Home » News » Solomon Islands and Vanuatu open next month; here’s what you need to know

3 June, 2022

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu open next month; here’s what you need to know

By Alexandra Coulton

Travel is returning to the Pacific Islands, with both Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands opening their borders to travellers next month.

Both countries will allow foreign nationals to re-enter their borders from 1 July after nearly three years.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare announced this week the country will fully open its border for travellers at the beginning of July, provided they are fully vaccinated.

Overseas travellers will still need to quarantine in Honiara upon arrival, however, the time period will drop from six days to three on 1 July if they can present a negative RAT test.

Other health precautions will still apply, including presenting a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival, in addition to a negative RAT test within 12 hours of arrival.

Tourism Solomons acting CEO, head of corporate services, Dagnal Dereveke said after more than two years isolated from the rest of the world, this is wonderful news and he, his team and the local tourism industry are more than ready to start welcoming international visitors.

ICanoeing at Langa Langa Lagoon, Solomon Islands (iStock.com/benedek)

“Our tourism sector has taken the front foot and is well ahead of other segments of the population in terms of COVID-readiness,” Dereveke said.

“More than 80 per cent of business operators, hoteliers and resorts have undergone ‘Tourism Minimum Standards Extra-Care’ training and implemented COVID-safe protocols in preparation for the border reopening.

“All we need are our international guests to start arriving.”

Meanwhile, Vanuatu’s tourism office has shared an update on the country’s entry requirements for its big reopening.

To enter Vanuatu from 1 July, travellers will only need to present a negative RAT test from within 24 hours of departure or a certificate of infection and recovery from within 28 days of departure, if they have recently had Covid-19.

Once in Vanuatu, there is no arrival testing required. However, travellers will be asked to play their part in keeping both locals and visitors safe by practising good hygiene and physical distancing.

If a traveller tests positive for Covid-19 while in Vanuatu, they will need to isolate for seven days in a managed Government designated and approved facility – this may include hotels and resorts or other government health centres, subject to availability.

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Dagnal Dereveke Manasseh Sogavare pacific islands solomon islands Tourism Solomons vanuatu