Solomon Islands

Unexploded weapons

Remnants of war are still presentwidely throughout Solomon Islands.

Areas affected by war include:

• Hell’s Point, Honiara and surrounding ridges
• the New Georgia group of islands
• the former capital of Tulagi
• the Russell Islands

The condition and stability of the weapons is unknown. 

Get local advice before you travel to these areas. Take care when hiking, boating or diving.

Remote travel

If you’re planning to travel outside Honiara or Gizo, seek local advice on the availability of services and amenities for tourists in that area.

Many parts of Solomon Islands are remote from medical and other emergency services.

Driving permit

To drive in Solomon Islands you’ll need both:

• a valid international driving permit (IDP)
• your current Australian driver’s licence

Driving without an IDP can void your travel and vehicle insurance.

After 3 months, you’ll need to get a local driver’s licence.

More information:

Road travel

Most roads in Solomon Islands are in a very poor state of repair.

Large potholes are common. Local drivers swerve or slow suddenly to avoid potholes, including on the main road in Honiara.

Vehicles are generally poorly maintained.

Traffic lanes and road rules are often ignored, particularly at roundabouts and other intersections.

Off the main highway, pedestrians often walk on roads, seemingly unaware of traffic.

Traffic jams are common in Honiara.

If you plan to drive:

• learn local laws and driving practices
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid driving at night, where possible
• follow instructions if stopped by police
• allow plenty of time to reach your destination

If rocks are thrown at your car, leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.

More information: 

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

There’s no formal public transport system in Solomon Islands. Privately owned passenger vans, small buses and trucks provide transport in most areas with roads.

A limited minibus system operates in Honiara.

Take care of your belongings due to petty theft.

Boat travel

Travel by boat in Solomon Islands can be dangerous.

Passenger ferry services are subject to disruption at short notice.

Overcrowding of passenger ferries is common.

Consider flying to your destination rather than taking a passenger ferry.

There are limited marine search-and-rescue services in Solomon Islands.

To protect yourself when travelling by boat: 

• carry your own life jackets, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and satellite telephone
• avoid single-engine boats
• travel in convoy with all boats at half capacity or less
• register your departures and arrivals with a friend

Air travel

Domestic flights are often cancelled or rescheduled at short notice.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Solomon Island’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government