Due to swift and effective border closures at the start of the pandemic in early 2020, the Cook Islands has been closed to travellers from the UK and Ireland for over two years.
On 13th January borders opened to New Zealand and on 2nd May 2022, when New Zealand allows British and Irish tourist to enter, the Cook Islands will once again be welcoming visitors from our shores.
All visitors must be Double Vaccinated, unless they are under 16 years old, there is no PCR or Antigen requirement.
Located in the South Pacific, between Hawaii and New Zealand, The Cook Islands has long been a bucket list destination with a warm and sunny year-round climate, white sand beaches lined with palm trees, spectacular landscapes, authentic Polynesian culture and welcoming locals. As beautiful underwater as it is on land, its waters are home to 130 different types of coral, 600 fish species, turtles, reef sharks, whales and dolphins.
The Cook Islands were voted as the number one country to visit by Lonely Planet in their 2022 Best in Travel list due to its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and the country’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The award judges applauded the Cook Islands for its creation of Marae Moana, one of the largest marine parks in the world, plus the establishment and encouragement of the Mana Tiaki Eco Certification Programme, which recognises those who in the tourism industry practice sustainable best practices.
With a population of only 17,500 inhabiting 15 islands which are spread across 770,000 square miles, you will not find crowded beaches, traffic jams or queues in the Cook Islands. There is local requisite that no building can be taller than a coconut tree and the islands are free of global brand hotels, chain restaurants, mass market fast-food outlets and traffic lights! Instead, there is a real laid-back feeling, where you will soon be kicking off your shoes and relaxing in ‘island time’.
You can fly to the Cook Islands direct from Auckland with Air New Zealand and, from June, with Jetstar. News on the return of direct flights from Sydney and Los Angeles will be released later this year.
Click here for entry requirements.
For more information on the Cook Islands go to www.cookislands.travel
