atlas•

Before you go to Cook Islands: what to know

Must know

  • Most international tourists receive a 31-day visitor permit on arrival without applying for a visa first; carry onward travel, funds and accommodation evidence.
  • Carry NZD cash for the outer islands: card payments and ATMs are concentrated on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
  • Entry rules are separate from New Zealand. Check transit permission for any route through New Zealand or Australia.

Entry and visas

The tourism authority’s 26 October 2026 update grants NZ/Australian passport holders 90 days and other international passport holders 31 days on arrival. Immigration describes the international permit for stays of less than 31 days. No advance visa is required for qualifying short tourist visits; confirm the exact expiry at entry and apply separately for extensions.

Passport validity: International passports: at least 6 months beyond departure, per current tourism authority entry guidance.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Show onward/return travel, sufficient funds and accommodation arrangements.
  • Permits are subject to identity, character and health requirements; tourism permission does not authorise work.

Customs

  • Declare food on arrival and check Customs restrictions before packing.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cookislands.travel ↗, mfai.gov.ck ↗, cookislands.travel ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Use bank or authorised foreign-exchange services on Rarotonga.

Where not to exchange

  • Do not carry local Cook Islands money expecting to exchange it abroad.

ATMs: ATMs on Rarotonga and Aitutaki accept Visa/Mastercard. International-card withdrawal fees apply; confirm the displayed charge.

  • Local coins/notes circulate but are not legal tender outside the Cook Islands.
  • Cards/EFTPOS are common on Rarotonga; carry cash for outer islands.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cookislands.travel ↗, cookislands.travel ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Illegal-drug possession, use and trafficking can bring prison sentences and heavy fines.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • A short visitor permit does not authorise paid work or study; use the appropriate permit.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, mfai.gov.ck ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect church and village customs; ask hosts about religious visits.

Clothing: Dress modestly in towns, villages and churches; reserve brief swimwear for appropriate beach settings.

Etiquette

  • Avoid nude or topless sunbathing; the tourism authority warns this causes offence.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cookislands.travel ↗

Climate

Warm year-round. December–March is warmer, humid and damp; April–November is relatively drier. June–August is cooler; conditions vary between islands.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: warmer, humid and damp
  • February: Feb: warmer, humid and damp
  • March: Mar: warmer, humid and damp
  • April: Apr: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • May: May: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • June: Jun: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • July: Jul: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • August: Aug: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • September: Sep: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • October: Oct: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • November: Nov: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
  • December: Dec: warmer, humid and damp

Best season: Choose relatively drier April–November for general outdoor plans; check forecasts before sea trips.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: education.gov.ck ↗, cookislands.travel ↗

What to pack

  • NZD cash for outer islands
  • Modest clothes for church and village visits
  • Light sweater for cooler evenings
  • Rain protection and sun protection
  • Passport and onward-ticket evidence

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Depending on outer-island ATMs
  • Nude or topless sunbathing

Practical

Plugs: 240 V AC, 50 Hz; Australian/New Zealand three-pin sockets.

Water: Check drinking-water arrangements at your accommodation and carry safe water on outings.

Traffic: drives on the left

Mobile and eSIM: Vodafone Cook Islands offers travel SIMs/eSIMs; check roaming charges and island coverage before relying on connectivity.

Insurance: Include hospital treatment and medical evacuation; outer-island healthcare is limited.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cookislands.travel ↗, cookislands.travel ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.