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What to know about travelling to the Cook Islands from Australia during COVID-19

The latest on quarantine status, COVID-19 vaccine and test requirements and local restrictions for Australians travelling to Cook Islands.

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Stephanie Yip
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The Cook Islands is an idyllic South Pacific paradise offering pristine beaches, a lot of history and picturesque landscapes.

So how exactly can you get back to the beaches of the Cook Islands from Australia?

Can I travel from Australia to Cook Islands?

Cook Island nationals, permanent residents, work permit holders and resident permit holders are allowed to travel to the Cook Islands from Australia at any point. A two-way travel bubble with Australia now allows Aussies to also visit the Cook Islands if they've stayed in New Zealand for 14 days.

Latest information for Cook Islands

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Border statusVaccine required?
ClosedNo

When can I travel to Cook Islands? When will the Cook Islands borders open?

Australians are permitted to travel to the Cook Islands if they’ve spent at least the last 14 days in New Zealand – the only country that has open borders with the island nation.


Are there any exemptions for travelling to Cook Islands?


The Cook Islands permits entry for its citizens, permanent residents, resident permit holders and work permit holders from Australia. A two-way travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands means Australian travellers can visit the Cook Islands if they have stayed in New Zealand for at least 14 days.

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:

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