A Guide to Visa Fees for the Cook Islands
The cost of visas is always something to take into consideration when planning a trip. However, we think that visitors to the Cook Islands are going to enjoy the “cost” of a visitor visa! We go over all of the details and more in this guide on how much a visa to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands costs.
The visitor visa is not the only visa for the Cook Islands, however, as visitor visa extensions and permanent residency are also available for staying in the Cook Islands. These both have fees attached, which we also detail in this visa cost guide.
Do I Need a Visa for the Cook Islands?
Tourist permits are automatically granted to all international passport holders entering the Cook Islands if the entry conditions are met, including how long your passport is valid beyond the date of intended stay, evidence of an outbound ticket, proof of accommodation and any other current entry requirements. See Cook Islands Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Rarotonga & the Cook Islands? for a full guide on the entry conditions for visitors.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Cost of the Cook Islands Visitor Visa
Great news! There is no cost for the visitor visa/tourist permit for visiting the Cook Islands. The visa that is granted upon arrival for all international passport holders has no fees or costs attached. This tourist permit allows you to stay in the country for up to 31 days (or up to 90 days if you’re a New Zealand citizen).
There are costs, however, if you want to extend your visitor visa beyond the initial 31 days – more on that in the section below.
For more information on the visitor visa, check out our Cook Islands Tourist Visa Guide. Plus, for details on how long you can stay in the country, head to How Long Can You Stay in the Cook Islands on a Visitor Visa?
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Cost of Cook Islands Visitor Visa Extensions
Although there is no fee for the initial 31 days of stay in the Cook Islands as a tourist (or initial 90 days, if you’re a New Zealand citizen), there are application fees for visitor visa extensions.
The cost of a visitor visa extension for ages 15 years and older is approximately NZ$470 for a one-month extension or three-month extension for New Zealanders. Note that you can only apply for visa extensions on a monthly basis for up to six months’ total duration. Children under 15 are exempt from visa fees but still have to provide all of the necessary paperwork.
Learn more about the process of applying for a visitor visa extension in our guide, How Long Can You Stay in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands on a Visitor Visa?
© Daniel Fisher - Cook Islands TourismThe Cost of Permanent Residency for the Cook Islands
Another type of visa for the Cook Islands is Permanent Residence (PR), which allows you to live and work in the Cook Islands.
The fee for the Permanent Residence application is approximately NZ$1,000 (as of 2023) for an “In Own Right” or “Spouse” application and NZ$470 for an “Eligible Child” application.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWhere to Pay Visa Application Fees
Fees for visitor visa extensions and PR applications must be paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI). You can pay in person at their office: 2nd Floor Government Building, Takuvaine Road, Avarua District. They are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Alternatively, the MFAI accept bank transfers. More details can be found on the MFAI website.
Note that fees are not refunded if your application is declined.
More About the Cost of Visas for the Cook Islands
That’s it for our guide to how much a visa to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands costs. For more costs to take into consideration for your trip, as well as other travel documents to prepare, check out the following guides:
- How Much Does a Trip to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Cost?
- What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?
- Arriving at Rarotonga Airport, Cook Islands: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finally, don’t miss a thing about planning the perfect trip to the Cook Islands by checking out The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
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