Safety and Security

Petty Crime

Crime in the Cook Islands is low but petty crime can occur.

We advise you to take basic precautions while travelling to the Cook Islands:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.

Demonstrations

Public gatherings and demonstrations may take place from time to time.

We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations, and should follow the advice of the local authorities.

LGBTQI+ Travel

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is no longer illegal following a change to the law, effective 1 June 2023. Despite this, public displays of affection may be considered offensive.

Road travel

Driving is on the left. You should avoid driving at night out of built-up areas. Vehicle safety regulations are not consistently enforced. Beware of pedestrians and animals on the roads.

Nature and Climate

Seismic activity

The Cook Islands is located in a seismically active zone, which can lead to tsunamis, even if an earthquake has taken place a significant distance away. You should follow any instructions issued by the local authorities in respect of tsunami threats.

Tropical storms and Cyclones

In the Cook Islands, strong winds are expected from the beginning of November to the end of April, some of which can reach cyclone strength. During this time, intense rainfall and subsequent floods and landslides are to be expected.

The climate is tropical. The rainy season extends from November to April and the hot dry seasons occur from May to October.

You are advised to monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) or the Fiji Meteorological Service website.

Swimming

Swimming, snorkelling and diving are common activities. Take local advice before swimming as fatal accidents can occur at popular beaches.

Local Laws and Customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country. We advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Medical facilities in the Cook Islands are limited. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to New Zealand is likely to be the only option for treatment. Make sure your insurance policy includes provision for medical evacuation and covers you for all eventualities.

Health risks

There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue. You should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Ciguatera is an illness caused by eating fish containing certain toxins. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and tingling fingers or toes and sometimes serious illness. There is no way to tell whether fish has been contaminated, but reef fish tend to concentrate the toxins more than others. Deep water fish like tuna, mahi mahi or wahoo are better options.

Water

Boiling water and only drinking bottled water is strongly recommended.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Tourists do not need a visa for visits of up to 31 days. You must have an onward or return ticket and a valid visa for the next country you’re travelling to and proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands. If you’re staying longer than 31 days in The Cook Islands you may need a visa or entry on arrival permit.

Extensions may be granted on a monthly basis for up to 5 months. For extensions, you will need to apply at least 2 weeks before your permit expires.

If you plan to join a tourist boat, yacht or other sea-going vessel to travel beyond the Cook Islands, you must apply for permission to enter via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).

If you are visiting the Cook Islands via New Zealand, in most cases transit passengers must hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or transit ETA before travel. These are applied for via the official mobile app or on the New Zealand Immigration website.