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.
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.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
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
Overall most travellers to the Solomon Islands have no safety problems. However, crime does occur and has involved serious violence and assaults, including sexual assault. There have been reports of tourists being attacked at knifepoint, including at popular tourist sites, such as Mbonege Beach. Women need to be particularly cautious. Avoid isolated areas and avoid areas without security guards. Pickpocketing, theft, and bag snatching is common, particularly around the central market in Honiara.
Avoid travel or walking around Honiara at night if possible. Exercise caution in the squatter settlements around Honiara, White River and the Lungga Bridge, Sun Valley, Mataniko Bridge, Burns Creek and Henderson (airport) area. Security incidents in these areas have included road blocks, rock throwing, and more serious crimes, including sexual assault, robbery and vehicle hijacking.
Home invasions and violent crime increase during the time leading up Christmas holidays. There have been reports of yachts being robbed, even when the boats are anchored off-shore.
If your travel plans include visiting rural Guadalcanal, day trips from Honiara, or visiting the island of Malaita, get an update on the security situation from the High Commission of the Solomon Islands before travelling.
Safety measures for water sports, such as scuba diving, may not be at a level expected in western countries. In addition, emergency response times may be delayed. Ensure that adequate safety precautions are in place. You may need to provide your own safety equipment, such as life preservers. The hyperbaric chamber in Honiara is currently not in operation. Travellers with medical problems associated with diving accidents may need medical evacuation to New Zealand, which is the closest location for reliable medical care.
Get local advice before entering waters, and exercise caution in both fresh and salt water. Fresh and salt water crocodiles and sharks are common in many areas of the Solomon Islands. Crocodiles have been seen regularly offshore and on beaches.
Possession of pornographic material is against the law and brings fines and possible imprisonment.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in the Solomon Islands. It would be prudent to avoid public displays of affection.
Road travel is difficult since roads are often in disrepair with many potholes. Infrastructure, such as bridges, may not be maintained and some bridges have even collapsed. Drivers may not adhere to rules of the road. It is common for drivers to chew betel nut, and open doors while driving at speed to spit.
If you are involved in a driving accident, the law requires you to stop and remain at the scene of the accident. However, if a hostile crowd gathers, drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.
There is still unexploded ammunition in the Solomon Islands, particularly in Hell’s Point, Honiara and surrounding ridges, the New Georgia group of islands, Tulagi Island and the Russell Islands. Exercise caution when hiking, boating, or diving. Taxis, bus services and ferries are the available modes of transportation. Cyclones may occur from November to May. Always stay alert about the weather forecast and heed the advice of local authorities. Be aware that travel plans may be disrupted or canceled in the event of extreme weather. The Solomon Islands is located in an active seismic zone; earthquakes and resulting tsunamis may occur. Volcanic eruptions are likely. Internet and mobile services are limited in some regions.
Political Unrest
Civil unrest may occur at times of Parliamentary sessions, court cases, and sporting or cultural events.
Areas To Avoid
Exercise caution in Honiara.
