Solomon Islands customs rules & duty-free allowances
The Solomon Islands enforces strict biosecurity rules at Honiara International Airport, where undeclared food or plant material can trigger on-the-spot fines. The biggest risk for travellers is not the duty-free allowance but the ban on many common food items and the need to declare large amounts of cash. Prescription medication also requires a doctor's letter, as some drugs legal elsewhere are controlled here.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin)
- Unlicensed firearms and ammunition
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit goods
- Live animals and birds without a permit
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Prescription medicines (must be declared and accompanied by a prescription)
- Plants and seeds (require a biosecurity import permit)
- Drones (require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority)
- Satellite phones (require a licence from the Telecommunications Commission)
- Currency over SBD 80,000 (must be declared)
Arriving: red vs green channel
All arriving international passengers must complete a Customs Declaration form, usually distributed on the flight. After immigration, you proceed to the customs hall where there is a red channel (goods to declare) and a green channel (nothing to declare). If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel; if you have items exceeding the duty-free allowance, cash over SBD 80,000, or any restricted/prohibited goods, use the red channel and speak to a customs officer.
Bringing medication
You may bring personal prescription medication for your own use if you have a valid prescription or doctor's letter. Quantities should not exceed a 3-month supply. Controlled drugs (e.g., narcotics, psychotropic substances) require prior approval from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health. Some common medications containing codeine or pseudoephedrine may be restricted; check with the Solomon Islands High Commission or Ministry of Health before travel.
Food, plants & animal products
The Solomon Islands has strict biosecurity rules. All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs are generally prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed if declared and inspected. Failure to declare can result in fines of up to SBD 10,000 or confiscation.
Rules worth knowing
Strict Biosecurity Fines
Undeclared food or plant items can attract an on-the-spot fine of SBD 1,000 or more, and you may be prosecuted. Always declare even small snacks.
Cash Declaration Threshold
You must declare if you carry SBD 80,000 (about USD 10,000) or more in cash or negotiable instruments. There is no limit, but undeclared amounts can be seized.
Duty Rate on Excess Goods
If you exceed the SBD 6,000 duty-free allowance, duty is charged at 70% of the value of the excess goods, plus 10% GST. This can make bringing in extra electronics or luxury items very expensive.
Medication Restrictions
Some common over-the-counter and prescription drugs are controlled in the Solomon Islands. Bring a doctor's letter and only a personal supply; otherwise, you risk confiscation or arrest.