Authorised Ports

• Currently there are only two authorised ports of entry – Avatiu Port, Rarotonga, or Arutanga port, Aitutaki.  See Cook Islands Travel Entry Requirements for the latest updates.
• All other surrounding islands in the Cook Islands internal borders are currently closed (and entry to these islands) is suspended until further notice.
• Palmerston Island maritime border has now opened, but it is imperative that all sailing vessels planning to visit Palmerston apply for approval to visit using Customs Form 27.

Advance Notification:

Approval to berth or land must be sought through the Harbourmaster and clearance received from a Customs Officer.

All arriving marine craft must meet maritime border entry requirements by providing relevant information at least 48 hours prior to their expected arrival time.

All vessels sailing to the Cook Islands are required to fill in an Advance Notice Advice (ANA) and email to Cook Islands Customs (customs.craft@cookislands.gov.ck) using the file name format [ANA, the name of craft, voyage or sail number if available, estimated time of arrival into the Cook Islands], e.g. ANA, Banana Split, 30/11/2023

Failure to provide an ANA is a criminal offense.  For any urgent enquiries, please contact Customs House +682 29510

You must also advise the Biosecurity Cook Islands of your arrival port and date, either by emailing the staff(s) of your planned destination or by e-mail to: moa.biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck

• See Arrival and Departure Information for Marine Craft on the Government website.
• The Cook Islands Port Authority also have a Cruising Yacht Guide to the Cook Islands.

Ports of Entry:

Currently there are only two locations for maritime entry into the Cook Islands.  The official notification from Customs officials in the Cook Islands is:

“All marine crafts must enter the Cook Islands through either;

1) Avatiu Port, Rarotonga, or,

2) Arutanga port, Aitutaki.   Note:  if your vessel’s draft exceeds two meters, it will need to anchor outside the reef.  Vessels with a draft less than two meters will be able to enter through the passage.

Currently onward domestic travel by marine craft is still suspended until further notice”.

For further information, contact the Cook Islands Customs Service on email: customs.craft@cookislands.gov.ck

There is still no entry to Suwarrow Atoll.

See Main Ports.

General Process:

All vessels must fly the Q Flag.

Report to Customs immediately on arrival. All other crew must remain on board until the boat is cleared. The skipper must also contact Immigration (often provided by Customs) and Biosecurity. Failure to follow these rules is taken very seriously.

For a list of paperwork that must be presented see this Customs Arrival Facts sheet.

Yachts must leave the “Q” flag up until cleared by Port Health, who will visit the yacht and provide pratique.

Domestic Cruising:

It is a requirement for all yachts entering the Cook Islands at one of the official ports of entry to obtain clearance papers prior to visiting other islands in the Cook Islands.

When visiting all other islands following the port of entry, the captain should check in with Customs and the Resident Administrator, if present.

CLEARING OUT

International Clearance:

You should advise Customs at least 72 hours before your intended departure to ensure that there is no delay. Again, see this Customs Departure Facts Sheet for the appropriate forms that need to be completed and given to Customs on departure. If all forms are correct, they will issue you with a Certificate of Clearance. Once clearance is granted, you must leave immediately.

Under no circumstances can a yacht intending to depart to an overseas place to go to any other place in the Cook Islands following their departure from a nominated Customs Port of Entry or other authorized place. If due to extenuating circumstances, you are required to do so, you must immediately advise the Cook Islands Customs Service (24 hours) on phone: (+682) 55368.

Yachts Intending to Arrive at, or Depart from, Suwarrow Island:

Suwarrow Island is not a nominated Customs Port of Entry. Marine craft intending to arrive at or depart from Suwarrow Island must obtain authorization from the Controller of Customs in advance. See the Suwarrow Clearance section for more details.

Currently Suwarrow is closed.

Last updated:  April 2023

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