Travel to and from the Cook Islands has become easier with the removal of all pre-departure COVID-19 testing and several other related requirements now being relaxed.
The Cook Islands is open and even easier for Australian travellers to get to, thanks to the removal of all pre-departure COVID-19 testing and further easing of other travel restrictions.
Graeme West, General Manager for Cook Islands Tourism Australasia, said that the changed regulations from 1 May herald a new era after two tough years.
He said it was “back to the future,” with no COVID-19 test required to enter or leave the Cook Islands, no test required to travel from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, and no requirement for visitors aged under 16 to be vaccinated.
“In many ways, it’s getting closer to travel as it was pre-COVID-19,” said Mr West.
“The main requirement is that people aged 16 and over must be fully vaccinated and present an international travel vaccination certificate.
“Visitors must also complete a Cook Islands health declaration before departing Australia.”
What do you need to do to visit?
- Be vaccinated and provide official evidence issued from the country of vaccination.
- Completed the online COVID-19 information form within 96 hours of departure.
- Meet normal Cook Islands immigration entry requirements.
The following travellers are exempt from vaccination requirements to enter the Cook Islands:
- A Cook Islander or Permanent Resident (must provide evidence).
- A person under the age of 16 years.
- A person who holds a vaccination medical exemption from either the Cook Islands Secretary of Health or the New Zealand Director-General of Health.
Flights to the Cook Islands from Australia are currently operating with Air New Zealand via New Zealand.
Direct flights with Jetstar will recommence from 2 June and Air New Zealand’s direct service from Sydney to Rarotonga is expected to recommence later this year.
For more information visit https://cookislands.travel/entry