Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism in the Solomon Islands.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

The Solomon Islands Police Force has limited resources and response times to calls for assistance can be slow.  Incidents of robberies with threatened violence in expatriate homes, pick-pocketing and harassment, particularly at the Central Market, have been reported.

There is the potential for trouble owing to both civil unrest and drunken behaviour.  Foreigners and expatriates may be particularly attractive targets for violence. You should exercise caution if going to local nightclubs as instances of drunken attacks are not uncommon.  You should be aware that such venues rarely have adequate fire precautions in place.  

You should take security precautions at all times in Honiara, and maintain a high state of personal awareness. There have been several stabbing incidents in Honiara. Although these are believed to have been related to family disputes, and not targeted at foreigners, you should exercise caution at all times and maintain a high state of personal awareness. You should also avoid travel around Honiara at night, where possible. There have been incidents, including vehicle hijacking, in squatter settlements around Honiara and the Lungga Bridge/Sun Valley and Henderson area (notably the route to the Airport). Improvised roadblocks, sporadic rock throwing and more serious violent criminal acts, including sexual assault, robbery and vehicle hijacking have all been reported. These areas should be avoided, particularly in the early hours of the morning and at weekends. If you plan to visit rural Guadalcanal, take day trips outside Honiara or visit the island of Malaita you are advised to check this advice before travelling. Visits to other provinces in the Solomon Islands are generally trouble-free.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Solomon Islands Country Profile.

Since the wide-scale civil unrest that took place in the Solomon Islands between 18 and 22 April 2006, the political situation has remained relatively calm. At the time, rioting resulted in 90% of China Town and several other buildings in the capital Honiara, including one major hotel being destroyed.

Manasseh Sogavare was ousted from his position of Prime Minister following a vote of no confidence on 13 December 2007 and a new government is now in place. The risk of civil disturbance remains. You should, therefore, exercise caution and avoid public gatherings and large crowds and monitor local information sources.

Local Travel

Inter-island travel is by air to mainly grass and coral airstrips, or by ferryboats. If you intend travelling outside of the main population centres or by boat you might wish to consider carrying a locator beacon device (EPIRB). This will increase the chances of you being rescued if you get lost or into difficulty.  Solomon Islands has recently experienced severe flooding following heavy rains between January and April. Northwest and East Guadalcanal and Savo Island (12 km north-west of Guadalcanal) were worst affected. Several roads and bridges to the West of Honiara were washed away. Landslides made the situation worse. Most roads are now passable, but you should seek the advice of local authorities if you are planning to travel.

Road Travel

There are few roads in the Solomon Islands, 90% of these are on Guadalcanal and Malaita.  Only a few of the main roads are of reasonable quality.  The rest are very heavily potholed and in some areas bridges have collapsed.  Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor.  Be especially careful when overtaking any vehicle.  Many Solomon Islanders chew betel nut and frequently open vehicle doors, including on the driver's side, when travelling at speed, in order to spit onto the road.  Drivers should also be particularly careful when driving in and around town.  The combination of poor pedestrian discipline and cars travelling at speed has resulted in a number of fatal accidents.

 

As in the UK, if you are involved in a road accident the law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until the police arrive. However, if a large and hostile crowd gathers you should drive immediately to the nearest police station to report the incident. The police may then accompany you back to the scene of the accident.

 

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

Air safety has been good but reliability of services can be patchy and cancellations occur.  Domestic flights are particularly prone to disruption and visitors with international connections should take note and plan accordingly.

Sea Travel

Saltwater crocodiles are native to parts of the Solomon Islands, and there have been sightings on beaches.  Local advice should be sought before entering unfamiliar waters, including lakes.

Ferry services are usually crowded and safety regulations not always strictly applied.  It is advisable to bring your own lifejacket if contemplating sea journeys.  Journeys to small and/or remote islands are usually in small-motorised “canoes”.

 

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.