Travel into the Cook Islands
Most travellers into the Cook Islands arrive by air with Air New Zealand as the major airline servicing the country from three direct destinations with Jet Star Airline and Air Tahiti airline regularly servicing the country. To make sure your travel into the Cook Islands goes smoothly there are things that you need to know before you embark on your journey. All items that are brought into the country must be declared to a Biosecurity officer on your arrival card. These items can be a potential carrier of pests and disease, weeds, and weed seeds which pose a threat to our environment so declare it if you are unsure.
Declare It
If you have used equipment which you are not sure if it needs an inspection to declare it. All equipment must be cleaned, free from soil and other contaminants.
This equipment include:
Hiking equipment, tents, camping equipment, vet supplies, garden equipment
Sporting equipment and footwear
Golf equipment’s
Fishing and water activity equipment.
Goods | Biosecurity requirements |
| Food | All food items brought into the Cook Islands must be declared, including Meat, Dairy products, Eggs, Honey and honey products, Seeds for human consumption. No animal product is allowed from French Polynesia. Please note: No fruits and vegetables are allowed. People with dietary requirements need to contact Biosecurity Cook Islands before arrival for items that may require permit. |
| Animal Products | Animal skin items, Feathers, Shells – These require some treatment and must be declared on the arrival card or to a Biosecurity officer |
Endangered Species (CITES)
| Although not a party to CITES, the Cook Islands do comply with the CITES agreement. By supporting CITES and not buying goods made from endangered species, you are helping save these rare plants and animals. The goods include turtle shell artefacts, clam shells, corals, plant and animal products covered under the CITES agreement are not allowed into the Cook Islands except with a CITES permit issued by the Department of Conservation in the country of origin. |
| Sporting & Camping Equipment | Tents & Footwear – Before you enter the Cook Islands, make sure your tent is clean inside and outside. This includes the pegs and poles which can be done by cleaning with water for soil and organic material. All hiking and sporting footwear should be properly cleaned prior to departure from country of origin. (Items that might be inspected should packed in an easily accessible place in the check-in luggage) |
| Plant and Plant Products | Plant products – Dried flowers, Straw and corn souvenirs, Fresh cut flowers and foliage Wood products – Items made of bamboo, cane, rattan, straw, & wood (Some plant materials may require an import permit and fumigation or treatment) These must be declared on the arrival card and/or to a biosecurity officer on arrival. |
| Meat and Meat products | Meat and meat products must be certified, reared and killed in the country of origin. The meat has been inspected and is fit for human consumption. The meat was derived from animals which were killed in a plant under government supervision. Please note: Home-killed and Game meat is prohibited. |
| Contact Details | For further inquiries please email: [email protected] or [email protected] |