Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card: What You Need to Know

Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card – Immigration Declaration

On arrival in the Cook Islands, every passenger, including children, must complete a separate Passenger Arrival Card in English using a black or blue pen. The front of the green section of the Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card collects personal and immigration details, including passport number, nationality, date of birth, gender, occupation, contact information, home address, and flight details.

You must also declare your status as a visitor, resident, Cook Islander residing overseas, or temporary resident/contract worker, as well as your purpose of visit, intended length of stay, and evidence of departure, such as your return flight number and date.

Accommodation information, including the name, address, and contact details, must also be provided. Be sure to have your passport and travel tickets on hand when completing the form. Visitors are not permitted to work or engage in commercial activity while in the Cook Islands.

At the airport, a tourism representative will be available to assist. False declarations can result in fines, prosecution, removal from the country, or imprisonment.

© Cook Islands Government

Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card – Biosecurity and Customs Declaration

The back of the green section of the Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card covers biosecurity and customs declarations, recent travel history, and health and character-related questions. You must declare any countries visited in the past 40 days, as well as any items in your possession that may pose a biosecurity risk, such as food, animal products, plants, soil, or outdoor gear like hiking boots.

You’ll also be asked about recent visits to forests, farms, or contact with wild animals. Biosecurity officers are strict in protecting the islands’ fragile ecosystem.

The Customs Declaration section asks you to declare any prohibited, restricted, or dutiable goods, including medicines, weapons, endangered species, illicit drugs, alcohol or tobacco over duty-free limits, business goods, items valued over NZD$750, or NZD$10,000 or more in cash. There are also questions about your health and criminal history.

Most questions are in a simple Yes/No format. If you are unsure, tick “Yes” — this won’t get you in trouble but will allow a Customs Officer to clarify. You must sign and date the form at the bottom before submitting it.

For more information on Customs, Health and Biosecurity, check out our complete guide: Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process and What to Declare When Arriving in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

© Cook Islands Government

Cook Islands Ministry of Health Notice and Form

Depending on the most recent public health concerns, there may be a section of the Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card that gives relevant health advice.

There may also be a form from the Ministry of Health that has a series of Yes/No questions about any symptoms you might have, as well as your history of exposure to viruses and diseases. You will also need to provide personal details, such as your name and passport number, and sign and date this form.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6 Tips for Completing the Cook Islands Passenger Arrival Card

1. Pack a black- or blue-ink pen in your carry-on luggage. While pens are usually provided by the in-flight staff, it can take a while for them to give you one.
2. Passenger Arrival Cards are also available at the airport or at the port, in case you miss getting a card during your flight or cruise.
3. Arrival Cards must be completed for every passenger, so be sure to complete one for each of your children (even infants) travelling with you.
4. On question 5, simply put “unemployed” if you don’t have an occupation or job.
5. For most holidaying in the Cook Islands, crossing “Visitor” for Question 7 and then “Holiday/Vacation” for Question 9 are usually the most relevant answers.
6. Answer the Biosecurity and Customs Declaration sections truthfully. If unsure, tick “Yes”. False declarations could incur a fine or confiscation of goods. Find out more in Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com