Travel Advisory: Solomon Islands

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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

New Zealanders planning to 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 those 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, signed on 15 October, and the arrival in November of an International Peace Monitoring Team comprising Australians and New Zealanders, the security situation in Solomon Islands has improved.

There is greater freedom to move outside Honiara, although caution is still required at all times. Crime remains a problem, and nationwide police services have still not been established.

The peace monitors do not have any law enforcement functions. A large number of high-powered weapons remain at large in Guadalcanal and Maliata.

Parts of Honiara continue to experience intermittent power and water shortages, and this is likely to continue.

The security situation could deteriorate quickly as a result of economic or political pressures. Intending travellers should be aware that it might not be possible to get comprehensive travel insurance for the Solomon Islands.

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