Two- way quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Cook Islands will commence from  17 May. New Zealanders will be able travel to the Cook Islands, without the need to quarantine upon their return in New Zealand (making quarantine free travel possible in either direction). 

Quarantine-free travel is not guaranteed and is subject to change at short notice, customers travel at their own risk and must be prepared for changes. 

Travellers will require extra time when arriving at the airport and will need to check that they have completed all necessary documentation. 

We strongly recommend that travellers review the following websites prior to booking travel and regularly check for changes prior to departure:

NZ Government

Cook Islands Guide

Cook Islands Government

If both New Zealand and the Cook Islands are at Level 1, visitors can freely travel to Aitutaki.

If any nation moves into Level 2, a COVID test with a negative result will be required within 24 hours of arrival into Aitutaki.

Please note - this is the most up to date information we have on Aitutaki and is subject to change.

You will go through a “green zone” in the airport well-away from any flights from elsewhere, and the flights will be crewed by staff who have not flown on any high-risk routes within a specified time frame. This basically means you won’t be in contact with people arriving from other parts of the world, green flights coming to New Zealand from Cook Islands only carries passengers who have been in Cook Islands or New Zealand in the past 14 days.

The airport experience will change, and Air New Zealand recommends checking arrival and departure airport websites for full information.  At airports customers are required to:

• Show proof of documentation required to enter the country and or state of arrival.
• Co-operate with all staff requests for additional precautions at the border.
• Follow the Airports Safe Travel Path which creates separation from other arriving passengers by giving ‘green’ flights an exclusive pathway through the airport.
• Wear a face covering when arriving into a New Zealand airport, unless exempt.  Departing passengers from New Zealand are not legally required to wear a face covering but is encouraged.
• Not be experiencing any of the following symptoms with or without a fever:
  • New or worsening cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Fever (at least 38 degrees Celsius)

Airlines are recommending that customers arrive at airports earlier than normal. Air New Zealand have advised to allow time for processing of additional checks even if checking in online, their suggested times below:

When travelling from a regional New Zealand airport to connect with a flight to Cook Islands – 2 hours prior to departure.

International – 3 hours prior to departure.

For more detailed information by airport please check the links below:
Auckland Airport
Wellington Airport
Christchurch Airport

The NZ Government has provided detailed information regarding what you need to do pre travel.

https://covid19.gov.ck/travel-and-border-control

All travellers to Cook Islands are required to complete the Travel Declaration at least 72 hours prior to travel. More information is available here: Travel Declaration

Passengers are also required to undertake a health declaration will also be required at time of travel.  Passengers will be required to answer a series of questions to determine whether they are at risk of having COVID-19.

https://cookislands.travel/news/novel-coronavirus-information-travellers-arriving-cook-islands

Please also check Cook Islands government website for additional requirements.

https://covid19.gov.ck/

Currently you do not need a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test to travel to Cook Islands on a quarantine-free flight.

However, this may change you should regularly check the requirements of the state you're arriving in. (Refer above to ‘General Information’ for individual state requirements).  It is possible that a pre-departure test may be required in either direction in the event of an outbreak.  

At this stage a vaccine is not a requirement.

Yes,CookSafe and CookSafe+ are the two official contact tracing systems in the Cook Islands. CookSafe is a unique QR Card that is used to tag in at CookSafe stations, and CookSafe+ is a contact tracing app which uses smartphone Bluetooth technology to register other CookSafe+ App users and NZ Covid Traver App users in your vicinity.

On arrival in the Cook Islands customers must register for a Cook Safe QR card to tag in at various locations and download and activate the CookSafe+ App.
CookSafe QR CookSafe + 

The New Zealand and Cook Islands Governments has provided information on what you can expect whilst travelling, including if you are unwell. Refer to links below:

What to expect

Cook Islands Govt Guide

A comprehensive list of FAQs for travelling to the Cook Islands 

 

Just like in New Zealand, the Cook Islands would like you to keep track of where you've been. The Cook Islands uses a system that’s a little bit different to New Zealand’s. In the Cook Islands you take a QR code with you to keep track of the places you've visited.

When you arrive, register for your unique CookSafe QR Card, which is a physical card you should keep with you at all times. CookSafe stations will be set up at some locations, and you should use your QR Card to scan in.

Register for your QR Card at Rarotonga International Airport or the Tourism Visitor Information Centre in town.

You should also download and activate the CookSafe+ App.

CookSafe QR Card
Cooksafe+
More information on CookSafe

No, however physical distancing is recommended where possible.

https://cookislands.travel/our-promise

The New Zealand Government has published a list of scenarios under which quarantine free travel may be paused or suspended. The Government is using a traffic light system to illustrate how the bubble will be affected if new cases pop up in Australia.

There are three possible scenarios: continue (green), pause (orange) and suspend (red). More information is available here: 

What happens if there is a Covid outbreak

Fact Sheet

This will be determined at the time by the NZ government. If the COVID-19 situation changes in the Cook Islands, customers may need to enter managed isolation or self-isolation upon return to New Zealand. If this happens, customers will need to pay for their stay there.

https://www.miq.govt.nz/