Get the visa, seasonal info, budget, and village etiquette basics sorted before you go island-hopping and diving — it’ll make your trip much smoother.
Visa & Entry
Most foreign visitors need to apply for a visa in advance to visit the Solomon Islands, or follow official procedures for on-arrival entry. Always check the latest announcements from the relevant embassies, consulates, and immigration authorities. Most itineraries involve transit through Brisbane (Australia), Nadi (Fiji), or Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), so be sure to confirm the transit visa and connecting flight requirements of those countries in advance. Upon arrival, it’s recommended to have your return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and proof of funds ready, and to truthfully declare any food, plants, wooden items, or medications.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (May–October): Stable weather, lower humidity, and better sea conditions make it the best time for diving and island activities. It’s also the relatively busy tourist season.
- Wet Season (November–April): Afternoon showers are common, and tropical cyclones may occur. Flights and boat services to outer islands can be affected by weather, so allow flexibility in your plans.
- If wreck diving is your focus, it’s possible year-round, but visibility and sea conditions are better in the dry season, especially from May to October.
Budget Reference (Per Person)
| Category | Daily Cost (Excluding Flights) | Description |
|---|
| Budget | $85–$125 | Basic guesthouses or homestays, meals at markets and local eateries |
| Comfortable | $170–$255 | Three-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, and joining day tours |
| High-end | $350 and above | Resorts, diving packages, chartered boats, and private island-hopping flights |
Etiquette & Taboos
- Always ask for permission before entering a village or taking photos of local people. Respect chiefs, churches, and elders.
- Shell money and red feather money are traditional valuables and ceremonial items — do not touch or treat them as ordinary souvenirs.
- Many communities focus on church services on Sundays, with reduced commercial activity. Respect local customs and plan shopping trips in advance.
- When going out to sea or diving, follow your guide’s instructions. Do not collect coral, shells, or marine life, and avoid touching WWII relics or unexploded ordnance.
Overall, the Solomon Islands have limited tourist facilities and relatively high prices. Slowing down your pace and spending time immersed in the underwater world and island life will help you truly appreciate the value of this off-the-beaten-path destination.