Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 12 November 2007, 17:15
NZDT
Still current at: 14 October 2008
There is some risk to your security in the Solomon Islands and we advise caution.
The security situation in and around the capital Honiara remains uncertain and could deteriorate at short notice. Political tensions are high at present and we recommend that New Zealanders avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they could lead to civil unrest and turn violent with little warning. New Zealanders are advised to closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
There are criminal elements within the country, some of whom have access to firearms. Criminal activity and some acts of violence do occur. Such activity is aligned to alcohol consumption, domestic related disputes and land issues. Non-Solomon Islanders have not been victims of violent attacks during recent times. New Zealanders are advised to maintain a sensible level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid travelling late at night and in the early hours of the morning in Honiara.
On 2 April 2007, a major earthquake and tsunami caused considerable damage in the Western Province and Choiseul regions of the country. Disaster relief efforts have dealt with the immediate needs of the affected people, but reconstruction programmes will take months if not years to complete. Travellers intending to go to the areas affected by the disaster should keep in mind that the ongoing consequences of the disaster may impact on accommodation and travel arrangements.
Visitors should be aware that outside Honiara there is limited capacity to respond to emergency situations. Medical services are very limited. Passenger ferry and flight services throughout the Solomon Islands are routinely subject to schedule changes at short notice. Safety regulations are not always adhered to when travelling by sea ferry and it is advisable to take one's own lifejacket. Ferries are often overcrowded.
New Zealanders travelling to or resident in the Solomon Islands should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air and unexpected flight schedule changes.
New Zealanders visiting and living in the Solomon Islands are encouraged to record their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Pacific
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Britain - United
States - Canada - Australia
Contact details are
Street Address City Centre Building, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon
Islands
Postal Address PO Box 697, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Telephone +677
21 502/503 Facsimile +677 22 377
Email nzhicom@solomon.com.sb
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0800 - 1200, 1300 - 1630 hrs
Page last updated: Tuesday, 23 September 2008, 15:47 NZST
