www.mfat.govt.nzwww.safetravel.govt.nz
www.safetravel.govt.nz

Going away? Living Overseas? Let us know!

Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.

Register

  1. Southeast Asia
  2. South Asia
  3. North Asia
  4. Central Asia
  5. Europe
  6. Middle East
  7. Africa
  8. North America
  9. Central / South America
  10. Caribbean
  11. Australia
  12. Pacific
Map of Solomon Islands
Map of the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands

Reviewed: 07 November 2008, 9:27 NZDT
Still current at: 25 November 2009

There is some risk to your security in the Solomon Islands due to criminal activity and the risk of civil unrest and we advise caution. 

The security situation in and around the capital Honiara remains uncertain and could deteriorate at short notice.  Political tensions can arise with little notice and we recommend that New Zealanders avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they could lead to civil unrest and turn violent suddenly.  New Zealanders are advised to closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about safety or security risks.

There are criminal elements within the country, some of whom have access to firearms.  Criminal activity (such as theft and burglary) and some acts of violence do occur, especially around Honiara.  Such activity is aligned to alcohol consumption, domestic related disputes and land issues.  New Zealanders are advised to maintain a sensible level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid travelling late at night and in the early hours of the morning in Honiara.

On 2 April 2007, a major earthquake and tsunami caused considerable damage in the Western Province and Choiseul regions of the country.   Travellers intending to go to the areas affected by the disaster should keep in mind that the ongoing consequences of the disaster may impact on infrastructure in the region. 

Visitors should be aware that outside Honiara there is limited capacity to respond to emergency situations.  Medical services are very limited.  Passenger ferry and flight services throughout the Solomon Islands are routinely subject to schedule changes at short notice.  Safety regulations are not always adhered to when travelling by sea ferry and it is advisable to take one's own lifejacket.  Ferries are often overcrowded.

New Zealanders travelling to or resident in the Solomon Islands should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air and unexpected flight schedule changes.

New Zealanders visiting and living in the Solomon Islands are encouraged to register their details online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

See our regional advice for the Pacific

Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)

Britain - United States - Canada - Australia

For current health alerts

The New Zealand High Commission Honiara, Solomon Islands

Contact details are

Street Address City Centre Building, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands Postal Address PO Box 697, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Telephone +677 21 502/503 Facsimile +677 22 377
Email
nzhicom@solomon.com.sb
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0800 - 1200, 1300 - 1630 hrs