Frequently asked questions
DO I HAVE TO BE VACCINATED TO TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS?
Yes, you must be 12 years and over and be fully vaccinated. You must show proof of vaccination to enable you to board your flight. Once NZ begins vaccinating its children 5-11 years, under 12’s will be permitted entry, provided they are fully vaccinated.
WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST BEFORE I TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS?
Yes, all travellers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure to the Cook Islands. This also needs to be shown on arrival in the Cook Islands.
ARE THERE ANY FORMS I MUST FILL OUT PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?
Yes. Every traveller must complete the Cook Islands Ministry of Health travel declaration no more than 72 hours before departing New Zealand. You will not be able to board the plane if you have not completed it. It mainly asks you about your travel plans and contact details. Everyone travelling must complete the declaration, or have one completed for them.
Please note that there is a dedicated help line available should you have difficulties completing the form. It will be available from Mon-Sun 8am to 9pm. All queries after this time will be attended to the following day. Please contact +682 56180 or email: tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck
You also need to complete the NZ Nau Mai Rā travel declaration form before you fly back to New Zealand. It is a good idea to complete this form before you leave New Zealand for the Cook Islands, so you don’t have to worry about it while you’re on holiday.
CAN I TRAVEL DIRECTLY TO AITUTAKI?
Yes, however you may be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test prior to boarding your flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, and another test on arrival into Aitutaki also.
DOES THE COOK ISLANDS HAVE CONTACT TRACING?
Yes. All travellers will be required to use CookSafe and CookSafe+ which are the two official contact tracing systems in the Cook Islands. CookSafe is a unique QR Card every traveller gets given that is used to tag in at CookSafe stations, and CookSafe+ is a contact tracing app which uses smartphone Bluetooth technology to register other CookSafe+ App users and NZ Covid Tracer App users in your vicinity.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Visit the Cook Islands Travel Advisory or the official Cook Islands Government COVID-19 Response website www.covid19.gov.ck