Do I need a Passport or Visa?
A valid passport (at least 6 month!) is required for each entry. A tourist visa will be issued to the following nationalities upon arrival in the Solomons for stays less than 30 days:

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Switzerland
• Japan
• United States
• New Zealand
• Canada
• European Community

If you plan to spend more than four hours in Australia and plan to leave the airport a Visa is required. We highly recommend having a visa issued if transiting through to avoid possible problems due to flight delays. This must be issued before you leave the country of residence. The Australian Visa can be issued in most countries electronically on the spot by your travel agent where you by your air ticket.

There is a departure tax of SBD$40 per person (about USD$8) payable in Solomon Island Dollars only at Honiara airport. Note, it is not pre-paid on your air ticket.

When is the best weather to visit and dive in the Solomon Islands?
Weather is quite constant all year round. Mostly it's hot with high humidity. The rainy season generally goes from December through to March; dry season is May through October. The live aboard operators offer great dive expeditions in a variety of locations, at different times of the year throughout the Solomons. They chose their locations according to the best prevailing weather conditions at the time, so you can be assured of great diving anytime. Air temperatures are fairly constant and range between 28C (84F) and 32C (92F). Water temperatures are ranging between a low of 23C (75F) (July-August) and 28C (84F) (December/January).

Do I need vaccinations before I travel to the Solomon Islands?
With all travels into tropical climate you should have an active immunisation against tetanus and a current polio protection. The Solomon Islands are a malaria zone. Please check with your physician or medical centre on the type of prophylactic you should use and ask:

• Is it compatible with diving?
• What are the known side effects? Make sure you take the appropriate medications in time before you start the trip. Medications, which have proven to be problematic: LARIAM. Medications, which are popular: Doxycycline, sometimes in combination with Maloprin. New on the market: Malarone

What do I need to know about the currency?
The Solomon Islands currency is the SOLOMON ISLANDS DOLLAR (SBD). One Dollar = 100 Cents. In January 2002, one US Dollar was valued at roughly 6.00 SBD . The currency has been subject to some devaluation, so check with your local bank for the latest rate. If you travel to the villages it is important to carry a lot of small change. In towns major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants. AMEX and Diners cards are not accepted in some places. Traveller cheques are the next best things. The best places to change them into local money are the banks, which open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are no ATM's in Honiara yet, so it is best not to depend on that.

Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers etc. work in PNG?
Voltage in the Solomon Islands is 240/250Volt. 220V appliances usually work without problems. You have to bring a special adapter for the 3-pronged sockets used in the Solomon Islands. This adapter works in Australia and the Solomon Islands. Some operators do provide special 110 Volt facilities for American clients. Please check with us for details

Can I use my drivers licence to hire a car?
In the Solomon Islands they drive their cars on the left hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right hand side a little caution at the beginning and you should get used to the left hand side quickly. To hire a car a valid national car drivers licence (in English) or a international drivers licence is needed. Car hire is relatively expensive in the Solomon Islands and only available in Honiara. In most cases you will be better advised to find a local guide to take you around and show you places, rather then driving by yourself.

Should I bring any special clothing?
Bring casual, light and comfortable clothes. The evenings can get relatively cool with a sea breeze so something warm for the evening is recommended. Bring some very light clothing which offers sun protection for trips ashore to some of the villages. If you plan to stay overnight in Honiara, dress is relaxed and casual, with a shirt with collar, long pants and shoes (not runners) for men and the women dress equally tasteful. It will get you admission to just about everywhere. Bring

• Slacks or other informal dress
• Long sleeved shirt
• Sweatshirt or jacket or windbreaker
• Walking shoes or sandals
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Swim suits
• Sun hat

How much tips do I need to give?
No one in the Solomon Islands expects any tips for services. Tips have never been part of the culture. This is not to say that people don't like to be rewarded for very good service. Give as much or little as you feel fit. On live aboard vessels it is customary to give the tip to the Skipper and ask it be distributed amongst the crew.

What is the time difference to the Solomon Islands?
On the top right corner of this webpage you see the time in Cairns, Queensland/Australia at the moment. The Solomons are one hour ahead of Cairns. Just calculate the difference to your local time.