The Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific. Like many of the Pacific islands, Solomon Islands has its very own and unique customs. Wearing makeup is frowned upon on the islands as locals value natural beauty.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to the Solomon islands are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of the EU zone and several other countries enjoy visa-free movement to the Solomon Islands. Other must obtain a visa however depending on nationality some may obtain a visa on arrival whilst others must apply for such document and have it approved before their travel. Foreign visitors who wish to drive on Solomon Island need to obtain a local driver license. If a foreigner already holds a valid driver license from his domestic country, a Solomon Islands driver license will be issued to him without any tests. Those who wish to rent a vehicle in the Solomon Islands must have a valid license in English. Licenses in any other language must be supported by an international driving permit.

Traveling hazards

Traffic in the Solomon Islands moves on the left side of the road. Paved roads are found only in and around Honiara. These two-lane paved roads are poorly marked and have many potholes. Roads are not well lit at night. The remaining roads in the Solomon Islands are made of coral or gravel or are dirt tracks. Be careful when driving off main roads to avoid trespassing on communal land.

Environmental hazards

The proximity to Papua New Guinea and the size of the Solomon islands allow for more animal life. Unlike most Pacific islands, Solomon Islands host for many different species of marsupials, bats, and rodents. There are no dangerous mammals, however. Saltwater crocodiles are rampant in the Solomon Islands. They are responsible for tens of deaths each year with police taking steps to control their population. Although they are a protected species, the ban on exporting their precious skin is debated. These crocodiles are the largest reptiles on earth and are capable of swimming far out into the ocean reaching remote islands. At night these may wander onto land close by the shore and attack anything they come across. Sea snakes can be found on the shores of Solomon Islands. Although not aggressive, they should be avoided as sea snakes possess deadly venom.
Natural hazards experienced by the Solomon Islands are seasonal cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis. All three are responsible for terrible damage as well as carry a significant death toll.

Health hazards

The government of the Solomon Islands requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination, there are no other required vaccines. There are however several recommended vaccinations. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B vaccines. There is a risk of contracting Zika and malaria through mosquito bites in the Solomon Islands. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination for either of these. There are however alternative ways to protect against these. There is medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available to anyone after consulting their local general practitioner. Visitors should use mosquito repellents and install mosquito nets in the windows of their accommodation if not already done so. While the standard of healthcare provided by the state is still below that expected in larger and more developed nations, the Solomon Islands government has committed itself to develop strategies to improve accessibility and to raise the basic level of care for the population as a whole. In addition to public health care services, there are private hospitals in Western Province, Malaita Province and in Choiseul Province. Non-nationals, tourists and other short term visitors are required to pay cash for all medical treatment and healthcare services, both public and private facilities. Medical facilities on the Solomon Islands are basic and limited, and there are no medical services or pharmacies outside of the major population areas. Medical facilities in the Solomon Islands are capable of treating routine illnesses. Serious medical problems that cannot be treated locally require air evacuation to Australia. Visitors should stock up on prescribed medicine in their home country as it may not be readily available in the Solomon Islands. Visitors should also consider purchasing medical insurance which covers the coasts of air evacuation.

Crime

Criminal activity, such as theft, robbery and burglary, and some acts of violence do occur, especially around Honiara. Such activity is usually related to alcohol consumption, domestic disputes, and land issues. There have been incidents of abduction and assault on public buses and at bus stops. Visitors should keep cautious especially in crowded areas as this is where most pickpockets and other thieves operate. Most crime is non-confrontational however violent crime has also occurred. Visitors are advised to maintain personal security awareness at all times. As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras, and jewelry. You should take particular care when using public transport in Honiara and avoid walking at night in Honiara. Ensure that you have adequate home security measures in place. There is no risk of terrorism in the Solomon islands however there have been cases of political turmoil during the elections where locals suffered from political violence. Narcotics are illegal in the Solomon Islands. Mere possession is considered a criminal offense.

Summary

Although Solomon is not as popular as some of the surrounding countries, it will deliver a raw experience of how the country truly is. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.visitsolomons.com.sb/plan-your-adventure/visa-passport/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/solomon-islands