Is it safe to travel to Cook Islands right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the New Zealand High Commission in the UK.

The Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing countries in free association with New Zealand. Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand.

Passport validity requirements

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Cook Islands

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave the Cook Islands and have at least 2 blank pages.

Tokelau

To enter Tokelau, your passport must meet the validity requirements for travel to Samoa – see travel advice for Samoa. All travel to Tokelau is by ship from Apia, Samoa. You can email the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office: contact@tokelaunso.tk

Niue

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Cook Islands and have at least 2 blank pages.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

Cook Islands

You can visit the Cook Islands without a visa for up to 31 days. If you’re staying longer, you may need a visa or entry on arrival permit. See visitor information from the Cook Islands government. You can get monthly Cook Islands visa extensions for a total stay of 5 months. You must apply at least 2 weeks before your visa or permit expires.

Tokelau

To visit Tokelau, you must get permission from the Tokelau council (‘Taupulega’) before you travel and buy boat tickets from the Tokelau office in Samoa. See visitor information from the Tokelau government and travel advice for Samoa.

Niue

You can visit Niue without a visa for up to 30 days. If you’re staying longer, you may need visa. Email Niue’s immigration department for information: immigration.niue@mail.gov.nu

Sea travel from the Cook Islands

If you plan to join a tourist boat, yacht or other sea-going vessel to travel from the Cook Islands, you must apply for permission to enter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Checks at border control

To enter the Cook Islands or Niue, you must have:

• a ticket for onward or return travel
• a visa for the next country you’re travelling to
• proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands or Niue

To enter Tokelau, contact the Tokelau government office for their requirements.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Niue, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of:

• the Cook Islands
• Tokelau
• Niue – for information on customs in Niue, email: immigration.niue@mail.gov.nu

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue

You must declare any currency if the value is 10,000 New Zealand dollars or more.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Cook Islands.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 31 days
Business visa: required

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.