The Solomon Islands Immigration Division, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), briefed members of the Diplomatic Corps in Honiara on the government’s new Border Management System (BMS) and e-Visa regime.

Chris Akosawa, Director of Immigration, informed Heads of Mission and diplomatic representatives that the Solomon Islands has transitioned to a fully electronic border framework – comprising an upgraded Border Management System, an e-Visa portal, and an e-Payment Gateway – designed to bolster border security and streamline travel processing.

Key milestones presented during the briefing include:

• Border Management System (BMS): Installed on July 7, 2024, funded by Australia ($18 million) under a trilateral partnership between the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority (PNG ICSA) and the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.

• E-Visa Portal: Officially launched on October 28, 2025.

• E-Payment Gateway: Rolled out on August 23, 2026, allowing visitors to apply for short-term visas and process fees online.

Under these reforms, Immigration has introduced 34 e-Visa categories across 11 subclasses, including tourist, business, yacht, cruise boat, and mutual exemption visas.

Since launching the BMS, the division has recorded a steady increase in successfully processed applications.

Director Akosawa highlighted that the automated system enhances national security by screening against organized crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

“Solomon Islands is taking strategic control of its borders to protect our national sovereignty,” Akosawa stated.

“All non-citizens entering and residing in the country must apply for and be granted a visa prior to travel.”

He added that while border controls are being tightened, the government remains committed to honoring existing bilateral and multilateral agreements, concessions, and MOUs with international partners.

The briefing also addressed broader regional security frameworks, including responses to transnational crime under the Boe and Biketawa Declarations, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Ocean of Peace initiative, the 2024–2028 Disruption Strategy (signed with regional customs and police bodies), and national border security strategies.

Diplomatic representatives welcomed the updates and agreed to share the new procedures through their respective channels to ensure smooth implementation across all visa categories.

Director Akosawa closed by thanking key partners, particularly Australia and PNG ICSA, for their continued support.