The Solomon Islands Government has introduced a new electronic visa system aimed at simplifying entry procedures for international visitors, business travellers and investors while strengthening border security and immigration management.
The system, officially implemented on 6 September 2026, allows travellers to submit visa applications, pay fees, receive approvals and have their details recorded online before travelling to Solomon Islands. (See Editor’s Note at the end of this story.)
Administered by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the initiative forms part of broader reforms under the Solomon Islands Border Management System (BMS).
Director of Immigration Christopher Akosawa said the reforms would make visa services more accessible and efficient for applicants both within Solomon Islands and overseas.
“These reforms balance the need to protect our borders with the need to facilitate legitimate travel and tourism. The new system makes it easier to visit Solomon Islands while strengthening our security and immigration processes,” Mr Akosawa said.
The revised immigration regime introduces 34 visa categories under 11 subclasses, covering tourism, business, employment and other purposes.
Under the published fee schedule, a short-term business visa costs US$450, with an additional US$50 online lodgement fee. It permits multiple entries over one year, with stays of up to three months per entry. Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including a letter from their Solomon Islands business counterpart. Employment is not permitted under this visa category.
The tourist visa carries a total application cost of US$100, including the online lodgement fee, and allows stays of up to 90 days per entry.
The changes have created some uncertainty during implementation. Tourism Solomons has welcomed the transition to digital processing but sought clarification from immigration authorities on aspects of the new arrangements affecting travellers, airlines and tourism operators.
Australia’s Smartraveller advisory, updated on 28 September, recommends applying online before departure. It notes that immigration authorities are temporarily allowing some visas to be issued on arrival during an unspecified grace period.
The reforms build on an Australian-supported programme to modernise Solomon Islands border management. Australia provided SBD18 million in 2024 for the BMS rollout under a trilateral cooperation arrangement involving Australia, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Electronic passenger processing is already operating at Honiara and Munda international airports and Noro seaport.
For Australian businesses and investors, the electronic system is intended to make travel arrangements more predictable and reduce administrative delays. However, travellers should check current visa requirements before departure, particularly while transitional arrangements remain in place.
Applications and further information are available through the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.
Editor’s note: There appears to be some discrepancy between the Solomon Islands Government’s published visa exemptions and transitional arrangements and the advice issued by Australia’s Smartraveller service, which recommends applying for a visa online before departure. As the new system is still being implemented and requirements may change, all intending travellers, including business visitors, are strongly advised to make their own independent inquiries directly with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division, their airline and relevant diplomatic authorities before making travel arrangements. Travellers should not assume that previous visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival arrangements remain applicable.
