Solomon Islands entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Lao passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Solomon Islands for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Lao citizens, so you need to apply through a Solomon Islands diplomatic mission in advance. The process involves paperwork and can take several weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Solomon IslandsYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before you fly. Required for Lao citizens | Lao passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. Apply at the nearest Solomon Islands embassy or consulate (or the British High Commission if no Solomon Islands mission is present). No eVisa is available for Lao nationals. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from Solomon Islands. Check your passport's expiry date well in advance. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit plans before letting you in. Proof of departure | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Solomon Islands. The ticket must be within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. For your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Solomon Islands. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Lao citizens entering Solomon Islands. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationAny online eVisa application would be rejected or ignored. Not available for Lao citizens | Solomon Islands does not offer an eVisa for Lao passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; use the embassy/consulate route instead. | Not required |
No visa, no boarding
Airlines check visa requirements before issuing boarding passes. Without a valid Solomon Islands visa, you will not be allowed to board your flight. There is no way to get one at the airport.
Limited diplomatic missions
Solomon Islands has very few embassies or consulates worldwide. You may need to travel to another country (e.g., Australia) to submit your application in person. Factor in travel time and costs.
Visa extensions are not possible
Once in Solomon Islands, you cannot extend your stay. Overstaying your visa is a serious offense and can lead to fines, detention, and deportation. Plan your trip carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Solomon Islands embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. Since Solomon Islands has limited diplomatic missions, you may need to apply through a consulate in a neighboring country (e.g., Australia, Japan, or the UK). Call or email them to confirm application procedures, fees, and processing times.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and financial evidence. Make copies of everything. Double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Keep the receipt — you'll need it if you have to follow up.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take several weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Follow up with the embassy if you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check the validity dates and any conditions. On arrival at Honiara International Airport, present your passport with the visa to immigration. They'll stamp you in and note your allowed stay.
Download Solomon Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostSBD 500 (approx. USD 62)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Solomon Islands company and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostSBD 1,000 (approx. USD 125)
Allows multiple entries for business or tourism; must be arranged before arrival.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD $1,000 (~$125 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Solomon Islands employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD $2,000 (~$250 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least SBD $500,000 in a local business. Must provide business plan and financial statements.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
SBD $300 (~$37 USD) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Solomon Islands. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extensionExtensions may be granted for up to 30 days at a time, subject to immigration approval. | SBD 200 (approx. USD 25) |
| Exit feeApplicable when departing from Honiara International Airport. | SBD 40 (approx. USD 5) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Solomon Islands
No transit visa needed
Transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass through immigration do not require a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers who need to leave the transit area or stay overnight must obtain a visa on arrival (free for Lao citizens).
Transit hubsHoniara International Airport (HIR)
Health & vaccines for Solomon Islands
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all areas, including Honiara. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Honiara
Solomon Islands Immigration Division
Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gizo
Gizo Immigration Office
Gizo, Western Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in Western Province.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalHoniara
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencySolomon Islands dollar (SBD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 7.99 SBD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+11
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
G,IType G (3 rectangular prongs) and Type I (2 or 3 flat prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Solomon Islands does not offer visa-on-arrival for Lao passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Solomon Islands embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Solomon Islands eVisa system is not available to Lao passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect at least 2–4 weeks. It's wise to apply at least a month before your planned departure. Some applications may take longer if additional checks are needed.
Solomon Islands has limited diplomatic missions. There is no embassy in Laos. You may need to apply through the Solomon Islands High Commission in Canberra, Australia, or the embassy in Tokyo, Japan, or London, UK. Contact the nearest one to confirm jurisdiction.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days for tourist visas, but it depends on the visa type granted. Check the visa sticker for the exact validity and duration of stay. Extensions are not permitted.
No. Visas for Solomon Islands are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires or face overstay penalties.
You will be denied entry and likely placed on the next flight back to your point of origin. The airline may also fine you for carrying a passenger without proper documentation. Don't risk it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.