Solomon Islands entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before travelling to the Solomon Islands. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply through the nearest Solomon Islands diplomatic mission or the embassy that handles their visa services. Plan ahead and submit your application well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Solomon IslandsYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before you fly. Apply at an embassy or consulate | South African passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no eVisa option for South African citizens. Apply at the nearest Solomon Islands embassy or consulate (or the British High Commission if no Solomon Islands representation exists). | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Solomon Islands. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank, not just a page with writing on it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may require evidence of a return or onward flight out of Solomon Islands before granting entry. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or a credit card can serve as proof. For your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your expenses during your time in Solomon Islands. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online arrival form before travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South African citizens entering Solomon Islands. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateCheck your transit points; some airports may require proof of vaccination. Yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it is not required. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — don't chance it
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the Solomon Islands. You must have a visa issued before you travel. Airlines will likely refuse boarding without one, and immigration will send you back if you arrive without it.
Apply well in advance
There's no eVisa option for South Africans, so you'll need to go through an embassy or consulate. Processing can take weeks, and you may need to mail your passport. Start the process at least a month before your planned departure.
Check entry requirements with your airline
Before you fly, confirm with your airline that you have the correct visa. They may also ask to see proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep copies of all your documents handy.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Solomon Islands diplomatic mission
Find the Solomon Islands embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for South African residents. If there's no local mission, check which embassy in the region (e.g., in Australia or New Zealand) processes applications for your nationality. Call or email them to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and fees.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: your passport, completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and financial evidence. Make copies of everything — the embassy will likely keep the originals of some documents and return your passport only after the visa is issued.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Keep the receipt — you'll need it if you have to follow up.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — it could take a few days to several weeks. Ask the embassy for an estimated timeline when you apply. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get your passport with the visa sticker or stamp. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. Any errors could cause problems at immigration.
6
Arrive in the Solomon Islands
At Honiara International Airport (the main entry point), present your passport with the visa to immigration. They'll check your documents and stamp you in. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
Download Solomon Islands Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 3 months (extendable)
ValidityUsually 3 months from date of issue
Cost$100 (approx. SBD 840)
Requires invitation letter from a Solomon Islands company and proof of business purpose.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx. SBD 4,200)
For long-term stays; requires sponsorship, police clearance, and medical certificate.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (single entry)Required for South African passport holders; obtainable on arrival or from Solomon Islands diplomatic missions. | $50 (approx. SBD 420) |
| Visa extensionExtensions may be granted by the Solomon Islands Immigration Division in Honiara; apply before current visa expires. | $100 (approx. SBD 840) |
| Exit feeDeparture tax is typically included in airline tickets; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
South African passport holders transiting through Solomon Islands (e.g., Honiara) require a visa unless they qualify for visa-free transit (unlikely for ZA passports).
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside may be exempt if transit is less than 24 hours, but this is not guaranteed; check with the airline.
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 = 7.99 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. South African passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for South Africans. You need to apply at a Solomon Islands embassy or consulate (or the designated office handling their visas) before you fly.
Processing times vary depending on the embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Contact the embassy handling your application for a specific timeline. It's wise to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is set by the Solomon Islands government and can vary by embassy and visa type. You'll need to confirm the exact amount with the embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
The Solomon Islands does not have an embassy in South Africa. Visa applications are typically handled by a Solomon Islands diplomatic mission in a nearby country, such as the High Commission in Canberra, Australia, or the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Contact the nearest mission to find out if they accept applications from South African residents and how to submit yours.
No, the visa for South African passport holders is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa, but that's not guaranteed — plan your trip accordingly.
You'll be refused entry and likely put on the next flight back to your departure point. The airline may also deny boarding if you don't have a valid visa for the Solomon Islands. Don't risk it — get the visa beforehand.
The Solomon Islands requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you're travelling from or through such a country, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.