Solomon Islands Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Before you start your Solomon Islands visa application, make sure you have these essentials ready:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date with 1 blank page
• Two recent passport-size photos (white background, taken within last 6 months)
• eVisa approval letter printed in colour — present on arrival at Henderson International Airport
• Confirmed round-trip flight reservation showing full itinerary to and from Solomon Islands
• Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host in Solomon Islands
• Bank statements for the last 3-6 months (minimum ₹2 lakh balance recommended)
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation (minimum USD 50,000 cover)
• Employment letter or business registration proof showing ties to India
• Cover letter explaining your visit purpose, itinerary and funding details
• eVisa portal account registration details (email and password for immigration.gov.sb portal)

The key thing to remember about Solomon Islands is that Indian citizens have two distinct visa routes — the fee-exempt mutual reciprocal visa under the bilateral MOU (June 2022) or the standard USD 150 tourist visa. The mutual reciprocal route is the most affordable option for Indian travellers, but it cannot be extended beyond 90 days and prohibits all work. Both routes require applying before you travel through the government eVisa portal, and the Immigration Division in Honiara processes all applications centrally.

Important: The eVisa portal at immigration.gov.sb is the official application channel for both visa routes. Online payment is currently being finalised — applications may require in-person submission at the Immigration Services Office in Honiara until the system is fully operational. The mutual reciprocal visa is fee-exempt with no application charges. The standard tourist visa costs USD 150 total (USD 50 administration fee plus USD 100 application fee), and all fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

The most unexplored Pacific destination. While thousands of Indians flock to Fiji and Bali each year, almost no Indian tourists visit Solomon Islands — meaning you will experience genuine Melanesian culture without the crowds, queues or tourist markups that plague more popular islands.

World-class WWII history and wreck diving. The Solomon Islands campaign was one of the most significant battles of the Pacific War. Over 200 wreck sites lie in the waters around Guadalcanal, including Japanese and American warships, aircraft and submarines. Diving Iron Bottom Sound — where more than 60 vessels sank during the six-month campaign — is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for history and diving enthusiasts.

Marovo Lagoon — the world's largest saltwater lagoon. Stretching across 700 square kilometres of turquoise water, coral gardens and traditional fishing villages, Marovo is one of the most pristine marine environments on Earth. Snorkelling and kayaking here feels like stepping back in untouched time.

Pristine nature and adventure. From volcanic landscapes and rainforest trekking to turtle sanctuaries, crystal-clear lagoons and hidden waterfalls, Solomon Islands offers the kind of raw Pacific nature that mass tourism has not yet reached. The Central Islands and Western Province are particularly spectacular.

Genuine hospitality and affordability. Solomon Islanders are among the warmest and most welcoming people in the Pacific. Meals cost ₹300-800, local transport is minimal and accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to comfortable resorts — all at a fraction of the cost of Fiji or French Polynesia.

Indian citizens who want to visit Solomon Islands for tourism, sightseeing or to visit family and friends must obtain a visa before travel through the government eVisa portal or by applying in person at the Immigration Services Office in Honiara. There is no visa on arrival and no visa-free entry for Indian citizens under any circumstances.

The mutual reciprocal visa route (MOU since June 2022) is available to Indian citizens holding ordinary, official or diplomatic passports. It provides a fee-exempt, single-entry, 90-day stay but prohibits all work and cannot be extended. This is the most straightforward route for Indian tourists.

The standard tourist visa route costs USD 150 and allows a 30-day initial stay, extendable up to 180 days by applying at the Immigration Division in Honiara before your permit expires. Extensions cost USD 100 each.

For the full document list, eligibility details and all visitor categories, see the main Solomon Islands visa guide.

