Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations were established on 11 December 1996. The South African High Commissioner in Canberra is accredited to Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, G77, WHO, LOME, Pacific Islands Forum, South Pacific Forum and the South Pacific Commission.

Solomon Islands land area comprises 28 330 sq kms with a population of around 367 400 and is the third most populous Pacific island country, after Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Solomon Islands

The South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia, may be contacted for enquiries.

H E Mr M C J Van Schalkwyk
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Solomon Islands Representation in South Africa

None.

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

Refer to the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Health Requirements

The preventative measures you need to take while travelling in the South Pacific region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. For detailed information see Yellow Fever Comprehensive Vaccination Requirements.

Recommended Vaccines (as appropriate for Age and Area visited)

Hepatitis A or immune globulin(IG)
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series as infants.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
The area is tropical, so there is malaria. In addition watch out for tuberculosis and gastric troubles. Water purity cannot be relied on and hookworm is endemic on the coast and in the countryside.

For more health information for travellers to the South Pacific, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm

Climate Info

A tropical climate with the average daily temperature in Honiara (capital) normally around 30 degrees Celsius with high levesl of humidity. The weather, in terms of heat, humidity and cyclones, is at its most hospitable in the second half of the year. Light breezes and calm waters are the order of the day at this time. June to August is a time of public holidays and festivals as well.

For up-to-date weather information, go to www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ or www.wunderground.com

Currency Info

Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) (S$) is used. In urban areas traveller's cheques are easily changed and cash advances are available on international credit cards from any of the three big banks (ANZ, Westpac and the NBSI).

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Trade is negligible.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Solomon Islands, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information