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Entry & Departure
Passports and Visas
Visitors
do not require an entry permit for the Cook Islands for stays of less
than 31 days. All visitors must provide proof on arrival of an onward
ticket to a country they are permitted to enter. Extension permits are
usually granted for visitors wanting to stay over 31 days. All visitors
are required to have a valid passport, proof of onward passage, adequate
financial means of supporting stay, and suitable accommodation.
Applications can be made upon arrival at the Immigration Department.
Extensions are granted on a monthly basis, up to 5 additional months
only.
For those
wanting to stay in the Cook Islands longer than 6 months, must apply for
a visa from their home territory, prior to their arrival in the Cook
Islands.
Customs
There are
strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids,
weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you
are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.
Tax Free/ Duty Free
No duty is
levied on clothing or personal effects (including sports equipment). In
addition, each visitor may bring the following items, free of duty, into
the Cook Islands: 200 cigarettes or up to 1⁄2 pound (1 kg) of tobacco or
up to 50 cigars, 2 liters of spirit or wine or 41/2 liters of beer.
Goods with
total value of up to NZ$250.00 are not open to duties, however goods in
excess of NZ$250.00 are liable to duty.
Departure tax
Upon
departure all visitors will be charged the following taxes: Adults
NZ$25.00, Children under 12 years NZ$10.00, Children 2 years and under
are free of charge. This must be paid upon departure, and is not
included as part of prepaid taxes with airline tickets.
Practical Information
Language
English is widely spoken and expect to hear Maori, the local national
language.
Time Differences
The Cook
Islands are -5 EST/-2PST and currently do not operate daylight saving at
this time.
Currency & Banking
The
denomination of currency used in the Cook Islands is the New Zealand
Dollar (NZD). The Westpac and ANZ Banks in Avarua are open Monday to
Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm. In addition visitors can exchange travelers
checks and principal currencies at larger stores and hotels.
Banking
facilities are also provided at the airport for currency exchange and
cashing of travelers checks. They are open for the arrival and departure
of all International flights. Major credit cards are accepted throughout
the island at most shops, and restaurants. ANZ have recently installed
an ATM machine. EFTPOS facilities are becoming more widespread
throughout local businesses and cash advances on major credit cards are
accepted.
Taxes
All taxes
are included in prices. Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook
Islands Custom
Electricity
Voltage is
220 AC/50 cycle, the same as New Zealand and Australia. In some cases, a
two pin adapter may be required. Some hotels and motels have provisions
for 110 volt AC electric razors
Health & Safety
Insurance
Before
your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance.
Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter
rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. We offer
comprehensive travel insurance policies to cover every eventuality – ask
your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a
yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No
other health certificate is required to enter the Cook Islands.
Water
Although
some visitors prefer to boil water before use, it is not necessary.
Bottled water is available from the local shops for those who wish to
purchase
Weather Safety
The
sun can be very strong all year round, be sure to wear sunscreen and a
hat.
Driving in Raratonga
Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Drivers of all vehicles
are required to have a current Cook Islands Drivers License available
from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of your own license.
Cost NZ$10.00.
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