Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are an archipelago located between Hawaii, American Samoa and French Polynesia. Comprising 15 islands in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, each territory offers a striking contrast between the mountainous volcanic islands of the south (like the main island, Rarotonga) and the unspoilt coral atolls of the north. 

It is an autonomous state in free association with New Zealand. The inhabitants are New Zealand citizens, but have their own government and identity. 

Rarotonga is the main island, where people live between volcanoes, mountains and white sandy beaches. This is where you land, find restaurants, colorful markets and vibrant local life. It takes less than an hour on a scooter!

Aitutaki is a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga, and is one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. It's postcard-perfect: endless turquoise water and deserted islets.

In this article, our agency gives you some recommendations and advice to plan your trip and your arrival in the Cook Islands.

Preparing travel documents before arrival

The airline (often Air New Zealand or Jetstar) will check these points before letting you on the plane:

1. Passport valid for 6 months after return date : Be careful, it's strict. If your passport expires within 4 months of your return, you can't leave.
2. Return or onward ticket : Compulsory proof that you are leaving the archipelago.
3. Proof of accommodation : You must have a confirmed reservation (printed or mobile) for your accommodation. Unauthorized camping is prohibited.

Safe Travel registration

If you plan to travel during the cyclone period (November 1 to April 1), the New Zealand authorities recommend that travelers register online using the following platform Safe Travel. 

Entry formalities on arrival in the Cook Islands

All travellers to the Cook Islands are visa-free, regardless of nationality. 

• No visa required before departure: You will receive a Visitor Permit (visitor's permit) directly on arrival at Rarotonga airport.
• Authorized duration : 31 days maximum
• Extension : You can apply for a further 31-day extension on site (at the immigration office in Avarua), for a fee. The extension can be for a period of six months.

It is therefore not necessary to complete the formalities online before your trip, as all entry formalities can be carried out on site, and on arrival for the visitor's permit. You will be given a cardboard Arrival Card on the plane. Keep a pen with you! This is the document you will give to the immigration officer.

Point of vigilance: Transit 

To get to the Cook Islands from France, take the 99% route. New Zealand (Auckland) or the USA (Los Angeles).

If your transit is via New Zealand Even if you do not leave the airport, you must have requested the NZeTA (electronic travel authorization) and paid the tourist tax (IVL) online before departure from your home country.

• The NZeTA transit may be necessary if you do not collect your baggage and remain in the transit zone during your stopover. This travel document is valid for 1 day, single entry. Don't forget to apply for this document when arriving in and departing from New Zealand! If you are not concerned by this option, we recommend that you apply for an NZeTA Tourism, valid for 2 years, multiple entry. The IVL tax is included in the price of this travel document.

If you're wondering how to pay the departure tax (about NZD 80), it's usually included in the price of your plane ticket international. You don't have to pay anything at the counter when you leave.

If your transit is via UNITED STATES : Even if you are not leaving the airport, you must have requested ESTA tourism or transit (electronic travel authorization) online before you leave your home country. The authorization is valid for 2 years for multiple entries. The fee is the same if you opt for ESTA tourism or transit.

To and from the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands have much stricter health regulations than the average.

• Mandatory declaration : On your arrival card, you'll need to check off whether you're carrying food (even industrial cookies), camping equipment or hiking boots.
• Cleaning imperative : Your hiking boots and tents must be impeccable (no soil, no seeds stuck in the soles). They often inspect the soles on arrival. If there's any dirt, they'll clean them and either charge you or confiscate the equipment.
• Forbidden : Fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, meat.

Although administrative preparation is essential, the formalities involved in traveling to the Cook Islands are relatively straightforward. The key is to plan ahead: check the validity of your passport, make sure you have your return tickets and don't forget to check the requirements of your transit countries. Once you've taken care of these details, you'll be able to leave with a clear head. All that's left is to pack your bags and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this Polynesian archipelago. Enjoy your trip! 🇨🇰

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