Solomon Islands Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Solomon Islands
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated April 29, 2025
Solomon Islands recorded 3.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2008, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Solomon Islands #86 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 11% over the past decade (from 4.2 in 2004). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Solomon Islands at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#110 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2008
Homicide Rate Trend (2004-2008)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 11% over the past decade (from 4.2 in 2004). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Solomon Islands Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Solomon Islands:
Reissued after periodic review with updated risk information. Exercise increased caution traveling to Solomon Islands due to risks to health, unexploded ordinance, crime and civil unrest. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread. Medical facilities and clinics outside of Honiara are under-resourced in terms of drugs and medical equipment. Unexploded ordinance (UXO) from World War II remains a significant hazard and may be present on land, in forests, and underwater locations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Solomon Islands
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 15, 2023).
Crime
Petty theft is common in some parts of Solomon Islands. Guided or group tours are generally safer than traveling alone. Landowners may demand money if you enter their land without permission. Home invasions, burglaries, and violent crime typically increase in the months approaching the Christmas holiday season. Yacht-related robberies can occur, usually at night while occupants are asleep. Most criminals are not deterred even when boats are anchored offshore. Visiting yachts should be wary of allowing strangers onboard and boaters should take precautions when leaving the vessel to go ashore.
General Safety
You should travel in groups for safety and security, especially in the evening or at night. All water activities should be done in groups. Swimmers should be aware of saltwater crocodiles that can be found at the mouths of rivers emptying into the sea.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, during international events, or during other cultural events that attract large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The U.S. Embassy is located at Commonwealth St. Point Cruz Honiara and can be reached at (+677) 23426 or (+677) 74 98367 Report crimes to the local police using the local emergency number (+677) 999. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at (+675) 308 2100. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact the Consular Agency in Honiara and/or the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Solomon Islands Population & Demographics
Population of 819,198, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solomon Islands safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Solomon Islands at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, civil unrest, health. The homicide rate of 3.7 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands has an intentional homicide rate of 3.7 per 100,000 people (2008, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #86 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Solomon Islands compare to other countries?
Solomon Islands's homicide rate of 3.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.