Cook Islands

Petty crime

The crime rate is low in the Cook Islands. Most crime is opportunistic, however, sometimes thieves target travellers. Watch your belongings.

Thieves may target items:

• on the beach
• left unsecured, such as valuables stored in motor scooters, motorcycles or accommodation left unlocked

Occasionally, travellers are assaulted. Look out for suspicious behaviour.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes:

• tours and travel between islands
• adventure activities, such as scuba diving

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Strong rips can occur where there is a break in the reef. Swimmers have died because of strong tides and powerful lagoon currents. 

Ask local residents and tour operators about safe swimming and water sports areas.

There are no lifeguards on beaches.

Be aware of local wildlife. 

Dogs are common in Rarotonga. Some are aggressive, travel in packs and have bitten people. If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help immediately.

Be mindful of dogs when walking, cycling or running. Don't approach, touch or feed them. 

Be aware when driving, wandering animals are common on the roads.

The Cook Islands experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• cyclones and tropical storms
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

If there's a natural disaster or warning:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family

If you're travelling after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator or airline to find out if services are affected.  

Cyclones and severe weather

Cyclone season is from November to April. Tropical storms and cyclones can happen in any month.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly.

Tropical storms and cyclones can:

• cause flooding and landslides
• disrupt essential services, such as water, electricity and communications

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• ports may close

Monitor weather updates and warnings:

• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• Emergency Management Cook Islands Facebook
• Australia High Commission Facebook

If a cyclone is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your accommodation provider
• identify your local shelter
• stock up on bottled water

More information:

• Surviving cyclones: Preparation and safety procedures

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The Cook Islands can experience earthquakes and tsunamis.

Evacuation signs in Rarotonga will direct you if there's a tsunami alert.

If there's an earthquake or a tsunami alert:

• take directions from your accommodation provider
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the Tsunami Warning Center and local sources
• move to higher ground if you're near the beach or in a low-lying area

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs. 

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
• any exclusions to your policy

Ensure you have appropriate insurance cover if you plan to undertake higher-risk activities like diving, off-roading, hiking or other adventure-based activities.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication, make sure you bring enough for the duration of your trip and carry it in its original packaging. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

There are specific legal requirements to be met to bring into the Cook Islands a personal supply of a Controlled Drug (for example medicines for ADHD such as methylphenidate or strong pain medicines, such as codeine or morphine). For more information or to check details for specific medicines refer to the Ministry of Health website.

More information:

• Prescription drugs and travel
• Travelling with medication and medical equipment

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne disease outbreaks occur in Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Ministry of Health continues to monitor for dengue and other insect-borne outbreaks. Protect yourself against mosquito bites and use insect repellent. 

Cases of disease spread by mosquitoes include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• zika virus

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• take preventative measures, such as minimising skin exposure by wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing and using insect repellent
• seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if you're experiencing symptoms such as acute onset fever, nausea, aches and pains, and rashes

If you're pregnant, discuss travel plans and health risks with your doctor before you travel.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are found in the Cook Islands. 

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities are limited, especially on outer islands. 

Treatment can be expensive. Hospitals and medical facilities may ask for payment before treating you. 

You may need to be evacuated to New Zealand or Australia if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Cook Islanders who hold an Australian Passport but don't hold a New Zealand passport, don't qualify for urgent patient referrals (medical evacuations) to New Zealand. Ensure your travel insurance provides appropriate cover for your situation.

No hyperbaric or decompression chambers are available. If you need to be treated for decompression sickness, you'll be evacuated to the nearest treatment centre in either Tahiti or New Zealand.

Registered dive companies carry basic treatment equipment to meet Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) standards.

More information:

• Ministry of Health

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for carrying or using even small amounts of illegal drugs are severe. They may include fines and prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Imitation Tobacco Products (vapes/e-cigarettes)

The Cook Islands has banned the sale or importation of imitation tobacco products, including vapes/e-cigarettes. Visitors over the age of 21 are allowed to bring one e-imitation tobacco device and up to 30 millilitres of e-liquid. Visitors must make sure the device and any remaining liquid is taken with them when they depart from The Cook Islands or is surrendered to the Ministry of Health. Refer to the Ministry of Health for more information.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are modest.

Be careful not to offend, especially outside resort areas, when visiting towns, villages and the outer islands.

Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services, observing modest attire of shirts and long trousers for men and longer-length skirts or dresses for women, preferably with covered shoulders. 

Ask for local advice if you're unsure of any customs.

Visas

Authorities will issue a 31-day visitor visa on arrival. On application you may visit up to 8 months in total. Contact the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration for the latest details and fees.

To enter the Cook Islands, you'll need to show proof of:

• an onward or return ticket
• sufficient funds for your stay
• arranged accommodation

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. 

Travelling with a Criminal Conviction

If you have a criminal conviction, contact the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration ahead of your intended travel. Immigration Cook Islands will review cases with external agencies. Failure to declare could impact travel in the future. 

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You may receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Cook Islands has 2 official currencies:

• Cook Islands Dollar (CKD)
• New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Cook Islands dollars can only be exchanged in the Cook Islands.

The bank at the airport can change currency.

Most shops and hotels accept credit cards.

ATMs are limited outside Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Before you leave Australia, ask your bank if your cards will work overseas.

Driving permit

You can use a valid Australian driver's licence for up to 6 months (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).

You can only drive vehicles covered by your licence. For example, with an Australian car licence you can drive a car but not a motor scooter.

If you're staying longer than 6 months, you can get a Cook Islands driver's licence from the Cook Islands Police Department in Rarotonga.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include poorly maintained roads, line markings, street lighting and stray animals.

If you plan to drive in the Cook Islands, check local traffic laws and practices.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorcyclists are hospitalised after many traffic accidents. 

You can get a temporary motorbike or motor scooter licence in the Cook Islands. To apply, you must:

• sit a practical test at the police headquarters in Avarua
• show your current Australian driver's licence and passport

Queues can be long. Be prepared to wait.

Always wear a helmet.

If you don't follow the local laws, your insurance policy may not cover you.

If you want to ride a motorbike:

• check that your travel insurance covers it
• learn local laws
• don't drink alcohol and ride

Taxis

Only use registered taxis, arrange one through your hotel or resort.

Public transport

Limited buses are available on Rarotonga.

Public transport is limited on other islands.

Sea travel

Travelling by boat can be dangerous.

To reduce your risk on boats:

• use your own life jacket
• carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and satellite phone
• avoid single-engine boats
• travel in a group of boats that are no more than half full
• tell someone you trust about your plans, including when you expect to return

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services

Call 999.

Fire and rescue services

Call 996.

Medical emergencies

Call Rarotonga Hospital on 22 664 or email MOHsupport@cookislands.gov.ck

Police

Call 22 499 or email enquiries@police.gov.ck

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Rarotonga. 

Australian High Commission, Rarotonga

Philatelic Building 
Takuvaine Road
Avarua, Rarotonga

Phone: +682 22223
Email: ahcrarotonga@dfat.gov.au
Website: cookislands.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Cook Islands

Check the High Commission's website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the High Commission, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia