Cook Islands Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed April/2025. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Many nationalities get visa-free entry as tourists. Others need visas before they fly. The immigration officer decides how long you can stay.
Nationalities allowed to enter without obtaining a visa in advance.
These passport holders receive visitor permits on arrival. Standard allowance is 31 days. You can ask for up to 90 days. The officer decides. Other requirements still apply.
No Electronic Travel Authorization exists. Visitors either qualify for visa-free entry or apply for visas beforehand.
Cost: N/A
Ignore unofficial sites selling 'Cook Islands ETA' or 'eVisa' services. They are scams. Non-visa-free nationalities need standard visa applications.
These nationalities must get visas from Cook Islands diplomatic missions before traveling.
Processing takes time. Apply early. The official Cook Islands government website lists which citizens need visas.
Arrival Process
Most visitors land at Rarotonga International Airport. Entry is simple. Bring proper documents.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Biosecurity laws are strict here. All baggage gets screened on arrival.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs - strict penalties apply
- Weapons and ammunition without a permit
- Protected wildlife and products made from them (e.g., corals, shells, ivory)
- Pirated or counterfeit goods
Restricted Items
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seeds, plants - require a biosecurity import permit and must be declared
- Animal products, dairy, eggs - require biosecurity approval
- Medicines - prescription drugs require a doctor's letter or prescription. Carry them in original packaging
- Drones - require approval from the Civil Aviation Authority prior to arrival
Health Requirements
Specific health checks and recommendations protect public safety.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, influenza)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
Health Insurance
Get complete travel health insurance. Medical care on Rarotonga is basic. Serious cases need evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. That costs a fortune.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Cook Islands Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children under 18 must have their own passport. Traveling with one parent? Bring a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Same rule applies for trips with relatives or solo travel. Immigration officers can ask to see this. Carry it. Pack it with your documents.
Pet import rules are strict here. The goal is simple: protect the local ecosystem. Only dogs and cats from New Zealand qualify. Requirements include microchipping, full vaccinations, and a mandatory 6-month quarantine on Rarotonga. You need advance approval from the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture. Start early. Paperwork takes time.
Want more time? Apply for an extension at the Immigration Division office on Rarotonga before your permit expires. Extensions are never automatic. Officials review each request individually. Overstaying is an offence. Expect fines. Expect deportation. Don't risk it.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Cook Islands Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Cook Islands?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.