Safety in Solomon Islands

In town: Stay alert in the capital, particularly after dark near the markets and the port. Don't wave expensive phones around or carry large amounts of cash where it can be seen.

Natural hazards: The islands sit in a seismically active zone and small tremors happen regularly. Note the tsunami evacuation signs and ask hotel staff where the nearest high ground is before you need to know.

Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles live in the rivers and coastal mangroves. Never swim in fresh water you don't know, and always ask locals whether a stretch of shore is safe to enter.

Disease: Malaria risk persists across all the islands, so repellent and a mosquito net are genuinely necessary. Dengue also circulates, which means protecting yourself from bites during the day as well.

Sun: So close to the equator you can burn through cloud in minutes. Use high-factor sunscreen, wear a hat and drink bottled water steadily to stay ahead of dehydration.

In the water: Watch for sea urchins and broken coral when swimming over reef. Reef shoes are worth packing, because the bottom is jagged at low tide and coral cuts take a very long time to heal in this climate.

Advisories: Read your own government's travel advice before you book, and note down where your nearest embassy or high commission sits, since few countries have representation here.

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago of nearly a thousand islands with extraordinary nature and Second World War history. Tourists are few and infrastructure is weak.

Honiara. The capital on Guadalcanal. Petty theft, and in some periods riots with looting in the Chinatown district. Nobody walks at night.

Taxis. Agree in advance; there are no meters.

Between the islands. Light aircraft and ferries. Schedules change and the weather intervenes. Leave slack.

Diving. Second World War wrecks and aircraft off Guadalcanal and in Marovo are world class. Operators are few; check the equipment.

Currency exchange. Change at banks, of which there are few.

Cash. Cards barely work outside Honiara. Bring cash.

Unexploded ordnance is a real problem. After the Second World War fighting, shells and bombs remain in the ground on Guadalcanal and other islands. People are still killed, including during construction work. Do not leave paths, do not pick anything up or dig, and do not touch what you find.

Wrecks are war graves. Removing anything from the bottom is prohibited.

Land and kastom. Almost all land is communally owned. Visiting villages, beaches, waterfalls and dive sites requires permission and usually a payment to the community. That is the norm rather than extortion.

Photography. People and ceremonies only with permission.

Drones. Permission is required.

Drugs. The law is strict. Betel is chewed universally.

The political situation. Riots occurred in Honiara in 2006 and 2021. Conditions are worth checking.

Marine life. Collecting coral and shells is restricted.

Malaria is very high risk. Among the highest in the Pacific. Prophylaxis is unconditionally essential, as are repellent and a net.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus; rabies is not needed. A yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries.

Dengue and Zika. Present.

Water. Bottled or boiled only.

Crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles live in river mouths and mangroves on many islands. Do not swim in estuaries and lagoons without consulting locals.

The sea. Reefs, stonefish and currents. Swim shoes are needed.

There is no hyperbaric chamber. Critical for diving: evacuation to Australia takes many hours. Diving insurance is essential.

Healthcare is extremely weak. The hospital in Honiara is basic and the islands have health posts. Anything serious means evacuation to Brisbane. Insurance with air evacuation is essential.

Cyclones. The season runs November to April. Earthquakes and tsunamis occur; the region is seismically active.

Emergency number is 999.

The Solomon Islands is broadly calm but has a history of internal conflict.

Police. Few in number; English is official alongside Pijin.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; the process is slow.

Honiara. The main place requiring caution. Travel by car at night and do not carry valuables. During periods of tension, stay in your accommodation.

Villages. Crime against foreigners on the islands is essentially absent and hospitality is strong.

Customary law. Disputes are settled through chiefs and compensation to the community. Your guide will explain.

What actually matters. The Solomons' defining risks are malaria, unexploded ordnance, crocodiles and the complete absence of healthcare outside the capital. This is a destination for divers and prepared travellers.

Emergency number is 999.