Solomon Islands entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visitor visa on arrival at Henderson International Airport in Honiara. It's valid for up to 3 months and costs $100 USD (cash only). No advance application needed — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Solomon Islands. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Honiara International Airport will ask to see a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they do not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough cash or credit to cover your expenses. A bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs in Honiara are unreliable and often out of service. Bring $100 USD in good condition — no torn or marked bills.
No e-visa available
Solomon Islands does not offer an e-visa or online application. The visa on arrival is the only option for US citizens. No need to apply before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Henderson International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a single queue for all passengers. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out in black or blue ink — name, passport number, flight number, purpose of visit, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the immigration counter, the officer will process your visa-on-arrival. Pay the fee in cash — $100 USD (Solomon Islands dollars also accepted, but USD is easier). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before walking away. The visa is typically valid for up to 3 months.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no duty-free check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel shuttles wait.
Download Solomon Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSBD 400 (~$50 USD)
Apply at Solomon Islands embassy or online. Requires proof of accommodation and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSBD 800 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must show sufficient funds and travel history.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSBD 600 (~$75 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Solomon Islands company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD 2,000 (~$250 USD) per year
For US citizens with a job offer from a Solomon Islands employer. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labour approval.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD 5,000 (~$620 USD) per year
For US citizens investing at least SBD 500,000 (~$62,000 USD) in a local business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
SBD 1,000 (~$125 USD) per year
For US citizens enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Solomon Islands. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or SBD) at Honiara International Airport. | SBD 200 (~$25 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply at Solomon Islands embassy or online before travel. | SBD 400 (~$50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year. | SBD 800 (~$100 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are generally not granted for visa-on-arrival; apply before expiry. | SBD 300 (~$37 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | SBD 100 (~$12 USD) per day, max SBD 5,000 (~$620 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
US citizens transiting through Honiara International Airport (HIR) 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
TyphoidModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water. Practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all provinces, including Honiara. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and sleep under treated 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
Solomon Islands Immigration Division
Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Gizo
Gizo Immigration Office
Gizo, Western Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in Western Province. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for US 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
The visa on arrival fee is $100 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Solomon Islands dollars. Cash only — no credit cards. Bring crisp, undamaged bills.
No, the visitor visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
If you're transiting through Honiara and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country — even for a few hours — you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months is counted from your date of entry, not your departure.
No, there is no e-visa system for Solomon Islands. The only option for US citizens is the visa on arrival at the airport. No need to apply in advance.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), your return or onward ticket (screenshot or printed), and your first night's accommodation confirmation. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a credit card or bank statement works.
The visa on arrival is only available at Henderson International Airport in Honiara. If you arrive by sea (e.g., private yacht), you must arrange a visa in advance through the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.
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.