Getting your Solomon Islands tourist visa does not require obscure paperwork. Most of what you need is standard for any international trip:

• Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date, with at least 1 blank page. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced — it is the number one reason for visa refusal.
• Passport photos — Two recent colour photos, white background, taken within the last 6 months. Digital format for eVisa upload; physical prints may be requested on arrival.
• Flight reservation — A confirmed round-trip booking with your full itinerary showing arrival in and departure from Solomon Islands. A hold or dummy reservation works for the application — do not pay for tickets before the visa is approved.
• Hotel bookings — Confirmed reservations for every night of your stay, or an invitation letter from the family or friends you are visiting. Refundable bookings from Booking.com or Agoda are ideal.
• Bank statements — Last 3-6 months of statements showing consistent salary credits and a stable balance. A minimum of ₹2 lakh is recommended for a typical 10-day trip, with more for longer stays.
• Travel insurance — Not mandatory but strongly recommended, with USD 50,000 minimum medical cover. Medical evacuation from remote islands is extremely expensive, and Solomon Islands has limited hospital facilities.
• Employment proof — An employer NOC on company letterhead with your approved leave dates, or business registration and ITR for self-employed applicants.

Cover letter — A brief, honest letter explaining why you are visiting Solomon Islands, your day-by-day itinerary (which islands, how many nights each, what you plan to see and do), how the trip is funded and why you will return to India. Name specific places like Marovo Lagoon, Iron Bottom Sound or the National Museum — generic "visiting the Pacific" letters are a red flag. The letter can be written entirely in English; no local language translation is needed.

Bank statement requirement — The Solomon Islands Immigration Division expects to see consistent financial activity over 3-6 months. Sudden large deposits made just before the application are a documented refusal trigger. The guideline is approximately USD 100 per day of stay, which translates to roughly ₹7,500-8,500 per day. For a 10-day trip, aim for a stable balance of at least ₹1.5-2 lakh

The Solomon Islands visa application runs through the government eVisa portal at immigration.gov.sb, with all decisions made by the Immigration Division in Honiara. Here is the compressed step-by-step:

1. Visit the official Solomon Islands Immigration portal at immigration.gov.sb and navigate to the Visas section to identify the correct visa category — select the Mutual Reciprocal Visa for Indians or the standard Tourist Visitor Visa.
2. Create an account on the eVisa portal using your email address and complete the online application form with your passport details, travel dates and accommodation information.
3. Upload the required documents — passport bio-data page scan, passport photos, flight reservation, hotel bookings or host invitation letter, and bank statements — all in JPEG or PDF format within the specified size limits.
4. Submit the application and note your reference number. The Immigration Division will process all applications centrally in Honiara and notify you by email once a decision is made.
5. If applying for the standard tourist visa, pay the USD 150 fee (USD 50 administration plus USD 100 application) by credit or debit card through the portal. The mutual reciprocal visa route is fee-exempt and requires no payment.
6. Receive your eVisa grant letter by email once approved. Download and print two colour copies — carry one in your hand luggage and keep a digital copy on your phone.
7. On arrival at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, present your passport, printed grant letter and return flight ticket to the immigration officer, who will stamp your visitor permit.

Expert tip: The Immigration Division processes all applications from Honiara and has no fixed published processing timeline. While 3-5 business days is typical, applications can take longer during peak periods or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for delays. Since the eVisa portal's online payment system is being finalised, you may need to arrange in-person submission at the Immigration Services Office in Honiara — contact them at immigration.visas@commerce.gov.sb or +677 22856 before booking flights to confirm the current process.

The Solomon Islands has a tropical climate with a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The dry season offers the best conditions for diving, snorkelling and island exploration, while the wet season brings higher humidity, occasional cyclones and rougher seas but fewer visitors.

Applying too late. The Immigration Division in Honiara processes all applications centrally and has no expedited service. With no fixed published processing timeline, applications can take longer than the typical 3-5 business days. Applying less than two weeks before travel is a gamble — apply at least 3-4 weeks ahead, especially during the dry season peak.

Booking flights before visa approval. Never confirm and pay for flights before the visa is granted. The Solomon Islands is one of the most remote destinations on Earth, and last-minute ticket changes or cancellations are extremely expensive. Use a hold or dummy reservation for the application, and only buy real tickets after receiving your grant letter by email.

Ignoring the Australian transit visa. Almost every flight from India to Solomon Islands connects through Brisbane, Australia. Indian citizens cannot transit through Australia without a valid Australian visa — the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) option is not available to Indian passport holders. You need either a Transit Visa (subclass 771) or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601). Forgetting this step means you will not be allowed to board your connecting flight.

