The Solomon Islands is pressing ahead with the introduction of a new online visa system, in what officials say will be a major step forward in improving the business and tourism environment. The Ministry of Commerce and Immigration confirmed in September that the platform is being developed to streamline entry procedures for visitors, investors, and skilled workers.
Currently, visitors must navigate lengthy manual processes, a bottleneck that has been cited by investors and tour operators as a deterrent. The new system will allow applications to be lodged, processed, and approved online, aligning the country with global best practice. Officials said the upgrade will reduce administrative delays, provide greater transparency, and open up new opportunities for trade and tourism.
The move comes as the government pursues an ambitious agenda to improve its investment climate. Export diversification remains a national priority, and policy makers are keen to show that the Solomon Islands is open for business. In recent years, the country has lagged regional peers in adopting digital solutions for border and immigration services.
Tourism operators welcomed the news, saying easier entry procedures could provide a much-needed boost to arrivals. The sector has struggled to regain momentum after the COVID-19 downturn, with high travel costs and competition from better-connected Pacific destinations. An online system, they said, would make the Solomon Islands more attractive to niche markets, particularly in eco-tourism and cultural travel.
Business councils and chambers have likewise argued that streamlining visas will support foreign contractors and investors. The government hopes to launch the system in phases, beginning with short-stay visitor visas before extending it to business categories.
For the Solomon Islands, the project represents both a practical reform and a symbolic step towards modernising the state’s service delivery. If executed well, it could provide a much-needed confidence signal to regional partners and investors.
