Is Honiara safe?
Take real care. Petty and opportunistic crime is common, and the 2021 riots showed tension can erupt; check current advice and avoid crowds and protests.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-04-28.
- Homicide rate in Solomon Islands: 3.7 per 100,000 people (2008, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Solomon Islands: 16.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 988.
Safety in Honiara at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Opportunistic theft, bag snatching, break-ins and occasional assaults; the 2021 riots damaged parts of the center. |
| At night | Avoid walking at night; use hotel-arranged taxis even for short trips. |
| Solo women | Stay vigilant, particularly when alone. Dress modestly, avoid walking at night and use pre-arranged transport. |
| Other risks | Malaria and dengue; Earthquakes and tsunami risk; Cyclones Nov–Apr |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Walking after dark: robbery risk; use taxis
- Crowds, protests and election periods: unrest can flare quickly
- Outer settlements: avoid without local company
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking or buying alcohol is illegal under 21
- Importing or possessing pornography is illegal
- Don't remove WWII relics; exporting them is illegal and some are live
Quick answers
Is Honiara safe for solo female travelers?
Stay vigilant, particularly when alone. Dress modestly, avoid walking at night and use pre-arranged transport.
Is Honiara safe at night?
Avoid walking at night; use hotel-arranged taxis even for short trips.
What is the crime rate in Honiara?
Opportunistic theft, bag snatching, break-ins and occasional assaults; the 2021 riots damaged parts of the center. Nationally, Solomon Islands records 3.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2008).
What number do I call in an emergency in Honiara?
Police 999 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 988.
More about Honiara
Going to Honiara solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau
- Solomon Airlines
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.