The U.S. Department of State on November 8, 2001 warned U.S. citizens against travel to the Solomon Islands. Americans currently in the Solomon Islands, particularly those in and around the capital of Honiara, should make preparations in the event of extended interruptions in public services and utilities as a result of the countrys severe economic problems.
Although ethnic conflict, which mainly involved the islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita, has abated following the October 2000 peace agreement between rival militia groups, hundreds of automatic weapons remain in the hands of former fighters. The security environment remains unpredictable and has the potential to deteriorate rapidly, particularly as the Solomon Islands approaches national elections scheduled for December 5, 2001.
Americans planning to visit the Solomon Islands should contact the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara or the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for updates on the security situation. All Americans in the Solomon Islands should register with the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara.
There is no U. S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands. However, American citizens in the Solomon Islands with emergencies or requiring updated security information may contact the U.S. Consular Agent, c/o BJS Agencies on Mendana Avenue in Honiara, (677) 23426, fax (677) 27429, e-mail keithieusa@solomon.com.sb. Alternatively, Americans may contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, (675) 321-1455, fax (675) 321-1593, e-mail consularportmoresby@state.gov. For further general information on travel to the Solomon Islands, please consult the Departments latest Consular Information Sheet for the Solomon Islands.
This Travel Warning replaces the May 1, 2001 Travel Warning for the Solomon Islands to update the security situation.
