Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation
General advice to avoid non-essential travel and ‘Normal Precautions’ list of exemptions:
In accordance with Government policy, which is based on official public health advice, the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against non-essential travel overseas. This includes Great Britain but does not apply to Northern Ireland. It also includes all travel by cruise ship.
Travel to a very limited set of locations is exempted from this advice. Individuals arriving into Ireland from these locations will not be required to restrict their movements upon entry. These locations currently have a ‘normal precautions’ (“green”) security status rating. As of 4 August 2020, these locations are:
- Estonia
- Finland
- Greece
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Slovakia
Inclusion on the list is based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials, including public health experts. Any updates or changes will be based on Government decisions. The latest updates will always be uploaded first to this General COVID-19 Travel Advisory. Country-specific tabs will be updated subsequently, and as quickly as possible, but this advisory is the primary source of information for the latest version of the list. The above list was updated on 4 August following the latest review.
If you are considering travelling outside of Ireland:
Irish citizens travelling to locations with a ‘normal precautions’ (“green”) rating are advised to follow the public health guidelines of the local health authorities and to continue to practice physical distancing measures, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette etc. The security rating for all other locations remains unchanged at either to ‘avoid non-essential travel’ (“orange”) or to ‘do not travel’ (“red”).
The purpose of the Department’s Travel Advice is to provide information to the general public so that individuals can make informed decisions for themselves. The COVID19 pandemic continues to accelerate internationally, and there are significant risks associated with international travel. Citizens should be aware of the possible limitations to any consular assistance that could be provided. Any citizens who are considering travel abroad are advised to monitor closely our travel advice and we recommend that citizens download our TravelWise App and follow us on Twitter. Citizens travelling abroad should also register with their local Irish Embassy or Consulate and regularly check their website and Twitter accounts for details of any local public health measures and travel restrictions.
Should you need to travel for essential reasons, you should inform yourself about any requirements in place in the destination to which you are travelling. Flight restrictions and route cancellations are happening on a daily basis worldwide and there is no guarantee that air routes will continue to operate as scheduled. Testing and restrictions may be imposed or may already be in place in other countries. It is important to check with your insurance provider on coverage at this time.
What to do on entering Ireland from abroad:
The Irish Authorities advise anyone coming into Ireland, apart from Northern Ireland and individuals arriving in Ireland from locations with a security rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes citizens and residents returning to Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. To ensure that this is being observed all passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are obliged to complete a mandatory Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to submit it to the relevant authority at their port of entry. For further details please see the Irish Government Advice Page. Exemptions are also in place for providers of essential supply chain services such as hauliers, pilots and maritime staff. Check the Irish Government Advice Page for full information on these requirements and further advice on returning from abroad.
Where to go for more information:
We continue to make updates to our online travel advice for over 200 countries and recommend that you download our TravelWise App and follow us on Twitter. If abroad you should register with your local Irish Embassy or Consulate and regularly check their website and Twitter accounts for details of any local public health measures and travel restrictions.
Overview
Security status
Avoid non-essential travel.
Security Status Last Updated: 16 March 2020
Latest Travel News
COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus
Emergency responses to the Covid-19 crisis in many countries have included restrictions of flights to/from Europe; imposition of new mandatory quarantine arrangements and new restrictions affecting the admission of Irish people travelling to and within the Asia Pacific region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly advises against any non–essential travel to the region until further notice.
For more information, please see the latest update on our webpage.
Cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in many countries worldwide. Please see the Additional Information tab for further details.
International travellers to the Solomon Islands who have travelled from or transited through the countries identified here during the 14 days immediately before the day on which the person arrives in the Solomon Islands, will not be permitted to enter the country. For the most up to date information, please see the National Disaster Management Office
Mosquito borne illnesses, including malaria and dengue fever are common throughout the Solomon Islands. . Ensure that you protect yourself against mosquito bites. Irish Citizens are advised to follow the advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Emergency Assistance
As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in the Solomon Islands, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra.
We suggest you learn as much as you can about the Solomon Islands before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems when you are in the Solomon Islands, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
If you are in a non-EU state without Irish representation, then you can find out what other EU missions are in the country you are located in by visiting https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/eu-citizenship/consular-protection_en
To request Consular Protection, Irish citizens can contact an embassy or consulate of another EU Member State directly, or can first contact the nearest Embassy of Ireland, or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at +353 1 408 2000.
