The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is something that all Solomon Islanders must familiarize themselves with before late-2022. Once this date passes, the ETIAS will become valid and all citizens of the Solomon Islands will need a visa waiver before visiting the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Citizens of the Solomon Islands
To apply for an ETIAS, Solomon Islanders need a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and a valid email address. It’s an online application and it’s conducted securely through the official ETIAS website, taking less than 10 minutes on average.
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival and the ETIAS will remain valid until the passport expires or after 3 years.
A €7 fee is charged at the end of the application process and this is where the credit/debit card comes in.
When and Where Does the ETIAS Apply?
The ETIAS is valid for every country in the Schengen Zone, giving you the right to enter one nation and cross into several others. You can drop into Portugal following a long flight, take the train to Spain, and then move into France, Germany, and Austria.
Europe is your oyster, and you’re always just a short journey away from seeing more sights and experiencing more cultures.
As a multi-entry visa waiver, the ETIAS allows you to return home and go back on vacation as needed. As long as you don’t exceed the limit of 90 days within a 180-day period, you’ll be fine. And if your ETIAS expires because the 3-year period has passed or your passport has expired, you can just apply for another one.
Is the Schengen Zone Safe for Solomon Islands Citizens?
The Schengen Zone is a very safe area, but as with all tourist-heavy areas, you need to be wary of pickpockets and scammers. For instance, Athens, Rome, Madrid, and Paris are some of the biggest, richest, and safest cities on the continent, but they are also rife with criminals that target tourists.
To avoid falling victim to these scammers, it’s important to keep your wits about you, don’t carry too much cash around, and go straight to the authorities if you have an issue. Protect yourself and your valuables, remain vigilant, and you should be safe.
Which Countries Can Solomon Islanders Visit Without a Visa?
Solomon Islanders need to apply for a visa before they visit popular tourist destinations like the United States, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, China, Japan, and Russia. Large parts of Africa, South America, and the Middle East are also visa-only, but there are some major exceptions.
For instance, Solomon Islanders can visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months without a visa. They are also free to access the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Peru, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Korea, to name just a few.