Cook Islands: main airports
The Cook Islands have a single international airport: Rarotonga Airport, on the main island of the archipelago, in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific.
Cook Islands: recommended activities
Cook Islands: visa and entry requirements
All nationalities enter without a visa for tourist stays of up to 31 days (longer for New Zealand citizens), with a permit issued automatically on arrival; the stay can be extended for periods of 31 days up to a maximum of 180 days. The passport must be valid for the length of the stay.
Cook Islands: safety
The Cook Islands are among the safest destinations in the Pacific for tourists, with violent crime practically absent. The usual precautions are sufficient. As with other Pacific islands, check the cyclone season (November-April) if travelling during this period.
Cook Islands: health situation
No vaccination is mandatory for those arriving from Europe. Healthcare facilities are limited, with evacuation to New Zealand common for complex cases: travel insurance with adequate coverage is strongly advisable.
Cook Islands: currency, payments and connectivity
The official currencies are the Cook Islands dollar (CKD) and the New Zealand dollar (NZD), interchangeable on the island; the Cook Islands dollar cannot be exchanged outside the country, so it is advisable to spend it before leaving or exchange it at the airport, where there is a currency exchange counter. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels and restaurants. There are no widespread ride-hailing apps: local taxis are the main means of transport. For connectivity, the operator Vodafone Cook Islands sells prepaid SIM cards. For driving (on the left, as in New Zealand), a temporary local licence is required, obtainable on site at the police station.
