Solomon Islands Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist visa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country for taking part in tourist-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 tourist visa for Indian citizens is available on arrival, you will need prior approval. 

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

1. Collect scanned copies of all the documents required for the tourist category. 
2. Contact the Director of Immigration of the Department of Commerce in Solomon Islands along with the supporting documents, to get the approval. You can reach 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 tourist visa application. 

In order to be able to apply for this particular permit, you must meet the following eligibility conditions - 

• 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 tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

As per the Solomon Islands tourist visa requirements for Indian nationals, the following are the documents you would need in order to get the approval as well as need to submit at your port of entry. 

• 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).
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, including the details of the place. 
• If visiting family/friends - their addresses. 

As per the Solomon Islands tourist 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 visa processing time is just a matter of a few minutes as the tourist 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 actual tourist 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 successfully obtain it. As a result, there can be service charges levied by them.

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

Since the tourist 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 tourist 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 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. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• When you enter Solomon Islands
  • While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Solomon Islands company.
  • You may take part in business or employment for up to 30 days provided that the work or business you do is a part of your employment outside Solomon Islands. 
  • You must not take part in any religious vocations, or research without approval from the Minister of Immigration.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
  • Solomon Islands focuses 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.