Rarotonga - Clearance

Avatiu Port (Rarotonga) is currently one of only two authorised ports of entry in the Cook Islands - Arutanga (Aitutaki) is the only other Port of Entry.

See Cook Islands Formalities for detailed clearance information.

Arrival Procedures for Rarotonga

It is important to call PORT CONTROL on VHF Channel 16 upon arrival. The Working channel is 12. It's unlikely you will get an answer before 9 am.

The Port Operations manager will direct yachts where to moor.  Do not attempt to enter the harbour without prior permission.  Night arrivals must anchor off and wait until daylight before requesting permission to enter the harbour.

Officials will visit the yacht, however, they may come at different times.  It is important nobody goes ashore before clearance is complete, so it can be frustrating waiting for officials to turn up. Clearance procedures may follow this process:

• Immigration – straight forward and easy.
• Biosecurity – want to know food products on board.
• Port Health – will search the boat for pests and may spray the entire interior of the boat and keep it locked up for 10 minutes.
• Police –may bring a drug-detection dog through the boat.
• Customs – be prepared for a detailed and thorough inspection;  Any medications not on the advanced notification form may be seized.

Harbor dues must be paid in cash at the Harbour Office (Mon-Fri).

Immigration is at the other end of town by the Post Office, 3rd floor of the 3 story building.

Customs is above the book shop just before immigration. They accept credit cards.

It is possible to get clearance here to visit all the other Cook Islands.

Clearing Out from Rarotonga

The departure fees are also paid to the Harbour Master's Office. These fees must be paid by 2:00 pm on a Friday if you plan to leave on the weekend. Then you must walk into town to the Immigration Office. Each person on board must fill out their own departure card. These cards, along with a crew list form, are submitted to Immigration and they will then stamp your passports.  The Customs office is close by and is the final stop. A flat fee for officers' time is paid to Customs.

See Harbour Master information sheet below with fees, provided by SV Knot Safety.

Last updated:  November 2024