Cook Islands - Bio-Security
Biosecurity Clearance:
See https://agriculture.gov.ck/biosecurity/sailing-to-the-cook-islands/ for the latest details.
As mentioned above in Clearance – all vessels arriving in the Cook Islands must advise Biosecurity Cook Islands of arrival port and date, at Email: moa.biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck
On arrival, you will need to present a Master’s Certificate pertaining to any meat, live plants and live animals on board. In many cases, there will be a set time for attendance (i.e. 7 am and 3 pm) where a Biosecurity officer is present.
Animals, plants, and fruit will be inspected as the Cook Islands are free of serious diseases and pests, and their economy depends very much on agriculture.
Some of your goods may be seized, especially any fruit and vegetables. The Officer has the power to search the entire vessel and seize any risky products. It is advisable not to arrive with a lot of fresh supplies. Fortunately, good local fruit is available.
The Officer may also spray your vessel for insects.
You will receive a written clearance from a Biosecurity Officer once they are satisfied that all significant risks have been removed.
You are permitted to bring frozen food, canned food, and vacuum packed products. These must be declared on arrival.
See Fees for Biosecurity fees payable on entry.
Palmerston Atoll:
Following a rat-eradication project in July and August 2023, the Palmerston Island Government re-opened their border in October 2023 with more stringent biosecurity measures to ensure no rats are introduced to the island. This means all items (bags) to be brought ashore will be inspected on board vessels by the biosecurity officer to ensure no reintroduction of rats into Palmerston.
Last updated: October 2023
……………………………
COVID-19: OPEN
- All COVID-19 imposed requirements were lifted on 31 March, 2023.
- See Clearance for full entry details.
Contacts:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
[immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck]
+682 29347
Resources:
- All information about COVID-19 in the Cook Islands can be accessed on: www.COVID19.gov.ck
- Information on travel to the Cook Islands can be found at:
https://cookislands.travel/news/novel-coronavirus-information-travellers-arriving-cook-islands
Reports:
Retreat from Paradise (December 2020)
History:
- On 09 March, 2020, all shipping vessels and yachts were prohibited from docking/anchoring in the outer Islands of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga was the only Island in the Cook Islands authorised to receive shipping vessels and yachts, granted they meet the 14 day quarantine requirement.
- On 12 March, 2020, the Palmerston Island Council placed a ban on all small pleasure craft from visiting until further notice.
- On 16 March, 2020, the Cook Islands government put in place a temporary ban on all
cruise ships, pleasure crafts and yachts entering Cook Islands waters. At this stage the ban was to run through to 30 June 2020, however it continues to be extended. - On 24 March, 2020, every person seeking entry to the Cook Islands, including returning Cook Islanders and Cook Islands residents, had to meet a minimum of 14 days quarantine in New Zealand. See Government Announcement.
- Cook Island Preparing to Re-Open to International Visitors (Cook Islands Tourist Board) – November 2020
- The vaccination program started in May 2021.
- December 2021: Yacht Denied Entry into Avatiu Harbor
- Air borders reopened on 13 January 2022 allowing for two-way quarantine-free travel from New Zealand.
- 1 May, 2022 maritime borders opened to vaccinated travelers.
- 31 March, 2023, all Covid restrictions were lifted.
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Documents
Related to following destinations: Cook Islands
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Cook Islands
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Why does this information conflict with the official government site linked to in the document and where does the Noonsite information come fom. The formalities here state that there are only two ports of entry, while the government site shows 8 ports of entry. The Cook Island Port authority also agrees with the Cook Island government site. Is this outdate Covid information?
Dear Wray,
Firstly, thanks for joining Noonsite and for making contact with us.
When reviewing formalities for any country, please take a look at the “last updated” date. Each clearance section has this. You will see the Cooks were updated last month.
All our formalities are checked with official sources. Official websites can often be out of date, very much the case with the Cooks. We always verify with the authorities themselves to get the latest “from the horses mouth”.
The Cooks Islands Customs department confirmed with us just last month that only 2 ports of entry are open for small craft at this time – full details in the Formalities section – https://www.noonsite.com/place/cook-islands/view/clearance/.
Of course, information does go out of date quickly and things are always changing, so do drop us a line if you want to double check information on the site at any time.
And it goes without saying, that a quick email, or posting a comment on the country page, to confirm the formalities were as outlined on Noonsite (or not, should this the be the case), is a HUGE help for us.
If I can be of further assistance – just let me know.
Sue
Palmerston Island Government with its multi-agency partners will be implementing a rat eradication project in July and August 2023. The bait laying phase of the project will take place during the month of August and the Palmerston Island Government has imposed a restriction on visitors to Palmerston during this month. Ships and sailing vessels (small crafts) are restricted from calling into Palmerston during this period until the restriction is lifted.
It is no longer possible to clear into the Southern Cook Islands at Palmerston Island. All yachts must first clear at an official port of entry before proceeding to Palmerston. Landing fees on the island have also increased from NZ$5 to NZ$10 per person. Cruisers should also note that Suwar-row in the Northern Cook Islands is closed until June 1st, 2023.
From Brent Crack and Mary Bevan:
The people of Rarotonga are so friendly and welcoming. Feels much like Rapa Nui or Pitcairn. Bananas have already been delivered without being asked for.
The yachting facilities/infrastructure absolutely sucks. They are not set up in any way for us. Oh well.
We had planned to stay longer but have a weather window straight to New Zealand so we will leave today.
AITUTAKI. Dredging has started to improve the entrance and Channel to the harbour. When finished, it will be 5m deep and 15m wide. The south and north basin either side of the wharf, will be 4m deep. The north basin will be for visitors. The south basin will provide space for local boats and visitors. Initially, visitors will anchor and tie back. When funds are available, moorings and shore facilities wil be provided.
The Cook Islands Ministry of Transport and sports and Tourism will publish correct marine information relating to access as more details are known mid-2022.