Not getting malaria prophylaxis. Solomon Islands is a malaria-endemic country. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all visitors, especially if travelling to outer islands or rural areas. Consult your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before travel for the appropriate prescription and start the medication as directed.

Printing only a black-and-white copy of the grant letter. The immigration officer at Henderson International Airport expects to see a colour printout of your eVisa grant letter. A black-and-white photocopy may cause delays at the counter. Print two colour copies and keep a digital version on your phone as a backup.

Assuming the eVisa portal handles everything remotely. While the official application channel is the eVisa portal at immigration.gov.sb, the online payment system is being finalised and applications may require in-person submission at the Immigration Services Office in Honiara. Contact the Immigration Division before booking flights to confirm the current application method.

WWII wreck diving — over 200 sites. The waters around Guadalcanal and Iron Bottom Sound contain the remains of more than 60 warships and aircraft from the six-month Guadalcanal Campaign. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres, and experienced divers can explore Japanese and American wrecks that lie at accessible depths. It is one of the most significant underwater WWII heritage sites in the world.

Marovo Lagoon — pristine Pacific paradise. The world's largest saltwater lagoon stretches across 700 square kilometres of turquoise water, coral gardens and traditional fishing villages. Snorkelling, kayaking and cultural visits to local communities offer an authentic Pacific experience that mass-tourism destinations cannot match.

The warmth of Solomon Islanders. The people are genuinely welcoming, curious and generous. Visiting a local village, sharing a meal of fresh fish androot vegetables, and learning about kastom (traditional culture) is often the highlight of a trip — more memorable than any single sight.

Honiara and the National Museum. The capital city offers a compact but fascinating exploration of Solomon Islands history, from pre-colonial Melanesian culture through the WWII campaign to independence. The National Museum, the American Memorial and the weekly Central Market are all within easy reach.

Pristine nature without the crowds. From volcanic landscapes and rainforest trekking to turtle sanctuaries, hidden waterfalls and the spectacular central islands, Solomon Islands offers the raw, untouched Pacific that exists in very few places on Earth. You will often have an entire beach, reef or trail to yourself.

Currency: Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). 1 USD is approximately 8.3-8.4 SBD, and 1 SBD is roughly ₹7.5-8.0. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but carry SBD cash for markets, taxis and outer islands. ATMs are available in Honiara but limited elsewhere. Credit cards are accepted at major Honiara hotels but cash is king in the islands.

Connectivity: Get a local SIM from Our Telekom or Bmobile at the airport or in Honiara — data plans are affordable and coverage is good in Honiara and major towns. Coverage drops significantly on outer islands, so download offline maps and entertainment before leaving Honiara. Free WiFi is available at some Honiara hotels and cafés.

Transport: Honiara has taxis (negotiate the fare before getting in — meters are not standard) and local buses (pm buses) that run set routes cheaply. For outer islands, domestic flights operated by Solomon Airlines and Solomon Airlines PNG connect Honiara to Gizo, Munda, Seghe and other destinations. Boat charters are available for Marovo Lagoon and Western Province island-hopping.

Food: Fresh seafood is the star — grilled fish, coconut cream stews and root vegetables (taro, cassava, sweet potato) are staples. Indian restaurants are rare in Honiara but a few exist catering to the small expatriate community. Local cuisine is simple, hearty and affordable. Carry snacks for outer island trips where dining options are limited.

Weather: Tropical climate year-round — hot and humid, 27-30°C in Honiara. Dry season (May-October) is the best time to visit with less rain, calmer seas and excellent diving. Wet season (November-Aprust) brings heavier rain, higher humidity and occasional cyclones. Pack light, breathable clothing, a compact umbrella, strong sunscreen and insect repellent.

All trip costs include return flights from India via Brisbane (₹65,000-1,10,000), the visa fee (free on mutual reciprocal route), accommodation, food, transport and activities.

There are no direct flights between India and the Solomon Islands — every route connects once through Brisbane (Australia), Nadi (Fiji) or Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea). Return fares typically range from ₹65,000 to ₹1,10,000 depending on the season and routing, with the Brisbane connection being the most practical but requiring an Australian transit visa.