Solomon Islands accompanying family visas

The dependent of resident visa allows immediate family members, a spouse or children, to accompany a primary visa holder who has been granted a short-term or long-term resident visa for employment or another approved purpose. It cannot be issued on its own: it is linked to the status of the primary holder, valid only for the same period, and the application must quote the BMS record number (visa ID) of the primary holder.

The family relationship visa is issued to foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Solomon Islands citizens, such as spouses, children or other dependants, so that they can live with their family in the country. A child of a citizen who holds a foreign passport does not need this visa, because that child is a Solomon Islands citizen by law.

For a dependant of a resident: a support letter from the Solomon Islands sponsor, a police report for each adult over 18, a medical report, the marriage certificate, birth or adoption certificates for children and the passport bio page. For a family member of a citizen: a cover letter from the sponsor in Solomon Islands, the marriage certificate, police and medical reports and the passport bio page, together with the sponsoring citizen's name, address and proof of the relationship, such as a birth certificate or national ID. Letters are addressed to the Director, Solomon Islands Immigration Division, PO Box G26, Honiara.

Both visas cost USD 300 plus the USD 50 online fee; Schedule 1 of the Immigration (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 lists a USD 50 administration fee, a USD 300 service fee and a USD 350 extension or renewal fee for each. The dependent of resident visa runs for as long as the primary visa, with multiple entries; the family relationship visa allows a stay of up to two years with single or multiple entries.

The family relationship page lists the USD 350 renewal fee but also notes that extensions are not permitted and applicants reapply when the visa expires. People already in the country on another visa pay a conversion fee: USD 180 from a visitor or business visa to a family relationship or foreign national dependant visa, USD 360 from a long-term employment visa to a family relationship visa.

Both visas are applied for from outside Solomon Islands on the eVisa portal, with a passport valid for more than six months; there is no guaranteed processing time. The grant letter arrives by email, the visa runs from the date of entry or the grant date, and a copy must be shown on arrival. Paper versions are Form 8 (family relationship visa) and Form 9 (foreign national dependant visa), with Form 17 as the sponsorship form.

Under section 23 of the Immigration Act 2012 there is a character concern if a person has a record of serious criminal conduct, has more than one conviction anywhere, is a threat to national security or is linked to terrorism, people trafficking, child sex offences or drug smuggling, or was acquitted on grounds of unsoundness of mind and detained. Under section 21 the Director may cancel a visa for a character concern or where it was obtained by fraud or false documents.

Holders may not work unless they obtain a work permit under the Labour Act. For the family relationship visa, the Immigration Division notes that if the sponsoring citizen is not employed, the dependant may be granted work rights.