BY INDY MAEALASIA
Citizens of the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will soon enjoy visa-free travel between the two countries following yesterday’s historic signing of the Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement.
The signing took place at the Prime Minister’s office, with delegates from the PM’s office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the media in attendance.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described the signing as an “important progress”, stating it will allow ordinary citizens to travel freely, embrace each other’s cultures, and promote greater understanding and respect, which he believed are “critical to our bilateral relations”.
Manele noted that the agreement is expected to attract a portion of China’s 130 million tourists, encouraging them to consider Solomon Islands as a preferred destination.
He further emphasised the commitment to strengthening relations between both countries, “This continues to demonstrate your commitment, enhance strategic communication, and deepen cooperation in various fields with the Solomon Islands to ensure the steady progress of the bilateral ties and bringing more benefits to our two peoples.”
Manele expressed the Solomon Islands’ appreciation to the PRC government, particularly for their swift response in facilitating the establishment of reciprocal visa exemptions.
Under the agreement, citizens from both countries with valid ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements for entry or transit, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days per visit, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
PRC Ambassador Cai Weiming echoed similar sentiments, calling the agreement a further manifestation of the strong and growing cooperation between the two countries.
Following the signing, Acting Immigration Director Chris Akosawa explained that the next necessary step is to officially publish the agreement, enabling visa-on-arrival for Chinese citizens. China will also be added to the concessional visa category.
This process will be carried out in consultation with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Chinese authorities and should be completed soon.
In 2022, Solomon Islands and China signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports and passports for public affairs.
