Destinations / Solomon Islands
Driving in Solomon Islands as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. The Solomon Islands drive on the left; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and roads are limited and often unsealed.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Solomon Islands expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 60 km/h open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in SBD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Unsealed roads outside Honiara. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Speed | Low speed limits in town. |
On the road in Solomon Islands
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at attended stations concentrated in Honiara; prices are in Solomon dollars and high by regional standards due to import costs. Stations are scarce outside the capital, so fill up before rural or cross-island trips and carry cash.
After a crash
Dial 999 for police/emergency in Honiara; after a crash stop, do not move vehicles if anyone is injured, and obtain a police report, which is required for any insurance or rental claim. Response outside Honiara is very limited.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com · idaservice.org · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Solomon Islands?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. The Solomon Islands drive on the left; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and roads are limited and often unsealed.
Which translation format is used for Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Solomon Islands ask for a translation?
Honiara rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Solomon Islands?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.