Cook Islands

Entry overview for yachts and small craft

All visiting seagoing vessels must proceed to a designated Cook Islands customs entry port and complete customs, immigration, health and biosecurity formalities. Diversion to a non-designated port requires authorisation. Give customs at least 48 hours' arrival notice. Before sailing, confirm applicable procedures, port status and charges with Cook Islands Customs.

Designated customs entry ports

A 2024 customs notice lists Avatiu (Rarotonga), Arutanga (Aitutaki), Taunganui (Atiu), Tukao and Tauhunu (Manihiki), Yato (Pukapuka) and Omoka (Penrhyn). It expressly states that Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Rakahanga, Nassau, Suwarrow, Manuae and Takutea are not designated customs ports. The Ministry of Agriculture biosecurity page additionally lists Avarua Wharf, creating a discrepancy. Confirm the list and current availability directly with customs. Non-designated locations require prior authorisation from the Comptroller of Customs.

Advance arrival notice

Customs vessel guidance requires an Advance Notice of Arrival at least 48 hours before ETA, using CICS Form 29 for small craft, sent as directed on the customs page to [email protected]. Also notify biosecurity and immigration at the intended first port. The Agriculture Ministry page likewise requires notification of the arrival port and date to biosecurity. Forms and delivery addresses may change. Before departure, confirm that customs and biosecurity have received a complete declaration.

Immigration formalities

After reaching a designated or authorised location, complete immigration and other border procedures. Customs guidance requires everyone and all goods to remain aboard until inward formalities are complete or a customs officer directs otherwise. Arrival documents include each person's valid passport and an arrival card where applicable. The cited vessel pages do not fully establish crew/passenger visas, stay permissions, processing hours or special cases. Confirm directly with Cook Islands Immigration before sailing.

Vessel declarations and entry

Entry into Cook Islands territorial waters constitutes arrival. Proceed to a designated customs port or a location authorised in advance. On arrival, submit the required inward report, passenger/crew lists, passports and applicable cash, controlled-medicine, firearms and crew-effects declarations. Keep people and goods aboard until authorised. Display the international Q flag after entering territorial waters as customs directs. Forms vary by vessel type; use the current customs checklist and confirm directly.

Biosecurity inspection

All arriving vessels must cooperate with biosecurity inspection and submit required declarations, including the master's certificate. Declare meat, fruit and vegetables, plants, animals and other risk goods aboard. Officers may inspect the vessel and detain risk goods, issuing written release once satisfied that risks have been addressed. Pets must remain aboard and a bond may be required. Do not land persons, cargo, plants or animals before biosecurity permission. Before sailing, ask Ministry of Agriculture biosecurity about forms, goods disposal and pet conditions.

Restricted goods and declarations

Food, meat, fruit and vegetables, plants and plant products, animals and animal products may be biosecurity-restricted and must be declared. Do not unload relevant food or plant products, meat or animals without a biosecurity officer's written permission. Retain animals aboard as directed. Declare firearms, controlled medicines and cash as customs requires. Permissions, prohibitions and disposal depend on item category and origin. Send an inventory to customs and biosecurity and obtain advice before sailing.

Port processing and non-designated locations

At a designated or authorised location, customs, immigration, quarantine/biosecurity and health authorities inspect and release the vessel. Do not disembark or unload before release. Arrival at or departure from a non-designated customs port, including Suwarrow, requires prior application to the Comptroller of Customs. MFEM guidance specifies CICS Form 27 for Suwarrow, with customs coordinating review by relevant agencies. Approval is not automatic. Confirm contacts, duty hours and local port arrangements directly before sailing.

Fees and departure

The MFEM customs page states that arrival charges may include customs officer attendance, immigration/health/biosecurity and port fees. Departure charges may include customs officer service fees and departure tax. It provides no verifiable current amounts or uniform tariff. Before arrival, obtain written itemised charges from customs, the port and relevant departments for the vessel type, persons aboard and stay. Give customs at least 72 hours' departure notice for arrangements. Obtain a customs Clearance Certificate before leaving the Cook Islands and depart from a designated customs port.