Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands visa guide: tourist, business and work visas
- 8 visa types
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for the Solomon Islands work
The Solomon Islands Immigration Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration in Honiara issues visas under the Immigration Act 2012 and the Immigration Regulation 2013. Applications are lodged online through the government eVisa portal, and approved applicants receive a visa grant letter by email, which must be presented to immigration officers on arrival.
Visitors can choose a free 30-day single-entry tourist permit (only the USD 50 online lodgement fee is charged) or a tourist visa allowing three months per entry for one year with multiple entries (USD 50 plus the lodgement fee). Business travellers use a short-term business visa (USD 450, valid one year, three months per entry), and workers need a working resident visa linked to a work permit from the Commissioner of Labour.
Passports must be valid for more than six months. All letters are addressed to the Director of Immigration, PO Box G26, Honiara. Reciprocal visa-free arrangements exist with the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, China, Indonesia, India, Japan and Hong Kong; nationals of other countries apply through the eVisa portal before travelling.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday of up to 30 days: free 30-day tourist permit (USD 50 lodgement).
Longer or repeat holidays: tourist visa, three months per entry, valid one year.
Meetings, negotiations or trade events: short-term business visa (USD 450).
Employment with a Solomon Islands company: working resident visa with a work permit (USD 450).
Visiting relatives or friends who live in Solomon Islands: visitor visa for visiting relatives (sponsor letter).
Studying full time: student visa (USD 150, up to two years).
Academic or field research: research academic special purpose visa (USD 100).
Joining a resident or a citizen spouse or parent: accompanying family visa (USD 300).
After five consecutive years of lawful residence: resident (long term) visa (USD 1,500).
Visa types for the Solomon Islands
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa 30-day tourist permit and tourist visa (three months per entry)
Tourists apply from abroad on the Solomon Islands eVisa portal.
Maximum stay: 30 days (permit) or three months per entry (visa) - Family and friends visit visa Visitor visa – visiting relatives and friends
The visiting relatives visa is for people visiting close family members and friends who live in Solomon Islands.
Maximum stay: Three months per entry
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Business visa (short-term, single or multiple entry)
The short-term business visa covers meetings, conferences, negotiations, consultations, trade events and exploring investment.
Maximum stay: Three months per entry
Study and training
- Student visa Student visa (main applicant or dependant)
Foreign nationals who will study full time at an accredited institution in Solomon Islands apply for the student visa, which also covers a spouse or children accompanying the student.
Maximum stay: Up to two years - Researcher visa Special purpose visa – research academic
Foreign researchers doing academic studies or field research in Solomon Islands apply for the research academic special purpose visa.
Maximum stay: One year
Work
- Work visa Working resident visa – long-term employment
Expatriates employed in Solomon Islands need a working resident visa linked to a work permit from the Commissioner of Labour.
Validity: Two years, multiple entry, according to the work permit
Family
- Family reunification visa Accompanying family visas (dependent of resident; family relationship with a citizen)
Solomon Islands has two accompanying family visas.
Maximum stay: Up to two years, or linked to the primary visa
Residence
- Permanent residence Permanent resident visa – resident (long term) and dependants
The resident (long term) visa is the Solomon Islands permanent resident class for people who have lawfully lived in the country for at least five consecutive years on other visas.
Maximum stay: Five years
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Solomon Islands?
Unless your country has a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with Solomon Islands (the European Union except Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan), you apply online for a tourist permit or visa before travelling.
What is the visa grant letter?
The approval sent by email, which you must present to immigration officers when you enter Solomon Islands.
How do I pay?
Online by Mastercard or Visa; the receipt is emailed to you.
Is there an asylum procedure?
Yes. The Immigration Division lists a protection visa for asylum seekers, with no fees, applied for through an official ministerial process; work is not permitted.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.