Travelling to the Cook Islands from New Zealand - Travel / Entry Requirements (June 2022)

The first place I've decided to travel to in over two years is the Cook Islands!

(OK, it was more of my girlfriend's idea / request)

If you have never been around New Zealand or Australia, then you've probably never thought about visiting the Cook Islands. I don't think I've ever even heard of the Cook Islands before moving to NZ.

As this is the first time I'm going anywhere overseas in quite awhile, I'm a bit more anxious than I would have been pre-covid times.

So, I have meticulously researched, read, and re-read the entry requirements for travelling to the Cook Islands. Here it is:

What are the requirements for travelling to the Cook Islands from New Zealand?

New Zealand actually started a quarantine free travel bubble with the Cook Islands about a year ago. Then it closed a couple months later.  Then it opened again at the beginning of this year.

Cook Islands travel requirements for tourists

Currently, there is still quarantine free travel between New Zealand and Cook Islands. That's one of the main reasons I'm going. There's also no pre-departure COVID testing needed. Woohoo!

COVID-19 related entry requirements

[1]  Flights are currently only available from Auckland, NZ (as of June 2022).

• So, if you're not able to enter NZ, then you won't be able to go to Cook Islands.

[2]  You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and have official evidence of vaccination (i.e. a government provided international vaccination certificate)

• only required for people over 16 years old
• if not vaccinated, must have official medical exemption from Cook Islands or NZ government
• Definition of fully vaccinated (e.g. 2 dosages of Pfizer vaccine)

[3]  Must complete this online COVID-19 information form within 3 days before departure to Cook Islands

Standard entry requirements for tourists

[1]  International (i.e. non NZ/Aus) passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date.

• can stay for up to 31 days

[2]  NZ/Aus passports must be valid for at least 7 days beyond intended departure date.

• NZ passport holders can stay for 90 days
• Aus passport holders can stay for 31 days

[3]  Proof of valid outbound or return ticket.

[4]  Proof of accommodation during your stay.

[5]  Completed passenger arrival card.

Cook Islands visa requirements for tourists/visitors

There is no visa requirements for visitors / tourists. You Just need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your stay (or 7 days if you are Kiwi/Australian).

Cook Islands travel requirements for Outer Islands

The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands. The main island is Rarotonga, and is where all international flights will arrive. From there you can travel to the outer islands like Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangagia, and more.

[1]  Aitutaki travel requirements

There is no required pre-departure tests or proof of vaccination needed to travel to Aitutaki.

[2]  All other Outer Islands requirements

For all other outer islands, you need to take a supervised RAT test on the day of your departure. It costs $10 to buy a test at the airport.

Returning to New Zealand requirements

Since you can only fly to the Cook Islands from New Zealand, you must also eventually fly back to New Zealand. To go back to NZ, you are required to fill out an online traveller declaration form. You must complete it before checking in to your return flight.

• New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Current COVID-19 situation in Cook Islands

At time of writing this, there has been over 5600 cases in Cook Islands since February 2022. The population is only around 17,500 people, so that's over 30% of the population! There only 48 active cases though, so it seems things have settled down a bit. Hopefully it stays that way.

• Cook Islands COVID-19 Data & Statistics

What happens if I catch COVID in the Cook Islands?

If you test positive for COVID-19 while on holiday, you need to isolate for 7 days. If you are a household contact of someone that tests positive, you must also quarantine for 7 days. You will need to stay in your current accommodation (if available), or go to a special accommodation that the Cook Islands government has arranged.

You must cover the costs of extra accommodation, food/drink, and any other items during your quarantine. So, it may be a good idea to buy some travel insurance...

Travel Insurance for COVID - Not required, but definitely recommended

When I was young and brave, I never thought anything would happen to me when travelling. I would only buy travel insurance if I knew I was going to be doing some dangerous activities.

This time – due to COVID-19 – I am definitely going to buy travel insurance. I am not so worried about the actual physical part of getting sick, but more so the unavoidable costs if I test positive and am forced to isolate.  Money, money, money!

It would mean having to cancel/change non-refundable flights, pay for extra accommodations, hotel food, etc. It would also mess up connecting flights and accommodations which I have already booked in Australia (my next planned travel location).

In my next post, I try to understand the insurance options I have as a Canadian already overseas that needs COVID-19 related travel coverage.

Summary of Cook Islands Travel Requirements

Here's a quick summary of all entry / travel requirements for Cook Islands:

1. Flights only available from Auckland, New Zealand
2. Fully vaccinated for COVID-19
3. Fill out this COVID info form 3 days before departure to Cook Islands
4. Passport is valid for 6 months (international) or 7 days (NZ) past stay
5. Proof of outbound/return ticket
6. Proof of accommodation
7. Complete passenger arrival card
8. If going to Outer Islands (except Aitutaki), need same day pre-departure RAT test
9. Before returning to NZ, need to complete New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Sources:

• Travel Advisory | Cook Islands
• https://www.airport.gov.ck/border-control/immigration/
• https://covid19.gov.ck/