Travel to the Cook Islands

Information on current travel restrictions

Updated travel advisory Effective from 11:59pm 27 February 2021 (CKT), there will be no exemptions provided for entry to the Cook Islands for a period of 72 hours to 11:59pm Tuesday 2 March 2021 (CKT). Refer to latest travel advisory below.

International travel

Entry and Health criteria

The Cook Islands borders are currently closed to all travellers unless there is an exemption provided (in writing) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. You must have spent at least 14 days in New Zealand before you can enter the Cook Islands.

Entry criteria into the Cook Islands:

Cook Islanders (as verified via the Cook Islands Status stamp)
Permanent Residents of the Cook Islands
Cook Islands work permit holders
Cook Islands resident permit holders

Health criteria administered by Te Marae Ora prior to departure from Auckland:

Require approval from the Secretary of Health
Provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departure from Auckland
Complete exit health clearance at Auckland International Airport on the day of departure

Register your intention to travel to the Cook Islands with Cook Islands Immigration by email: immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck

Contact us on email: tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck for information on the current health criteria such as providing a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of your planned departure from Auckland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I arrange a COVID-19 test?

COVID-19 tests are available for free at community-based testing centres in Auckland.
Please contact your usual GP in New Zealand for further information regarding testing centre. If you do not have an Auckland based GP, please contact Te Marae Ora on email: tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck
When you present for your test, ensure you have a mobile number and email address so that the test results can be sent to your phone and/or forward the results to Te Marae Ora on email: tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck.
If you require further assistance contact your GP. It will be the responsibility of the traveller to make the necessary arrangements and cover any associated cost with undertaking COVID-19 testing prior to departure

When should I arrange my COVID-19 test?

As soon as possible, noting that results may not be available for one to three days.
COVID-19 tests must be arranged within 72 hours of your flight departing Auckland.

Can I travel to the Cook Islands before I have received my COVID-19 test results?

No.
If you know you will not be receiving the results of your COVID-19 test prior to your check-in, please contact Te Marae Ora directly by either; email: tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck or Phone: Cook Islands +682 29 110

What if I am travelling from Australia (or another country)?

You cannot travel directly to the Cook Islands from Australia (or any other country). You will be required to stay in New Zealand for 14 days.
New Zealand requires all arrivals to enter their managed isolation facilities for 14 days.
Please check the New Zealand Government Managed Isolation and Quarantine website for applicable charges to enter their managed isolation facilities. https://www.miq.govt.nz/

What happens when I have provided Te Marae Ora my test result?

Once Te Marae Ora has received the results of your COVID-19 test result (negative), your details will be communicated to Immigration Cook Islands who will provide final approval for you to travel to the Cook Islands.

Domestic travel

Exit Health Screening Procedures

There are no restrictions for travellers departing Rarotonga for the Pa Enua however Te Marae Ora has established exit health clearance procedures to strengthen border measures and limit the spread of communicable diseases including COVID-19, to the Pa Enua.

Te Marae Ora staff based at the air and seaport will undertake the following:

check all travellers to the Northern Group Islands have a negative COVID-19 test within 24 to 48 hours prior to departure from Rarotonga
support travellers to complete the Domestic Departures Health Declaration form in print or electronic form
conduct a temperature check on all travellers – thermoscan to the forehead

Any travellers who meet the following criteria will be referred for medical assessment and may not be allowed to proceed to board the vessel:

have a temperature ≥38°C
fulfill the case definition/clinical criteria for a communicable disease such as COVID-19
tick yes for any questions on the form

Travel Advisory

What is a Travel Advisory?

A travel advisory is issued by Government agencies that pertain information on safe travelling to and from foreign countries . The purpose of travel advisories are to ensure travelers make informed decisions when travelling internationally or domestic, to protect their health and the health of others.

Click the button below to view Cook Islands Travel Advisory.

Forms

International arrivals

All international arrivals will be required to complete the International Arrivals Health Declaration form upon entering the Cook Islands. This can be completed prior to departure from Auckland, on the plane, or as soon as you arrive on Rarotonga. You can complete the form online or a hard copy will be provided at the airport.

Any person who does not have a Cook Islands stamp or a permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration will be required to complete a Medical Immigration form prior to travel. If you need more information, call +682 29110.

Domestic departures

Any person departing Rarotonga to the Pa Enua (outer islands) will be required to complete the domestic departures health declaration form. This form must be completed prior to departure from Rarotonga, either online or via hard copy provided at the air/sea port.

Departures Health Declaration Form

Health Clinics

Any person visiting health clinics on Rarotonga, with recent travel overseas, will be required to complete a health declaration form. This form must be completed prior to any face-to-face consultations with a health professional.

Health Declaration Form