Solomon Islands customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Solomon Islands enforces strict biosecurity — declare all food, plants, wooden items, and animal products or face fines up to SBD 10,000. The country is cash-based; cash over SBD 80,000 must be declared. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers entering in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to SBD 1,000 (approx. USD 125).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or monetary instruments over SBD 80,000 (approx. USD 10,000) using the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare risks seizure and penalties up to SBD 50,000.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to SBD 6,400 (approx. USD 800). Above that, duty is charged at rates up to 30% depending on the item.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, even for medical use without prior approval)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Commissioner of Police
  • Pornographic material (including digital content)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., turtle shells, coral, certain shells) under CITES
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require biosecurity import permit)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (require Civil Aviation approval)
  • Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (require government permit)
  • Cultural artifacts and traditional carvings (may need export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After landing at Honiara International Airport, proceed to the Customs Hall. If you have nothing to declare, use the Green Channel; if you have goods above the allowance, cash to declare, or restricted items, use the Red Channel. Complete a Customs Declaration Form (provided on the aircraft or at the counter).

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription or doctor's letter. Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Codeine-based painkillers are restricted.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, wooden items, soil, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a permit. Biosecurity inspections are strict — undeclared items are confiscated and you may be fined up to SBD 10,000.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity is strict

Solomon Islands has a fragile ecosystem. All wooden items, shells, and plant products must be declared. Even a single undeclared fruit can lead to a fine of up to SBD 10,000 (approx. USD 1,250).

Cash declaration threshold

You must declare any amount of cash or monetary instruments over SBD 80,000 (approx. USD 10,000) on the Customs Declaration Form. The country is cash-heavy, so don't assume you can skip this.

Duty-free allowance is per person

The SBD 6,400 (approx. USD 800) duty-free goods allowance is per adult traveller. Families cannot pool allowances. Items for commercial use are not covered.

Alcohol and tobacco age limit

You must be 18 or older to bring in duty-free alcohol and tobacco. Customs may ask for ID if you look under 25.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI). Unauthorised drones can be confiscated. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Yes. Many shells and corals are protected under CITES. You may need an export permit from the Ministry of Environment. Avoid buying or bringing any without documentation.
Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use are generally allowed duty-free as personal effects. But if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3 phones), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.
Undeclared cash can be seized, and you may face a fine of up to SBD 50,000 (approx. USD 6,250) or imprisonment. Always declare on the form.
Kava root is allowed for personal use (up to 2 kg) but must be declared. Commercial quantities require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
No, Solomon Islands does not offer a VAT refund for tourists. There is no tax-free shopping scheme at the airport.
You clear customs at Honiara International Airport on arrival. If you are transiting to a domestic flight, your checked luggage will be screened again for biosecurity. Declare any items at the first point of entry.

Official source

Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division before travelling.