Solomon Islands entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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

New Zealand passport holders get a visa on arrival in Solomon Islands — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Honiara International Airport with your passport and you'll be stamped in. This policy is current for 2026.

Apply for Solomon Islands eVisaOfficial portal: Solomon Islands eVisa

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Solomon Islands. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Visa on arrival
Obtain at Honiara International Airport
New Zealand passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Honiara International Airport. Have your passport and return ticket ready at the immigration counter. The visa is single-entry and cannot be extended.Check visa detailsRequired
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa on arrival
Immigration officers at Honiara will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in — no ticket means no boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to show at immigration
Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host ready. While not always requested, showing proof of where you're staying speeds up the visa-on-arrival process.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to show at immigration
Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card works. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself, especially for longer visits.Recommended
No visa needed — just show up
New Zealand passport holders get a free visa on arrival at Honiara International Airport. No application, no fee, no form. Just your passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines enforce this — you won't be allowed to board if your passport expires sooner.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Honiara International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation booking ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will process your visa on arrival — no fee, no form. They'll stamp you in. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes per person.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival card to fill out. You're free to go once you clear customs.
Download Solomon Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSBD 400 (~$50 USD)

Requires invitation letter or hotel booking, valid passport, and return ticket.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity12 months from issue
CostSBD 800 (~$100 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; must have proof of sufficient funds.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSBD 600 (~$75 USD)

Requires letter from Solomon Islands business partner and company registration.

work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
SBD 2,000 (~$250 USD) plus processing fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Solomon Islands employer. Requires labour market test and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
SBD 10,000 (~$1,240 USD) plus legal fees
For individuals investing at least SBD 500,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
SBD 1,000 (~$124 USD) per year
For enrolment at Solomon Islands National University or other accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (SBD or AUD) upon arrival at Honiara International Airport.SBD 200 (~$25 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply at Solomon Islands High Commission or online if available.SBD 400 (~$50 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 12 months.SBD 800 (~$100 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Division in Honiara before current visa expires.SBD 500 (~$62 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport departure.SBD 100 (~$12 USD) per day, max SBD 5,000 (~$620 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%

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

New Zealand passport holders transiting through Honiara International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsHoniara International Airport (HIR)

Health & vaccines for Solomon Islands

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur year-round, especially in urban areas.

MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, including Honiara; prophylaxis recommended.

Zika virusModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present in all areas, including urban Honiara. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Honiara
Immigration Division, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration
Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (SBD).

Gizo
Provincial Immigration Office – Gizo
Gizo Town, Western Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in Western Province. Limited services; call ahead.

Practical information for NZ 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 = 7.92 SBD
updated Jun 4
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
Police999
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders is free. There's no fee at the airport.
The standard stay is up to 90 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, but 90 days is typical for NZ passport holders.
Extensions are not available for the visa on arrival. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. There is no arrival card or online declaration required for Solomon Islands. Just show your passport and ticket.
The visa on arrival is only available at Honiara International Airport. If you arrive by sea or at a smaller airstrip, you may need to arrange a visa in advance.
Immigration may refuse entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.