Cookeilanden: wat je moet weten voor vertrek
Het belangrijkste
- 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.
Inreis en visa
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.
Geldigheid paspoort: International passports: at least 6 months beyond departure, per current tourism authority entry guidance.
Aan de grens kan worden gevraagd naar
- Show onward/return travel, sufficient funds and accommodation arrangements.
- Permits are subject to identity, character and health requirements; tourism permission does not authorise work.
Douane
- Declare food on arrival and check Customs restrictions before packing.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: cookislands.travel ↗, mfai.gov.ck ↗, cookislands.travel ↗
Geld
Contant en pinnen zijn allebei gangbaar. Kaarten vooral in steden en toeristische plaatsen.
Betaalnetwerken: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — geen gegevens · Google Pay — geen gegevens
Waar je geld wisselt
- Use bank or authorised foreign-exchange services on Rarotonga.
Waar je beter niet wisselt
- Do not carry local Cook Islands money expecting to exchange it abroad.
Geldautomaten: 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.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: cookislands.travel ↗, cookislands.travel ↗
Regels en verboden
Verboden
- Illegal-drug possession, use and trafficking can bring prison sentences and heavy fines.
Wetten die reizigers onbewust overtreden
- A short visitor permit does not authorise paid work or study; use the appropriate permit.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: travel.gc.ca ↗, mfai.gov.ck ↗
Cultuur en kleding
Religie: Respect church and village customs; ask hosts about religious visits.
Kleding: 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.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: cookislands.travel ↗
Klimaat
Warm year-round. December–March is warmer, humid and damp; April–November is relatively drier. June–August is cooler; conditions vary between islands.
Per maand
- januari: Jan: warmer, humid and damp
- februari: Feb: warmer, humid and damp
- maart: Mar: warmer, humid and damp
- april: Apr: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- mei: May: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- juni: Jun: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- juli: Jul: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- augustus: Aug: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- september: Sep: relatively drier; pack a light layer for evenings
- oktober: 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
Beste seizoen: Choose relatively drier April–November for general outdoor plans; check forecasts before sea trips.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: education.gov.ck ↗, cookislands.travel ↗
Wat mee te nemen
- 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
Niet meenemen / invoer verboden
- Depending on outer-island ATMs
- Nude or topless sunbathing
Praktisch
Stopcontacten: 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.
Verkeer: links rijden
Mobiel en eSIM: Vodafone Cook Islands offers travel SIMs/eSIMs; check roaming charges and island coverage before relying on connectivity.
Verzekering: Include hospital treatment and medical evacuation; outer-island healthcare is limited.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: cookislands.travel ↗, cookislands.travel ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Inreisregels veranderen. Controleer vóór de reis de website van de ambassade of immigratiedienst van het land.