Flying to the Cook Islands
Rarotonga International Airport is the gateway airport for the Cook Islands.
Air New Zealand and Jetstar service Rarotonga with direct services to/from Auckland and Sydney.
Air Rarotonga operates to/from Papeete, and Hawaiian Airlines to/from Honolulu.
Approximate flying time from Auckland is approximately four hours, from Sydney six hours, from Honolulu five and half hours, and Papeete two hours.
No vaccination requirements. No quarantine or isolation on arrival.
Please click here for any updated health and entry information for the Cook Islands.
Arrival
All international visitors to the Cook Islands require a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
On arrival you need to complete an arrival form, which includes details of where you are staying. This is important, because the Cook Islands has a 'prior booking requirement' and you can 'technically' be sent back if you haven't booked a place to stay, at least for the first night of your visit. Additionally, you will need to show proof of a return or onward flight booking.
You will need to complete a customs form declaring food products, seeds, plants or biological material. The Cook Islands have strict quarantine rules. There's usually no problem with canned and vacuum-packed foods, but they must be declared at customs on arrival.
Visitors are given a free 31-day visitors permit upon arrival, which can later be extended as long as you can show adequate funds and an onward passage. Those wanting to stay for longer than six months must apply for a visa from their home country.
The duty free allowance into Rarotonga is 2 litres of spirits or wine, plus 200 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco (please check these allowances with retailers in case of a recent change).
Travel Entry Requirements
Click here for the latest information from Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
Departure
Departure tax is included in your outwards fare and no tax is paid at the point of departure.
A departure card is required
