Arriving at Rarotonga Airport, Cook Islands: A Step-by-Step Guide

The first part of the Rarotonga International Airport arrival process is completing the Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card. Although you can do this once you arrive at the airport, we recommend doing it on your flight to Rarotonga.

Each individual arriving at Rarotonga International Airport must have a completed Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card, even children. These forms must also be completed in English.

Hold onto your Passenger Arrival Card, as you will need to show it at Customs and Biosecurity when you arrive at Rarotonga International Airport.

For a complete guide to the Passenger Arrival Card, including what it looks like and what details it calls for, check out Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card: What You Need to Know.

Upon landing at Rarotonga International Airport, you’ll see the mountains and iconic "Needle" piercing the sky, feel the balmy island breeze and will likely be welcomed by a ukulele musician as you enter the Arrivals Hall.

There is a duty-free store that sells alcohol and tobacco products, where you can make purchases as long as you don't go over the duty-free allowance. When you're ready, queue up to see an Immigration Officer. This can be quite a long wait, so don't expect to get out of the airport in a hurry.

Immigration Desk

At the Immigration Desk, hand over your passport and Passenger Arrival Card. Border officials can be strict about checking your travel plans, so be prepared to show evidence of your outbound travel from the Cook Islands, as well as confirmation of all of your accommodation for the duration of your stay, including stays on the outer islands.

Have these confirmations printed or already downloaded to your phone so you can access them offline. Don’t rely on airport WiFi to retrieve booking confirmations or flight details when you arrive. During our last visit, the airport WiFi wasn’t working for three weeks, so having everything ready beforehand is the safest option.

You may also be asked for any documents concerning current entry requirements, such as vaccination certificates - see What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands? for updates.

Make sure your passport is up-to-date, as we detail how up-to-date it needs to be in our Cook Islands Tourist Visa Guide. Providing you meet all of the entry conditions, you will be granted a tourist permit, which will be stamped into your passport.

The Immigration Officer may ask some questions regarding the answers you have given on the Arrival Card. The officer will then either tell you if any further action is required or simply return your passport and Arrival Card for you to move to the Baggage Claim area.

Turn the corner and you'll see the carousel of the Baggage Claim area. Identify and take your bags from the carousel. The Baggage Claim area also has toilet facilities, should you need them!

Once you've collected all of your baggage, continue to the Biosecurity area.

After you have picked up your baggage, you will need to queue up at the Biosecurity area. At the front of the queue, a Biosecurity Officer will look at your Passenger Arrival Card and may ask you questions regarding your answers. This is also your last opportunity to verbally declare any “declarable items” that you may have in your possession or in any of your baggage.

If you’re unsure whether an item needs to be declared, declare it. Non-declared biosecurity-risk items may result in an on-the-spot fine.

You will also be given the opportunity to dispose of items that are likely to be considered “risk items” that you won’t be able to bring into the Cook Islands, most commonly fresh food. There are amnesty bins for this.

Not sure what you're supposed to declare? Check out What to Declare When Arriving in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Depending on whether you have anything to declare or not, the Biosecurity Officer will point you either toward a partitioned area where staff can inspect your baggage or toward the door where you are free to leave for the outdoor Arrivals Area.

To learn more about what happens if you are found with restricted or prohibited items at Biosecurity, as well as more about the entire Customs and Biosecurity procedure, head to Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process.

This is it! You have officially entered Rarotonga and the Cook Islands! Outside of the Arrivals Hall are the next steps to get you started on your Cook Islands holiday. There are offices and kiosks for car rentals, a Vodafone store for the local phone network, travel agents, a cafe around the corner and kiosks for airport transfers via taxi, airport shuttles and resorts.

Airport Transfers

If you have an airport transfer booking (which is usually the best way to do airport transfers from Rarotonga Airport), go to the appropriate kiosk. Alternatively, a representative may have a board with your name on it. You're also likely to be greeted in the traditional Cook Islands manner: with a floral 'ei (neck garland).

Check out all of your transfer options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Domestic Flights

If you're connecting to a flight to Aitutaki, for instance, then the domestic terminal is within short walking distance, directly opposite the door you left the Arrivals Hall through. See our guide, Domestic Flights in the Cook Islands, for more information about making interisland flights.

The Cook Islands Tourism Staff

If you're not sure where to get your airport transfer or connecting flight, representatives from Cook Islands Tourism will help you out!

Now, transition into “Raro time” and enjoy your holiday!

Need stuff to do? Check out the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.