Solomon Islands · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Honiara scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Honiara is generally safe for visitors, but petty crime and occasional unrest require vigilance. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Solomon Islands · Assessed 29 July 2026
73
/ 100
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-05-26T08:39:14Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Solomon Islands: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-06-19T15:57:04.0691661-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed or violent robbery against visitors is rare but can occur in isolated incidents, particularly near the waterfront at night
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in crowded spots such as the Central Market and on public buses
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Recent traveller reports on forums and review sites indicate visitors generally feel comfortable during daylight but express concern about night‑time street crime and occasional protests
Yes — Honiara is generally safe for visitors, but petty crime and occasional unrest require vigilance.
The multi‑database profile rates Honiara as SAFE with a composite score of 75/100, reflecting low homicide, stable governance and good air quality, while crime perception is moderate and rule‑of‑law scores are weaker.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Honiara’s safety picture for a traveler is mixed but manageable. The official composite safety index of 75/100 marks the capital as safer than most countries, driven by low homicide rates, clean air and a stable political environment. However, the rule‑of‑law and governance scores sit below 60, indicating occasional weaknesses in institutional reliability and corruption concerns that can affect everyday interactions.
Recent data from the live dossier confirms a moderate risk of robbery and a high risk of pickpocketing, especially in busy venues such as the Central Market, Kukum waterfront and local bus stops. A July 2026 police‑city council operation in those exact neighbourhoods was aimed at curbing theft, showing that authorities are aware of the problem but have not eliminated it. Pickpocket incidents are frequently reported by travellers on Reddit and travel forums, and the high consumer‑sentiment score (68) reflects that many visitors feel uneasy after dark or in crowded markets.
Scams targeting tourists are practical rather than violent: unlicensed taxis that overcharge, informal currency exchangers who short‑change, and unofficial tour operators who sell bogus excursions are the most common nuisances. The Canadian and UK advisories both tell travellers to “exercise normal security precautions,” reinforcing that the overall threat level is low but that vigilance is essential.
To stay safe, keep your passport and valuables secured in a hotel safe, use reputable taxi services (agree on fares beforehand), and avoid walking alone after dark, especially in poorly lit areas such as the outskirts of Kukum. Carry only the cash you need, be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help at markets, and always verify the credentials of any tour or adventure‑sport provider. Finally, stay updated on any demonstrations — particularly those near Parliament or the Central Market — by checking local news or the Canadian government’s travel‑advice page, and be prepared to adjust your itinerary if unrest erupts.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Honiara districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Honiara safety map.
GaoavoidKnown hotspot for violent crime and recent police raids; avoid entirely
KukumcautionPetty crime and occasional unrest reported; stay alert especially after dark
Central HoniaracautionHigh foot traffic and market areas attract pickpockets; avoid isolated streets at night
Honiara Central MarketcautionFrequent pickpocketing and petty theft; keep belongings secured
Munda PointsaferResidential expatriate area with secure compounds and low crime incidence
Bishop's BeachsaferWell‑patrolled tourist zone with low crime; normal precautions advised
07 · After Dark
Armed or violent robbery against visitors is rare but can occur in isolated incidents, particularly near the waterfront at night
After dark, be most careful around Gao, Kukum, Central Honiara, Honiara Central Market. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Honiara's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Honiara is generally safe for visitors, but petty crime and occasional unrest require vigilance. The multi‑database profile rates Honiara as SAFE with a composite score of 75/100, reflecting low homicide, stable governance and good air quality, while crime perception is moderate and rule‑of‑law scores are weaker. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Gao as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Honiara scores 73/100 — see the Solomon Islands safety overview for country-level data.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Solomon Islands safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: honiara.json (CC BY 4.0).
