Cook Islands

Petty crime

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

Thieves target items:

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

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

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.

Some swimmers have died because of strong tides and breaks in the reefs.

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

There are no lifeguards on beaches.

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

If a cyclone is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• 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 host or hotel
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and local sources
• move to higher ground if you're near the beach or in a low-lying area

*This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians

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 1000s 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

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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 take medication, check if it's legal in the Cook Islands. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Travelling with medication and medical equipment

Insect-borne diseases

The Cook Islands Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak in February 2019.

Cases of disease spread by mosquitoes include:

• dengue
• chikungunya (World Health Organisation)
• Zika virus

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

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 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

Medical facilities are limited, especially on outer islands. 

Treatment can be expensive. Hospitals and medical facilities may ask for payment before treating you. Check the Health services fee schedule.

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

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 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

Other laws

Same-sex sexual activity or 'acts of indecency' between men is illegal in the Cook Islands. Penalties include prison sentences of up to 7 years.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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.

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

COVID-19

The Cook Islands has declared itself COVID-19 free, but its borders remain closed to incoming passenger flights. Its maritime borders are closed to all but pre-approved cargo vessels. For updates go to the Cook Islands Ministry of Health website.

If you're staying in the Cook Islands, follow the advice of local authorities. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. 

*The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You don't need visa for a tourist visit of up to 30 days.

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on +682 29 347 for the details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

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

• an onward or return ticket
• enough money for your stay
• arranged accommodation

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. Travellers can 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.

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, 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.

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 and street lighting.

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 and authorised limousines. Arrange one through your hotel or resort.

Public transport

Limited buses are available on Rarotonga.

Public transport is limited on other islands.

Sea travel

Travel by boat can be dangerous.

Passenger ferry services can be overcrowded and cancelled at short notice.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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, Raratonga

Phone: +68 2 73379  
Email: ahcrarotonga@dfat.gov.au
Website: cookislands.highcommission.gov.au

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 an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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