Solomon Islands Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Solomon Islands trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
The Solomon Islands requires heightened vigilance, particularly in Honiara after dark. Petty theft, bag snatching, and occasional violence occur in city centre areas. Most tourist sites are safe during daylight hours. The main risks specific to the Solomon Islands are malaria (endemic throughout all islands), saltwater crocodiles near coastal waterways, and unexploded WWII ordnance in rural areas.
The Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands offering pristine diving sites, WWII history, traditional Melanesian culture, and untouched natural beauty. From the bustling capital Honiara to remote coral atolls, this destination provides authentic South Pacific experiences far from mass tourism.
Current Advisory
Exercise increased caution in Solomon Islands due to crime and civil unrest. Petty crime including theft and robbery occurs in Honiara, particularly at night and in crowded areas. Some remote areas have political tensions. Health risks include malaria, which is present year-round throughout all islands.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Petty crime occurs in Honiara. Political demonstrations can turn violent. Health risks include malaria endemic throughout all islands.
Government of Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime, risk of civil unrest, and high malaria risk throughout the islands.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi fare inflation
Unmetered taxis may quote tourists significantly higher fares than locals pay, particularly from the airport. The difference can be substantial.
Fake handicraft guides
Individuals near the Central Market may approach tourists claiming to be authorised guides who can take them to better craft prices or exclusive items. They lead tourists to expensive shops where they receive a commission.
Overcharging at casual vendors
Casual vendors (not market stalls) may quote tourists prices several times higher than the local rate for basic items.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid walking alone at night in Honiara, especially in downtown areas
Be aware of unexploded WWII ordnance in some rural areas - stick to marked paths
Watch for saltwater crocodiles near river mouths and coastal areas
Keep valuables secure; petty theft and break-ins occur, especially in Honiara
Stay informed about political situations; demonstrations can turn violent quickly
Use reputable transport providers and avoid unlicensed taxis
Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people or villages
Register your trip with your home country's embassy in Solomon Islands or the nearest regional embassy (usually in Canberra, Australia) before travelling to remote areas
Malaria is present year-round throughout all islands — consult a travel doctor about prophylaxis at least 4 weeks before departure and take medication as prescribed throughout your stay
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit estuaries, river mouths, and coastal mangroves throughout the islands — never swim in murky water, near river mouths, or in the sea near village areas without asking locals about crocodile risk
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel is manageable during daylight hours but requires care after dark. Always take taxis at night rather than walking. Register with your embassy before travelling to remote areas. Male solo travellers face minimal hassle. The expat community at Point Cruz Yacht Club is welcoming and a good source of local safety advice.
Female Travelers
Female solo travellers should exercise caution, particularly after dark in Honiara city centre. Dress modestly outside beach/resort areas. Avoid isolated areas. Stick to hotel restaurants and the Yacht Club area in the evenings rather than exploring on foot after dark. The Solomon Islands is generally respectful toward female visitors but unwanted attention can occur in crowded areas.
Families
The Solomon Islands is manageable for families with appropriate precautions. The main concerns are malaria risk for children (consult a paediatrician about prophylaxis), the need for children to drink only bottled water, and careful supervision near coastal areas due to crocodile risk near river mouths. Stick to the upper-end hotels with pools for comfort and security.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex activity is illegal in Solomon Islands under colonial-era penal code provisions and carries penalties of up to imprisonment. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided entirely. The islands are socially conservative with strong Christian values. LGBTQ+ travellers visit without specific issues if maintaining discretion, but there is no accepting social scene and legal protection does not exist.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Routine vaccinations should be up to date (MMR, DPT). Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from yellow fever endemic country within 6 days. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended as malaria is endemic throughout the islands.
Water Safety
Unsafe to drink. Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water. Avoid ice in drinks unless from reliable source. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Bottled water widely available in shops and hotels ($10-20 SBD per liter).
Food Safety
Exercise caution with street food — stick to freshly grilled items and avoid pre-cooked foods left out in heat. Market fresh fish is safe when freshly grilled. Avoid raw salads at local eateries. Peel all fruit.
Medical Facilities
National Referral Hospital in Honiara provides basic emergency care but is significantly below Western standards. Serious medical emergencies require medical evacuation to Brisbane, Australia (approximately 2.5 hours by air). Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Solomon Islands
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide