Solomon Islands entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter the Solomon Islands. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for South Africans as of 2026. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | South African passport holders need a visa to enter the Solomon Islands. Apply through the Solomon Islands Immigration Division at least 2–3 weeks before your trip. The visa is a single-entry permit, typically valid for up to 90 days.Apply for visa | Required |
| 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 the Solomon Islands. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Honiara International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the entry interview, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 5,000 Solomon Islands dollars (about $600 USD) per week. This is rarely checked, but officers can request it if they suspect you're working illegally. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Solomon Islands. You must apply for and receive a visa before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Apply through Canberra
The nearest Solomon Islands diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Canberra, Australia. You can apply by mail. Check their website for the latest application forms and fees.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Solomon Islands High Commission in Canberra, Australia (or the nearest embassy) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and possibly a letter of invitation. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather your approved visa (stamped in passport), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printouts in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Honiara International Airport
When you land at Honiara (the main international airport), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. After a quick check, you'll get an entry stamp.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out. You're free to enter the country.
Download Solomon Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 date
CostSBD 200 (~$25 USD)
Apply at Solomon Islands embassy or on arrival. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostSBD 500 (~$62 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must show travel history and ties to home.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
CostSBD 400 (~$50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Solomon Islands company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD 1,000 (~$124 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Solomon Islands employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
SBD 5,000 (~$620 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least SBD 500,000 in a local business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
SBD 500 (~$62 USD) per year
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Solomon Islands. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | SBD 200 (~$25 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | SBD 500 (~$62 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible for up to 2 months, subject to immigration approval. | SBD 300 (~$37 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | SBD 100 (~$12 USD) per day, max SBD 2,000 (~$248 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Solomon Islands do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all areas, including Honiara. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
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
P.O. Box G26, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Gizo
Gizo Immigration Office
Gizo, Western Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Western Province. Limited services.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 8 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. There is no visa on arrival for South African passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
There is no Solomon Islands embassy in South Africa. The nearest option is the Solomon Islands High Commission in Canberra, Australia. You can apply by mail or in person. Check their website for the application form and requirements.
Visa fees vary and are set by the embassy. Expect to pay around AUD 100–150 (approx. ZAR 1,200–1,800). Check with the High Commission in Canberra for the current fee.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not a yellow fever country, so this only applies if you've recently been to an affected area.
Extensions are not available for South African passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering. Always leave before your visa expiry date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.