Bringing a pet to Solomon Islands

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Solomon Islands is a rabies-free island nation that treats pet imports as a biosecurity matter, so expect a permit-based, paperwork-heavy process rather than a casual 'bring the dog' entry. There is no routine long-stay quarantine for pets, but advance authorisation from the veterinary authority and a clean bill of health are required before arrival. Rules vary by the origin country's rabies status — pets from rabies-free or controlled-rabies origins face fewer hurdles than those from high-risk countries.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Solomon Islands.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, APHA/DEFRA for the UK, or the equivalent national veterinary service) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

The Solomon Islands does not publish a breed-specific ban list for dogs. However, airlines serving Honiara (Solomon Airlines, Virgin Australia, Qantas via Brisbane or Nadi) apply their own brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed restrictions and may refuse carriage of pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, and similar breeds, especially in cargo. Check with the operating carrier before booking — the airline restriction is often the practical blocker, not the destination country.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued in advance by Solomon Islands MALD Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
Proof of origin rabies-free status if claiming the free tier

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee typically modest (tens of dollars) but confirm with MALD, air freight/cargo for the dog often $500-1500+ depending on routing via Brisbane or Nadi. FAVN titer test not required for this tier.

Even from a rabies-free origin, the Solomon Islands still requires an advance import permit. Book the permit at least 4-6 weeks ahead; processing is not fast and there is no online portal.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued in advance by Solomon Islands MALD Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
Treatment record for internal and external parasites (recommended, confirm with MALD)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee typically modest but confirm with MALD, air freight/cargo for the dog often $500-1500+ depending on routing. FAVN titer test not routinely required for this tier, but MALD may request it case-by-case.

Most travellers to the Solomon Islands fall into this tier (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia, NZ). The permit is the binding constraint — apply 4-6 weeks out. There is no routine post-arrival quarantine for pets from controlled-rabies countries, but the animal must arrive with all paperwork matching the permit.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 6 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued in advance by Solomon Islands MALD Veterinary Services
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
Treatment record for internal and external parasites

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250 plus shipping of the sample to an approved lab, import permit fee modest but confirm with MALD, air freight/cargo for the dog often $500-1500+ depending on routing. Total realistic budget $800-2500+.

High-risk-origin dogs face the full stack: permit, microchip, rabies vaccine, FAVN titer, and health certificate. The 90-day titer wait is the long pole — start the process at least 4-5 months before travel. MALD may impose quarantine on arrival at its discretion for high-risk-origin animals; confirm in writing before booking.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. An advance import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Veterinary Services in Honiara is required for all dogs, regardless of origin country. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel — there is no online portal and processing is not fast. Arriving without a permit can result in the dog being held, returned, or destroyed at your expense.

There is no routine long-stay quarantine for dogs from rabies-free or controlled-rabies origins — quarantine_days is 0 for those tiers. For dogs from CDC high-risk rabies countries, MALD may impose quarantine on arrival at its discretion, so confirm in writing before you book. The Solomon Islands is rabies-free and wants to stay that way, so the paperwork burden is high even when quarantine is not.

The Solomon Islands does not publish a clear numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but in practice MALD treats more than 2-3 dogs per traveller as a commercial import requiring additional licensing and inspection. If you are moving more than a couple of animals, contact MALD Veterinary Services directly before booking — do not assume the non-commercial route applies.

No. The Solomon Islands does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements — the same permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (for high-risk origins) FAVN titer rules apply. Some airlines will carry a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a border exemption. Plan on full compliance.

A current rabies vaccination certificate showing an inactivated vaccine given at least 21 days before travel, with the dog at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. If you are coming from a CDC high-risk rabies country (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East), you also need a FAVN rabies antibody titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, from an approved laboratory.

From a low-risk origin, budget 6-8 weeks: 3-4 weeks for the permit, plus the 21-day rabies vaccine wait, plus the 10-day health certificate window. From a high-risk origin, budget 4-5 months because of the 90-day FAVN titer wait on top of everything else. Add time for airline cargo booking — routes into Honiara are limited and often go via Brisbane or Nadi.

Solomon Airlines is the main carrier into Honiara (HIR), with connections via Brisbane (BNE) or Nadi (NAN). Dogs generally travel as manifested cargo, not in the cabin. Expect $500-1500+ for the freight alone depending on origin and routing, plus the destination-side permit and vet fees. Brachycephalic breeds are frequently refused by carriers — check with the airline before you finalise the MALD permit.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Solomon Islands.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, valid for at least 12 months)
Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~SBD 200-500 (USD 25-60), health certificate ~USD 100-200, microchip ~USD 30-50, parasite treatment ~USD 20-50. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current fees with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and a local veterinarian.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be given at least 21 days before travel. Cats must be treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days before arrival. Quarantine is not required if all documentation is complete, but the Director of Veterinary Services may impose quarantine on arrival if there are any irregularities.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, valid for at least 12 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: import permit ~SBD 200-500 (USD 25-60), FAVN titer test ~USD 100-250, health certificate ~USD 100-200, microchip ~USD 30-50, parasite treatment ~USD 20-50. Confirm current fees with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and a local veterinarian.

