You need a visa for Cook Islands if you have a New Zealander passport

A visa on arrival is also issued at the border for this route. Applying beforehand avoids the queue at the airport.

These visas exist for Cook Islands, but they cannot be applied for online with New Zealander nationality. Tell us about your trip and we will come back with the options and a price.

Visa required

Frequently asked questions

Do New Zealander citizens need a visa for Cook Islands?

Yes. New Zealander citizens need a visa for Cook Islands. It is not available online — the application goes through an embassy or consulate.

Can New Zealander citizens get a visa on arrival in Cook Islands?

Yes, a visa on arrival is issued at the border for this route. Applying before you travel avoids the queue at the airport.

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Ask our assistant. It answers in the chat, and we hand it the route you are looking at — New Zealander passport, travelling to Cook Islands — so you do not have to repeat it.

What Cook Islands may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 6+ months beyond intended stay
Return or onward ticket required for entry
Proof of accommodation for entire stay
Sufficient funds (NZD $60/day minimum)
Completed arrival card provided on flight
Travel insurance recommended for all visitors

Entry requirements for New Zealander travellers

These rules apply specifically to New Zealander passport holders entering Cook Islands as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Mandatory accommodation booking
Travelers must have proof of accommodation during their stay in Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Ministry of Health Last checked 2026-08-05
Required
Mandatory Immigration Status form for Cook Islanders or permanent residents
Cook Islanders or Permanent Residents must provide evidence of their immigration status and complete the online application form to request endorsement. Please check the source for more details and the links provided.
Cook Islands Ministry of Health Last checked 2026-08-05
Required
Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from Cook Islands
Travelers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from Cook Islands.
- This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travelers: -Nationals of Cook Islands; -Foreign nationals residing in Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Tourism Last checked 2026-08-05
Required
Travelers require a passport valid for at least 6 months after the traveler exits Cook Islands
Travelers need a valid passport to enter Cook Island. The traveler's passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the traveler departs from Cook Island.
Cook Islands Tourism Last checked 2026-08-05
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Cook Islands
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Cook Islands.
Last checked 2026-08-05
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Cook Islands.
Last checked 2026-08-05
May be required
Visa may be required for transit
Travelers may be required to obtain a visa to transit through Cook Islands. Travelers should contact their nearest Cook Islands embassy or consulate for further details.
Last checked 2026-08-05
Recommended
Recommended travel health insurance
Travelers are recommended to have travel health insurance when visiting Cook Islands. Insurance should cover the entire duration of stay.
Cook Islands Ministry of Health Last checked 2026-08-05

A look at Cook Islands

Aitutaki Lagoon — Consistently rated among the world's most beautiful lagoons
Polynesian culture — Traditional dance and music celebrations are central to island life
Rarotonga beaches — Turquoise lagoons and coral reefs surround the main island
Rarotonga — The volcanic heart of the Cook Islands rises dramatically from the Pacific