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Re: and the Solomons has a British High Commission...

Posted by Tony on Mon Dec 10, 2001 10:03:07 AM

In reply top Re: and the Solomons has a British High Commission... posted by Paul McMillan on Mon Dec 10, 2001 04:43:04 AM

High Commissions and Embassies perform the same functions and have the same status.

Some other bits of advice from the FCO..

Most visits to the Solomon Islands are trouble-free but visitors should be aware that the country has had a two-year period of ethnic unrest between the communities of two of the main islands. A peace agreement was signed last year and an unarmed international peace monitoring force is in place to supervise the handing over of weapons and a return to normal policing. This process is ongoing. Elections are due at the end of this year. There may be further unrest.

There are few roads in the Solomon Islands,(excellent) 90% on Guadalcanal and Malaita. Only a couple of main roads are of decent quality. The rest are very heavily potholed and in some areas the bridges have collapsed. Standards of driving and vehicle maintenance are poor. Be especially careful when overtaking any vehicle. Solomon Islanders chew betel nut and frequently open vehicle doors when travelling at speed, in order to spit out the juice onto the road. This can be unnerving when it is the driver of the vehicle doing the spitting.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Drug use is illegal in the Solomons, and can lead to prison sentences. Swearing is a crime(wot!) and can lead to large compensation claims and even jail. You hear that Mick, no F-words, especially when they try and tell you how much they want for that aircraft lol

GENERAL

International flights in and out of Honiara are currently subject to change at very short notice. Domestic flights can be diverted or cancelled without notice. Inter-island ferries are often overloaded and safety standards onboard are not high.

We strongly recommend that all travellers abroad take out comprehensive insurance. For medical/inoculations advice: contact your GP, and refer to the Department of Health website. For visa information: contact the relevant Embassy/Consulate in London.

Check with local people about where it is safe to swim. Some areas have large numbers of crocodiles.




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