Solomon Islands entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Solomon Islands. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Honiara International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will not let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host makes the immigration process smoother. If you are staying with friends or family, ask them to write a letter with their contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,000 Solomon Islands dollars per day (roughly $120 USD). | 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 May 14, 2026
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 = 7.9 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. 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 May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.