Solomon Islands Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The business visa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country for taking part in business-related activities in the country. Nationals of Israel, UAE, and the Schengen have visa-free access into the Islands. A lot of other nationals can get the visa on arrival. Although the Solomon Islands business visa for Indian citizens is available on arrival, you will need prior approval. The permit is granted for a maximum stay duration of 90 days in one year. 

In order to apply for the Solomon Islands business visa from India, you must follow the steps mentioned below. However, before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel on the business category permit. After this, you can proceed as follows -  

1. Collect scanned copies of all the documents required for the business category. 
2. Contact the Director of Immigration of the Department of Commerce in Solomon Islands along with the supporting documents, to get the prior approval. You can reach them on - immigration@commerce.gov.sb
3. Upon successful approval, travel to Soloman Islands with the confirmation of approval and all your travel documents including the supporting documents. 
4. On landing at the port of entry, you will have to submit your passport to the Immigration officer along with all the documents. 

The process of getting approval can be quite difficult and complicated. As a result, it is suggested that you use the services of a travel agency to help with your business visa application. 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities such as meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. You can take part in tourism.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• You must be invited by a company in Solomon Islands. 

As per the Solomon Islands business visa requirements from India, the following are the documents required for the business permit - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• A photograph as per the specifications.
• Return/Onward flight tickets.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statements, passbook copy, etc.
• Valid visas/permits to enter any other countries from Solomon Islands.
• Detailed travel itinerary (confirmed).
• Invitation letter from the company in Solomon Islands.

As per the Solomon Islands business visa photo requirements, the photo required for the permit must be of the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  45mm X 35mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 6 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription only
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

 The actual processing time is just a few minutes as the business permit is obtained on arrival. However, getting prior approval needed for the permit may take some time. Normally, you should get a response within 3 working days. However, depending on the stay duration, the volume of applications, and other factors, this may take longer in certain cases. 

The business visa fee for the Solomon Islands entry permit is zero. The permit is issued free of cost. However, since you need to get prior approval, you may have to do this through a travel agency in order to avoid any complications and difficulties. As a result, there can be service charges levied by them.

After you contact the Director of Immigration for approval with all the necessary documents, they will review your application and the authenticity of your documents. If successful, they will let you know about their decision to approve your business visit to Solomon Islands. You can then proceed to travel to the country with the required documents. 

Since the business permit is issued only on arrival at the port of entry, you do not need to check the status of your application. 

On successfully receiving the business permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

• Before you travel - 

• • Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
  • Ensure that you get the approval to do business before flying. You will not receive the visa on arrival without the prior approval.
• At the border

• • You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. They will stamp your entry date on one of the blank pages in your passport.
  • You may be asked to show copies of the documents required for the visa.
  • You may be asked about the details of your visit including the details of the company inviting you. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• When you enter Solomon Islands

• • While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Solomon Islands company.
  • You may take part in employment for up to 30 days provided that the work you do is a part of your employment outside Solomon Islands. 
  • You must not take part in any religious vocations, or research without the approval of the Minister of Immigration.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
  • Solomon Islands emphasises heavily on preserving its culture and traditions. As a result, you must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.