Honiara, 6 September 2026 – The Solomon Islands Government has officially implemented a new border management system and visa regime to strengthen border security and make travel to Solomon Islands easier and more efficient.
The reforms are being delivered through the Solomon Islands Border Management System (BMS) and are administered by the Immigration Division, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
Under Section 92(1) of the Immigration Act 2012, the Minister has approved an authorised electronic system for visa applications and decisions.
The new Electronic Visa System allows applicants to apply, be processed, approved and recorded online. A decision made through the system is recognised as a decision made by an authorised officer under the Act.
Director of Immigration Mr Christopher Akosawa said the system will reduce processing times and make visa services more accessible to applicants both in Solomon Islands and overseas.
The Government has also implemented the Immigration (Amendment) Visa Regulation 2025 and the Immigration (Amendment) Fees Schedule 2025.
The new regime introduces 34 visa categories under 11 visa subclasses. The reforms are designed to improve border management, strengthen immigration security, provide clearer visa requirements, and streamline processing.
Full details of visa categories and requirements are available on the Immigration Division website or by email.
Tourists and other travellers who require a visa must now apply through the online portal before travelling.
Approved applicants will receive pre-entry authorisation to enter Solomon Islands for an initial period of 30 days visa-free. Those wishing to stay longer may apply for an extended stay visa. The tourist visa subclass allows for a total stay of up to 180 days, subject to meeting all requirements under the Immigration Act 2012.
All travellers remain subject to immigration clearance on arrival and must comply with visa conditions.
Solomon Islands maintains visa exemption and mutual exemption arrangements with several countries for holders of official, diplomatic and, in some cases, ordinary passports. These include the European Union, Indonesia, India, United Arab Emirates, People’s Republic of China, and Hong Kong.
Applicants under these arrangements are required to obtain a visa support note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and a sponsor letter from the relevant Solomon Islands Government Ministry. All exemptions are subject to Gazette notices and conditions in place at the time of travel.
The Immigration Division has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to advise Solomon Islands High Commissions, foreign diplomatic missions in Honiara, regional and international organisations of the new arrangements to ensure travellers receive accurate and up-to-date information.
“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.
Applicants can pay visas online as the e-payment gateway is now operational for visa payment.