Our tips for safe travels:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
- Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
- Follow the Embassy of Ireland twitter page, @irlembaustralia, and the Embassy of Ireland Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IrishEmbassyAustralia/
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Civil unrest
The security situation in the Solomon Islands has been relatively stable since the widespread civil unrest of 2006. However, you should continue to exercise caution and avoid public gatherings and large crowds. . Unrest can result from elections or periods of political uncertainty. Irish citizens are advised to monitor the news, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Terrorism
Although the threat from terrorism in Solomon Islands is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Unexploded World War II ordnance is still present in certain parts of the Solomon Islands, including Hell’s Point, the ridges behind Honiara, the New Georgia group of islands, the former capital of Tulagi and the Russell Islands.
Crime
While incidents affecting tourists are rare, there is the potential for trouble due to civil unrest and drunken behaviour. However, be aware that both expatriates and visitors can be attractive targets for opportunistic crime. Be vigilant about your personal security, particularly in Honiara and follow these basic safety guidelines:
- Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- Take a number of photocopies of your passport with you in case your passport is lost or stolen. Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- If you are female, take care, especially when alone in public areas
- If you are arrested or detained, you are entitled to request that the local police notify the Embassy or Consulate General of your detention.
Lost or stolen passports
- Given that the nearest Irish Embassy is a huge distance away in Canberra, Australia, dealing with a lost or stolen passport can be extremely inconvenient and can take time to resolve. In emergencies, you can get limited consular assistance from EU partners with Embassies in Honiara.
Reporting crime
If you are a victim of a crime while in Solomon Islands, report it to the local police immediately, telephone 999. Please note that you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Canberra, in Australia if you need help.
Personal responsibility
As well as protecting yourself against crime while in the Solomon Islands, you have a responsibility to ensure that your own behaviour is orderly and respectful and does not bring you to the attention of the police
Driving
If you’re planning to drive in Solomon Islands, you should be extremely careful. Only a few of the main roads are of reasonable quality, the rest are very heavily potholed and in some areas the bridges have collapsed. Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor.
If you want to drive, bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
Hiring a vehicle
If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.
Illegal drugs
Drug use is illegal in the Solomon Islands, and can lead to prison sentences.
Swearing
Swearing is a crime and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail.
Dress and behaviour
Dress codes, particularly for women, are modest and you should dress appropriately. In certain areas, there are ‘taboo’ sites which can only be visited by men.
LGBT
Homosexuality is illegal in the Solomon Islands. Please note that penalties include jail sentences. Be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional information
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Be alert to common signs of infection: respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.
HSE medical advice to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is below.
Do:
• wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
• put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
Don’t:
• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for the Solomon Islands.
Additional information on COVID-19 can be found via the following links:
National Disaster Management Office
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Currently, citizens of most European countries, do not require a visa to enter the Solomon Islands. Instead, you apply for a visitor’s permit which is valid for up to a 90 day stay.
In order to be approved for a visitor’s permit, you must:
- a valid foreign passport with at least six month’s validity and have sufficient blank space to accommodate the necessary stamps
- have either a return ticket or an onward ticket
- proof of sufficient funds
- have a valid visa to enter other countries from the Solomon Islands, if required
- If you meet these requirements, you will be granted a permit on arrival.
However, the Embassy recommends that prior to travel you check the up to date entry requirements for the Solomon Islands, including visa and other immigration information from the nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Passports
It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Solomon Islands and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay. Passports must have at least six months validity.
Health
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see what vaccinations you need for the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands experienced a Zika virus outbreak in 2015 and 2016. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and plan to travel to areas affected by the Zika Virus, you are advised to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider and to consider postponing your travel to affected areas. Irish Citizens are advised to follow the advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
If you require emergency assistance from the Embassy, please contact us on +61 2 62140000
If you call outside normal working hours, you will be given instructions to call another number to speak to a Duty Officer.
You may also wish to call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin directly at 00353-1-4082000.
Embassy of Ireland
20 Arkana Street
Yarralumla
ACT 2600
Australia
Tel: +61 2 6214 0000
Fax: +61 2 6273 3741
Monday to Friday 09:30-12:30 and 14:00-16:00
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