CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Solomon Islands

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 1 has been updated (H1N1).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Solomon Islands

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

There is a history of civil unrest, political violence, and demonstrations in the Solomon Islands, especially in Honiara. The possibility of violent demonstrations and civil unrest remains. Canadians in the Solomon Islands should be vigilant, avoid large gatherings and protests of any size, and heed the advice of local authorities.

Honiara has seen an increase in criminal activity including armed gang violence, robberies and rape.

There is no resident Canadian government office in the Solomon Islands. Canadians should take note of the Australian government's travel advice to their nationals.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Violent crime against foreigners has occurred, including at night clubs and bars. Travellers must be aware that crimes such as burglary, assault, car and house break-ins are a major concern, especially in Honiara. Police are limited in their ability to respond effectively. Exercise caution and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

It is not recommended to walk alone after dark.

Tourist facilities are limited, especially outside Honiara. Telecommunications are subject to disruptions.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Solomon Islands. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Solomon Islands, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Solomon Islands. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the Solomon Islands. Canadians must also be in possession of onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds. Immigration laws are strictly enforced. Travellers may face fines or other penalties if they remain in the country beyond the authorized period.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays less than 30 days)
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in the Solomon Islands. Canadians in the Solomon Islands can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Honiara (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Solomon Islands - HONIARA, Australian High Commission
Address: Corner Hibiscus Avenue and Mud Alley, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Tel.: 677 21 561
Fax: 677 23 691
Internet: http://www.solomonislands.embassy.gov.au

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for the Solomon Islands. The address is as follows:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT, Australia 2600
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4060
E-Mail: cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.australia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian High Commission in Honiara and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited. Serious injuries and illnesses may require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Emergency evacuations may cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Travel insurance that includes evacuation services is a necessity.

Travellers who pursue scuba-diving activities should be aware that there is now a hyperbaric (decompression) chamber in Honiara. Registered dive operators can provide information on access arrangements.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Penalties for use, possession or traffic of illegal drugs include long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

Travellers should not photograph locals without asking permission.

Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as firearms, medications, and pornographic material. It is advisable to contact the High Commission for the Solomon Islands (see Section 4) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor and there are only paved roads in Honiara. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices.

Domestic flights may be cancelled without notice. Inter-island ferries are often overcrowded and safety standards are minimal.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and tourist resorts. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks. Traveller's cheques in Australian dollars are recommended. Automated banking machines are available in Honiara.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The Solomon Islands are subject to earthquakes, volcanic activity and tidal waves.

Cyclones occur during the rainy season, from November to April. Severe tropical storms can also occur and cause flash floods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. They should also know the address and telephone number of the Australian High Commission in Honiara (see Section 5) in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in this country or region.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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