Visas

Visitors to the Solomon Islands may need a visa or entry permit depending on their nationality and purpose of travel. The Immigration Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration (MCILI) is the authority responsible for issuing a number of visas to immigrants who intend to enter the country. Options include tourist, business, employment, and special permits, each with specific fees and conditions.

This section provides a simple guide to help you choose the right visa and understand the steps before you travel.

How to Apply for a Visa in the Solomon Islands

1. Verify visa requirements for your country

According to Legal Notice No. 128 (June 24, 2025) under the Immigration Act 2012, citizens of designated concessional entry arrangement countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Travelers from these countries, holding a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and a confirmed return or onward ticket, are granted a visitor’s visa on arrival, valid for up to three months.

2. If a visa is required, identify the correct visa type

Visitor / Tourist Visa: Single entry for 90 days, extendable up to 135 days. USD $50 fee. No additional documents required for first-time entry.
Short-Term Business Visa: USD $450, valid for 1 year, supports unlimited entries but does not permit employment.
Short-Term Employment Visa: USD $300, single entry for 30 days, with limitations on number of entries per year. Extendable.
Long-Term Employment Visa: USD $450, valid for 1 year, unlimited entries, and extendable. May require conversion from a visitor or business visa with additional fee (SBD $7,000) in some cases.
Emergency employment visa: USD $150 single entry visa valid for 30 days (max 4 entries/year), not extendable, requiring Labour Department support.
Visiting Relatives Visa: Free, 60-day multiple entry visa (extendable up to one year) for MSG passport holders (Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu), requiring family and address details.
Yacht / Crew Visa: USD $200, single entry, valid for 135 days. Not extendable. Requires vessel and arrival details.
Journalist / Reporter Visa: USD $150, single entry for 30 days, extendable. Requires details of the media organization.
Other & Special Visas: Includes visas for filmmakers, entertainers, students, aid workers, researchers, religious workers, etc. Each has its own duration and fee (often USD $100 to USD $400).

3. Prepare your documents

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Completed application form (downloadable from Immigration Division site or collected in Honiara)
Recent passport photos
Proof of onward/return ticket
Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
Sufficient funds for your stay
Additional documents may be required depending on visa type (e.g., business letter, employment contract, or research approval).

4. Submit the application and pay the fee

Applications can be submitted at a Solomon Islands diplomatic mission or consulate abroad (if available), or directly to the Immigration Division in Honiara under the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration (MCILI). Pay the applicable visa fee at the Ministry of Finance & Treasury or designated cashier.

5. Processing and receiving the visa

Processing time generally takes 5–10 working days, depending on the visa type. Some employment and special permits may take longer.
Once approved, the visa or permit will be issued and either emailed, stamped in your passport, or collected at the Immigration Division.
For some categories (tourist, visiting relatives), visas can also be granted on arrival at Honiara International Airport, provided you meet entry requirements.

For more information contact:

Immigration Division from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration

Website: https://immigration.gov.sb/
Email: immigration.visas@commerce.gov.sb
Phone: (+677) 22856, (+677) 25081, (+677) 25082, (+677) 25083
Address: P.O. Box G26 Honiara, Solomon Islands
Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm