical Services have reported 4 fatal cases of suspected meningococcal meningitis in East Makira.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The Solomon Islands are a part of the ’Ring of Fire’ that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean; earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity can occur at any time.

 

Sometimes localised tsunamis are caused by larger undersea earthquakes. The Solomon Islands authorities are responsible for providing tsunami warnings and alerts, usually through radio broadcasts. You can get up to date information from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. 

 

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the  World Meteorological Organisation and Solomon Islands Meteorological Service.

 

Heavy rain and flooding can affect the Solomon Islands. Bridges are often washed away as a result. Check local weather forecasts and take care if you are travelling during the tropical cyclone season.

 

Visas  

 

Visas are not required for EU nationals visiting Solomon Islands. However, you should be in possession of printed copy of a return or onward ticket. Check with the Solomon Islands Immigration Department for any other visa related questions, including how to apply for research, business or residency permits.

 

We advise all nationals (including those residing in the Solomon Islands) to obtain a multiple entry visa for Australia.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Solomon Islands.

 

The Solomon Island authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Solomon Islands.  .