The import permit must be obtained before travel. Quarantine is not required if all conditions are met.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, valid for at least 12 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment (administered within 14 days of travel)

Rough budget

Pets from high-risk rabies countries must meet the same requirements as low-risk countries. Quarantine is not required if all conditions are met. However, the Director of Veterinary Services may impose quarantine if there are any irregularities. Contact the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock at least 6 months in advance to ensure all requirements are met.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Solomon Islands does not specify a maximum number for non-commercial pet import in its published regulations. However, each animal requires a separate import permit and health certificate. For more than 2-3 pets, contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock directly to confirm whether commercial import rules apply.

Yes. Solomon Islands does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of function, must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and parasite treatment. There is no waiver for service animals.

It depends on the origin country. For cats from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), no titer test is required. For cats from low-risk or high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN rabies titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml is required. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and the cat must wait 3 months (90 days) after the blood draw before entering Solomon Islands.

Processing time for the import permit from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is not published. Based on practice, allow at least 4-6 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before travel, especially if a rabies titer test is required, as that adds a 3-month waiting period.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 12 months. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis) are not required by Solomon Islands but are recommended for your cat's health.

Quarantine is not required if all import conditions are met (valid import permit, rabies vaccination, titer test if applicable, health certificate, parasite treatment). However, the Director of Veterinary Services may impose quarantine if there are any irregularities or missing documents. Ensure all paperwork is in order before arrival.

Yes, but Australia is considered a low-risk rabies country. Therefore, your cat must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, and you must wait 3 months (90 days) after the blood draw before entering Solomon Islands. An import permit and health certificate are also required. Australia has strict export requirements as well, so check with the Australian Department of Agriculture.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Solomon Islands.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current fees with MAL and a local vet. Import permit ~SBD 200–500 (USD 25–60), health certificate ~USD 100–200, microchip ~USD 30–50, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50. No rabies titer test is required for this tier.

Apply for the import permit at least 30 days before travel; the permit is valid for 30 days from issuance. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Quarantine of up to 30 days may be imposed at the discretion of the Director of Veterinary Services on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel

Rough budget

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian of the origin country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current fees with MAL and a local vet. Import permit ~SBD 200–500 (USD 25–60), health certificate ~USD 100–200, microchip ~USD 30–50, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, parasite treatment ~USD 20–50.

Apply for the import permit at least 30 days before travel; the permit is valid for 30 days from issuance. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. A FAVN rabies titer test is required. Quarantine of up to 30 days may be imposed at the discretion of the Director of Veterinary Services on arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, with an import permit from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL). Ferrets are not explicitly prohibited, but the permit must be obtained before travel and is valid for 30 days from issuance. You also need a veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Quarantine of up to 30 days may be imposed at the discretion of the Director of Veterinary Services on arrival.

Solomon Islands does not publish a limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. The Director of Veterinary Services may treat multiple animals as a commercial import, requiring additional permits and inspections. As a practical guideline, keep the number to 1–2 pets per traveller to avoid being classified as commercial. Confirm with MAL before travelling with more than two ferrets.

No. Solomon Islands does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from veterinary import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import conditions: import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip. There is no waiver for assistance animals.

If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at least 90 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. For rabies-free or low-risk countries, no titer test is required.

Apply at least 30 days before your planned travel date. The permit is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Processing times can vary, so submit your application early. You can contact MAL directly for current processing times.

A valid rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not mandatory for entry but are recommended for the animal's health. Your vet should issue a vaccination certificate with the vaccine brand, batch number, and date.

Quarantine is not routinely required for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries if all import conditions are met. However, the Director of Veterinary Services may impose quarantine (up to 30 days) at the point of entry if there are concerns about the animal's health or documentation. For high-risk countries, quarantine may also be imposed at the discretion of the Director. Plan for potential quarantine delays and costs.

Good to know

The Solomon Islands is rabies-free and has no indigenous dog rabies. The competent authority is the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Veterinary Services, based in Honiara. Import permits are issued in advance and are the single most common point of failure — travellers who arrive without one can have the animal held, returned, or in some cases destroyed at the owner's expense. Confirm current requirements directly with MALD Veterinary Services before booking travel, as published guidance is thin and updated irregularly.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Solomon Islands, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).