The Cook Islands air and sea borders are open!
No more vaccination requirements. No quarantine or isolation on arrival.
Travel Entry Requirements
Normal Immigration requirements apply. All COVID-19 imposed requirements have been removed:
Immigration Requirements
If you are visiting the Cook Islands you must meet the following normal immigration requirements:
- All international passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond their departure date from the Cook Islands.
- All New Zealand passport holders are granted a 90 day stay on arrival, and all other passport holders including Australian’s are granted a 31 day stay on arrival.
- All passport holders can apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) in Rarotonga for an extension to their stay up to 62 days at no fee. The current policy concession for visitor extensions at no fee is due to end 25 January 2025.
- You must have evidence of a valid outbound ticket or return ticket to your port of origin. On arrival in Rarotonga, you will need to show your air ticket confirmation (printed or digital) to an immigration officer.
- You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands. On arrival in Rarotonga, you will need to show your accommodation booking confirmation (printed or digital) to an immigration officer.
- For maritime border entry to the Cook Islands, all travellers must comply with the Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2012
If you have any questions contact the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on [email protected]
Advice for Travellers
All travellers are advised to be aware of all the requirements for their upcoming travel and pay close attention to any updates. Click to expand.
Confirming Cook Islands Status
Cook Islands status is a stamp in your passport to recognise that you are a Cook Islander by descent. The Cook Islands does not issue passports and the passport that you currently hold is citizenship for that country. This means that a Cook Islander holding a New Zealand passport is a New Zealand citizen. To apply for Cook Islands Status complete the online application. For any queries contact +682 29347 ext 1 or email [email protected]
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is highly recommended but not compulsory for all travellers to ensure financial cover in the event travel plans need to be changed due to medical reasons. Ensure you are clear on your Travel Insurance policy covers and whether there is Cancellation coverage as well as Medical Coverage. Be sure to take note of what you have available to you.
If you test positive for COVID-19 while on holiday in the Cook Islands
Check with your accommodation if a COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer is available, if not, contact your nearest Public Health Clinic; Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm, or after hours call +682 22664.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all travellers to ensure financial cover in the event travel plans need to be changed due to COVID-19.
Returning to New Zealand
For full details on what you need to know when travelling to New Zealand, visit the Before you travel to New Zealand page.
Returning to Australia
For full details on what you need to know when travelling back to Australia, visit the Australian Government website.
Returning to Tahiti
It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.
For full details on what you need to know when travelling back to Tahiti, visit the Entry conditions & sanitary measures in The Islands of Tahiti page.
Travelling to Hawaii
All travelling to Hawaii should be aware that:
- You no longer need to quarantine
- You no longer need to take a COVID-19 pre-travel test or show proof of recovery
- Non-US citizens arriving by air internationally no longer need to show proof of full vaccination
- An ESTA application is mandatory at least 72 hours prior to departure
It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.
Arrival and Departure of Marine Crafts
Maritime borders to the Cook Islands are open!
All marine crafts must enter the Cook Islands through either the; 1) Avatiu Port, Rarotonga, or the 2) Arutanga Port, Aitutaki.
Approval to birth or land must be sought through the Harbourmaster and clearance received from a Customs Officer.
All arriving marine crafts must meet maritime border entry requirements by providing a number of relevant information at least 48 hours prior to their expected arrival time.
All departing marine crafts should advise Customs at least 72 hours before intended departure to ensure that there is no delay; and must not depart for an overseas place without having first obtained a Certificate of Clearance from Customs.
Information and forms for maritime arrivals and departures. For further information, contact Cook Islands Customs Service on email: [email protected] or +682 29510
Travel to the Pa Enua (Outer Islands)
Domestic air and sea travel reopened 1 May 2022. Two-way travel between Rarotonga and most Pa Enua (Outer Islands) is open.
Air Travel Requirements
COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements have been removed for all domestic travellers to the following islands; Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, Pukapuka, Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Penrhyn.
Sea Travel Requirements
All marine crafts must enter the Cook Islands through either the; 1) Avatiu Port, Rarotonga, or, 2) Arutanga port, Aitutaki. Currently onward domestic travel by marine craft is still suspended until further notice. For further information, contact Cook Islands Customs Service on email: [email protected] or +682 29510
Travel Advisory
Read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) Notice of Travel Advisory for the Cook Islands effective from 12:01am 6 September 2022 (CKT).
