What to do if someone dies in Solomon Islands

What to Do When Someone Dies in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth nation with English common law — the documentation process is in English throughout. But with 900+ islands and limited inter-island transport, the location of death matters enormously.

Step 1 — Contact the FCDO Immediately

Call 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). FCDO will direct you to the Australian High Commission in Honiara, which provides consular assistance to British nationals in Solomon Islands. Australian HC Honiara: Mud Alley, Honiara (+677 21561).

Step 2 — Establish Which Island

The first question your specialist firm will ask is which island the death occurred on. Deaths on the main island of Guadalcanal (where Honiara is) are most accessible. Deaths on Malaita, Western Province, Choiseul, or remote islands require inter-island transfer — by small aircraft or boat — to Honiara before international repatriation.

Step 3 — Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist

Appoint a UK-regulated specialist before taking any action locally. They will manage the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force process, death registration, embalming, and airline booking.

Step 4 — Documentation

The Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages issues the death certificate. Non-natural deaths require Royal Solomon Islands Police Force investigation. All documentation is in English.

Step 5 — Routing

Honiara International Airport (HIR) connects via Brisbane (Australia) or Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) for UK flights.

Realistic Timeline

Expect 14–42 days. Deaths in Honiara itself tend towards the lower end. Remote island deaths will be significantly longer.

For full country detail, see the Solomon Islands repatriation guide. For a general overview, read what happens when someone dies abroad.

Source: FCDO Travel Advice — Solomon Islands (updated 2024). Australian High Commission Honiara consular services. Solomon Islands Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages procedural guidance.