Solomon Islands travel advice

Due to the geographical location of Solomon, earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. Two earthquakes occurred in the Western Province, causing huge waves to hit the islands of Tetepare and Rendova on the morning of 4 January 2010, causing significant structural damage.

Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail.

In April 2006, political tensions in the Solomon Islands resulted in wide-scale civil unrest. Political tension in Honiara has eased significantly since the new government took over in December 2007, but the risk of civil disturbance remains. Travellers should exercise caution and avoid public gatherings and large crowds and monitor local information sources.

Law and order in the Solomon Islands is fragile.

If visiting the Solomon Islands, caution should be exercised at all times and a high state of personal awareness maintained. It is strongly advised to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's security arrangements. Visitors should take up to date advice about day trips or travel around the area close to Honiara and refrain from travelling around Honiara at night.

Instances of pickpocketing, theft and burglary against expatriates have been on the increase recently. Caution should be exercised in local nightclubs as instances of drunken attacks are not uncommon. Such venues rarely have adequate fire precautions in place.

On 2 April 2007, a tsunami hit the Western and Choiseul Provinces of the Solomon Islands.

The tropical cyclone season in the Solomon Islands normally runs from November to May.

The threat from terrorism in the Solomon Islands is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel