Destinations / Solomon Islands
Driving in Solomon Islands as a visitor
Usually yes. Solomon Islands expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Solomon Islands expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Solomon Islands expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Solomon Islands accept?
Solomon Islands recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Solomon Islands ask for one?
Honiara rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.