Country guide
Cook Islands
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time zones
UTC / GMT -10 (12 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 682
Best time to go
April – November (Dry Season)
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.
Travel tips
Cook Islands driver's licence are required, which is obtainable for a small fee from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of an International or Commonwealth licence.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
- All international passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands.
- All New Zealand passport holders are allowed stay of up to 90 days in the Cook Islands. All other international passport holders are eligible for a stay of up to 31 days.
- You must have evidence of a valid outbound ticket or return ticket to your port of origin.
- You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended but not compulsory
Visa Information: mfai.gov.ck
Useful Link: cookislands.travel/how-to-book/faq
Visa requirements
SA passport holders visiting the Cook Islands do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 31 days.
SA representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1-2; Apr 3, 6, 25; Jun 1; Jul 3; Aug 4; Oct 26; Dec 25-26, 28