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The Cook Islands is an idyllic South Pacific paradise but due to the pandemic it's currently closed to most international travellers – including those who are Australia citizens.
So who exactly can enter and when will Aussies return to its beaches?
Can I travel from Australia to Cook Islands?
Only Cook Island nationals, permanent residents, work permit holders and resident permit holders are allowed to travel to the Cook Islands from Australia at the moment.
The islands are completely closed to Aussies and around the world due to the pandemic.
Latest information for Cook Islands
Border status
Vaccine required?
Closed
No
When can I travel to Cook Islands? When will the Cook Islands borders open?
There is no set date as to when Australians can visit the Cook Islands. However, after establishing a one-way travel bubble with New Zealand, the nation is making headway toward reopening its borders with Australia.
Are there any exemptions for travelling to Cook Islands?
As of August 2020, the Cook Islands has permitted Cook Islanders, permanent residents of the Cook Islands, Cook Islands resident permit holders and Cook Islands work permit holders into the country from Australia.
To be eligible they must have done the following:
Spent their last 14 days in New Zealand
Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 92 hours prior to their departure from New Zealand
Comply with any clinical and medical criteria set by Te Marae Ora
Agree to 14 days of supervised quarantine once arriving in the Cook Islands. This can be at your place of residence
Can I travel to Cook Islands if I'm a permanent resident or citizen?
Yes, if you're Australian and a permanent resident or citizen of Cook Islands, you are allowed to return to your home.
Like any traveller entering the country, those coming from Australia will be subject to the latest quarantine and COVID test rules.
What are the entry requirements for Cook Islands coming from Australia?
Do I need a permit to enter Cook Islands?
All eligible travellers, including those from Australia, to the Cook Islands must seek approval to enter by emailing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration here at this address: immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck.
Do I need proof I've had a vaccine to travel?
No, vaccinations are not a requirement for entry from Australia to the Cook Islands at the moment.
Do I need proof I've had a negative test before departing for Cook Islands?
Yes, you must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or Serology test taken up to 96 hours (4 days) prior to your departure from Australia to the Cook Islands.
Aussies must also complete the exit health clearance process at Auckland Airport (you need to travel via New Zealand to get to the Cook Islands) and fill in an International Arrivals Health Declaration Form to enter the islands. This can be done prior to, during or after your flight when you arrive in Rarotonga from Australia.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Australia to Cook Islands:
If you haven't left yet Australia and the borders to Cook Islands close, check the cancellation policy for each element of your trip. Hotels, flights, accommodations and activities you've booked in Cook Islands will all have different policies in terms of whether you qualify for a refund, credit or will lose out on your funds. Most Australian travel companies are being flexible during the coronavirus pandemic if the cancellation was beyond your control.
If you've already departed to Cook Islands, you will be able to return home if you're a citizen or resident of Australia. Flight cancellations to Cook Islands are likely, so be prepared to spend extra time in the destination if needed. Having a back-up plan - and back up funds - is a good idea.
Current travel deals to Cook Islands
Whether or not now is the right time to travel to Cook Islands, these deals are ready to go as soon as you are. Many companies are offering flexible travel options to Cook Islands or are discounting future travel, so it's a great time to bag a bargain.
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).
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