Getting Ready to Drop Anchor at Tongareva

Before setting a course for Tongareva (Penrhyn) and the Cook Islands, you MUST fill out an Advance Notice of Arrival (ANA) well before you get there. You can do this online through the Cook Islands Customs website at least 48 hours before you plan to arrive. (Read Cook Islands Clearance for all the details).

“Yachts can enter the Cook Islands at Tongareva – but not without this ANA,” said Mr Vano, Executive Officer with the Island’s Administration. “It’s the law and we have to uphold it.”

Mr Vano outlines the clearance process; “Once you’ve submitted your ANA, a Customs Officer will get back to you via email to let you know if your entry to Tongareva has been approved. They’ll be doing a background check on everyone planning to visit. Then, when approval is granted, Customs will let the Tongareva “Border Agencies” know you’re coming. That includes myself, the Police Officer (who also handles Customs and Immigration), the Public Health Officer and the Bio Security Officer.”

Cruiser Sylvain Cheleard who cleared in to the Cook Islands at Tongareva confirmed the process to Noonsite, advising he sent his ANA three days before his intended arrival and when they arrived all the officials came on board and undertook clearance formalities.

Clearing In Upon Arrival

When you finally drop anchor in Tongareva, the Border Agency officials will come out to your boat to get you processed.

Working hours are from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. If you arrive on a weekend, it’s best to stay aboard your vessel until Monday morning to clear in.

Mr Vano says they are working on upgrading their VHF radio system to include Channel 16, but for now, their radio doesn’t have it. They expect the new VHF to be installed by September 2025.

Getting Cash & Paying Fees

This is crucial for your planning as there are limited options for exchanging foreign cash on the island. Mr. Vano strongly advises visitors to make sure they have enough New Zealand Dollars (NZD) on hand to cover all fees and charges as well as other costs on the island.

Mr Vano told  Noonsite; “I have been helping out some yachties who only had USD, EURO, or AUD, but it’s a real struggle for them to exchange it. Sometimes, they have to wait for a flight to Rarotonga just to convert the money, and flights can be few and far between – sometimes months apart!

“We (the Tongareva Island Government) are working with the Bank of the Cook Islands to get an EFTPOS machine installed. That means in the future, yachties should be able to pay fees with a credit card.”

Fees You’ll Need to Pay (All in NZD)

• Customs Fee: NZ$60.00 per boat (collected by the Police Officer)
• Departure Fee: Around NZ$80.00 per passenger (collected by the Police Officer)
• Port Entry Fee: NZ$20.00 per boat (collected by the Tongareva Island Government)
• Bio Security Fee: NZ$20.00 per boat (collected by the Tongareva Island Government)
• Anchorage: NZ$2.50 per day (collected by the Tongareva Island Government)
• Public Health Fee: NZ$20.00 per boat (collected by the Ministry of Health)

Length of Stay

Cruising yacht crew are generally granted a Visitor Permit for a maximum of 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension through the Police Officers on Tongareva; they’ll connect with the Cook Islands Immigration Head Office.

What’s Available

Mr. Vano says they can offer fresh drinking water and some food supplies, including canned goods and fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re in season.

However, be aware of fuel: They don’t have much available and shipments only arrive every three to four months. So, plan accordingly!

“We are doing our best to improve services for visitors,” Mr Vano said.  “By September this year, we are hoping to have bicycle hire available which will be great way to explore the island without needing a motorbike license.”

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Related Links:

• Noonsite – Cook Islands Clearance
• Advance Notice of Arrival – Form 29 – at a Designated Port of Entry
• Advance Notice of Arrival – Form 27 – For Arrival at a Port Outside of A Designated Customs Port

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.

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