Travel Advisory: Solomon Islands

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealanders are advised to defer all non-essential travel to Solomon Islands.

New Zealanders planning travel outside of Honiara, to rural Guadalcanal and to other provinces are advised to contact the New Zealand High Commission for an update on the security situation prior to travel to these areas.

New Zealanders in the Solomon Islands should maintain a high level of personal security awareness and monitor developments that might affect their safety.

With the implementation of the Townsville Peace Agreement, roadblocks have been removed from around Honiara and on rural Guadalcanal but peace remains fragile and large numbers of weapons remain in the hands of former combatants.

An International Peace Monitoring Team comprising New Zealanders and Australians initially is to start on 11 November monitoring the disarmanent process outlined under the Townsville Peace Agreement. Nationwide Police services are yet to be re-established.

Parts of Honiara continue to experience intermittent power and water shortages. Intending travellers should ensure they have adequate travel and medical insurance cover prior to travelling to the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Airlines are operating a twice weekly service to Brisbane and a once a week service to Fiji, via Vanuatu. Domestic services to most areas are operating.

New Zealanders in the Solomon Islands should register with the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara if they have not already done so.

Telephone 00677 21502, facsimile 00677 22377

E-mail: nzhicom@welkam.solomon.com.sb

Details required are full name, New Zealand passport number and contact details whilst in the Solomon Islands.

Please note: While every care has been taken in preparing these travel advisories, neither the New Zealand Government nor its agents and employees can accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

For further enquiries contact:

Consular Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Stafford House 38-42

The Terrace, Wellington

Tel 64-4 494-8500; Fax 494-8506

E-mail: cons@mft.govt.nz