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.

A ceasefire agreement between rival militant groups was signed on 3 August, but has been breached on a number of occasions. Initial peace talks are scheduled to begin on 7 September. Grievances which gave rise to the crisis are yet to be resolved. The security situation remains unstable.

In recent weeks there have been occasional clashes between militant groups on Guadalcanal, particularly on the outskirts of Honiara. In Honiara a curfew remains in place from 10pm until 5.30am each night.

Roadblocks may be erected without notice. Robbery of businesses is occurring. Expatriates have not generally been targeted but have been caught up in some incidents.

The Maliata Eagle Force (MEF) largely control Honiara, although there is an increase of Royal Solomon Islands Police on Honiara streets. Police services in most parts of Guadalcanal are unreliable. The Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) control large parts of rural Guadalcanal.

Parts of Honiara continue to experience water shortages. In some outlying provinces there have been instances of lawless acts.

There is one international flight to Honiara each week.
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