We love to have visitors in the Cook Islands and people love to come here. To help us protect the wonderful natural environment, as well as the domestic food security and supply and economy we have some very strict requirements around animal and plant products. Please ensure that you meet all of our requirements for a smooth visit and quick clearance when you first arrive. Failing to follow our simple requirements can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment.

If you are coming to the Cook Islands in any sort of vessel you will need to provide us with an advanced notice of arrival at least 24hrs in advance. Failure to provide the form in the required timeframe is an offence and you may be required to stay outside of the territorial waters for that period. Here are some example templates for Crew List and Ports of Call Declaration.

If you have any animal such as a dog or cat aboard you will not be able to land it in the Cook Islands unless it is a dog or cat from Fiji, Australia or New Zealand with all veterinary certification. Even then, the animal will only be allowed ashore in Rarotonga as long as an Import Permit has been obtained. You will be required to pay a bond of up to $1000 per animal for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached. 

You will need to arrive at a designated Port of Entry below:

Rarotonga: Avatiu Harbour - 21^o 12' South, 159^o 47' West

Aitutaki: Arutanga, - 18^o 51’ South, 159^o 49' West

Penrhyn: Omoka – 08^o 51' South, 158^o 03' West

Atiu: Taunganui Landing - 19^o58' South, 158^o08' West

Pukapuka: 10^o51' South, 165^o51' West

Suwarrow is an Island Reserve under control and management of the environment department. Yachts are currently allowed to enter here however this is under review. After leaving Suwarrow yachts will still require formal entry at a Port of first Arrival. 

Suwarrow: Anchorage Island – 13^o 15' South 163^o 06' West

By prior arrangement with the Border agencies a temporary Port of entry may be approved. This will be at the cost of the applicant.

As well as getting your Customs (includes Immigration) and Health Clearance you will need a Biosecurity Clearance. On arrival you will need to present a Masters Declaration pertaining to any Meat, live plants and live animals on board to a Biosecurity Officer. In many cases there will be a set time for attendance (ie 7am and 3pm) where a Biosecurity officer is present. Depending on the time or season you may need to call an Officer to attend to your clearance. The phone numbers or radio contacts are available in each Port. 

It is an offence to land any crew, passengers, cargo or waste in the Cook Islands without Biosecurity Clearance. The exception is that you may land at a port of Entry and secure your vessel prior to visiting the Port or Harbourmasters office. In many cases the Port and Harbourmaster (Rarotonga) has a copy of the Notice to Vessel Masters.

A Biosecurity Officer will ask to see any fruit, vegetables, meat and other food. Some of your goods may be seized, especially any fruit. A Biosecurity Officer has the power to search the entire vessel and seize any risk products. Your co-operation with the Officer will ensure a rapid and smooth clearance. You will receive a written clearance from a Biosecurity Officer once they are satisfied that all significant risk has been removed. 

The cost of a Biosecurity clearance for a private vessel is $20 NZ, for a commercial vessel or cruiseship it is $50.

Once you have clearance at a Port of Entry you are free to move uninhibited throughout the Cook Islands (provided you have been cleared unconditionally). You may be challenged at other Ports and asked to show your written clearance, keep the copy from your first clearance.

Please understand that everyone who lives in the Cook Islands has a vested interest in protecting our unique slice of paradise. The local public and officials keep an eye out on vessels and yachts. Don’t risk getting caught. 

The Cook Islands has very strong Biosecurity Legislation. The penalties for offences are significant and up to $100,000 or three months imprisonment.