Solomon Islands customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving travellers in the Solomon Islands in 2026 receive a duty-free allowance of SBD 6,000 (approximately USD 800) for personal goods, plus 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, and 1L of spirits or 2L of wine/beer. Cash over SBD 200,000 (USD 10,000) must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, weapons, and certain food items without permits.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1L of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2L of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or monetary instruments equivalent to SBD 200,000 (USD 10,000) or more must be declared on the arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to SBD 6,000 (USD 800) are duty-free; above that, duty applies at customs discretion.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species and products (e.g., turtle shells, coral)
  • Certain meat and dairy products from foot-and-mouth disease areas

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval)
  • Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals and animal products (require import permit and health certificate)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior approval from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation)
  • Cultural artifacts and historical items (require export permit from the Solomon Islands National Museum)

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

All arriving travellers must complete a biosecurity declaration form. Failure to declare food, plants, or animal products can result in fines up to SBD 10,000.

Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person

Duty-free allowances apply per individual traveller, not per family. Children under 18 get reduced or no alcohol/tobacco allowance.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Vehicles brought in temporarily (e.g., for touring) require a Carnet de Passages en Douane. Without it, a bond equal to duty is required.

Currency Declaration

Any amount over SBD 200,000 (USD 10,000) in cash or monetary instruments must be declared. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1L of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2L of wine or beer, duty-free. You must be 18 or older.
200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco, or a proportional mix. This is per person.
Yes, if you carry SBD 200,000 or more (about USD 10,000) in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it on the arrival form.
No, fresh fruit, vegetables, and most plant products are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Declare any food items on the biosecurity form.
Yes, personal goods and gifts up to SBD 6,000 (about USD 800) are duty-free. Items above that value are subject to duty.
Drones require prior approval from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated.

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.