Solomon Islands and China Sign Visa-Free Travel Agreement

On Thursday, November 8, 2024, the Solomon Islands and China signed a visa exemption agreement, allowing citizens of both nations to travel freely between the two countries without requiring a visa. The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming and Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele witnessed the signing.

The agreement permits citizens with valid ordinary passports to stay in either country for up to 30 days on a single entry, for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This builds upon a 2022 agreement that allowed visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports.

Ambassador Cai hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in bilateral relations, anticipating that it would encourage people-to-people connections and boost cooperation and friendship between the two nations.

Prime Minister Manele echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the agreement would facilitate travel, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. He sees the agreement as “progress, allowing our ordinary citizens to travel free, learn each other’s cultures, promote greater understanding and respect.”

The Solomon Islands’ acting director of immigration, Chris Aosawa, confirmed that the next step is officially publishing the agreement and including China in the concessional visa category. This process, involving consultations with the attorney general’s chambers and China, is expected to be finalized soon.

Source: RNZ News and Tavuli News (Solomon Islands)