Cook Islands visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Cook Islander Visa is not required for South Africans

Stay Duration: 31 days

Entry Requirements

  • South Africans can visit the Cook Islands for a period of 31 days without a visa.
  • Intending visitors must have a Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the Cook Islands, with at least a blank page for entry and exit stamp. 
  • Visitors must have a return and onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to spend on their stay in the Cook Islands.
  • South Africans visiting the Cook Islands must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival
  • Confirmation of accommodation arrangements in the Cook Islands is required. 
  • Intending visitors can get to the Cook Islands, from any international airport in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
  • South African Airways, Air New Zealand, British Airways and Qantas are some of the airlines that fly from South Africa to the Cooks Islands.
  • The estimated flight time from Johannesburg to Avarua District, Cook Island is 1 day, it is 1 day 4  hours from Cape Town, and 1 day 4 hours from Bloemfontein.
  • The New Zealand Dollar and Cook Island Dollar are the currencies used in the Cook Island. Although the New Zealand Dollar is the official currency in the Cook Island. Visitors can visit various exchange outlet throughout the country to exchange their foreign currencies.
  • ATMs can be easily found in major parts of the Cook Islands and credit/debit cards are accepted by many business outlets in the Cook Islands.
  • The Cook Islands has a tropical oceanic climate, with temperatures stable throughout the year. The rainy period is from December to March and a relatively dry period from June to September.
  • There is actually no bad time to visit the Cook Islands weather-wise, although the months of April, May, September, and October usually provide the best combination of sunshine and warmth.
  • The Cook Islands uses the Cook Islands Standard Time (GMT-10), which puts South Africa 12 hours ahead in time.
  • Power sockets and plugs used in the Cayman Islands are of type I. The standard supply voltage is 240 V, with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
  • The Baha'i faith, Hindus, Muslims and a few other indigenous religion constitute 1% of the population. Christianity is the prominent religion in the Cook Islands, with various denominations spread across the country.
  • Ika mata (raw fish with coconut milk, finely chopped vegetables), Umu food (prepared in the traditional earth oven), Curried eke (octopus in coconut curry), Rukau (Taro leaves, usually cooked with coconut cream), Poke (cooked fruit pudding) (banana, pawpaw) with coconut milk.
  • Getting around in the Cook Islands is possible with buses, taxis, car rentals, ferries, bikes, planes etc.
  • The official languages of the Cook Islands are English and Cook Islands Māori also known as Rarotongan. Rarotongan is, however, the most widely spoken language.
  • Muri Beach, Muri Lagoon, Te Vara Nui Village are fascinating places to visit in the Cook Islands.
  • Tourists spend an average of $125 a day in the Cook Islands.
  • Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Cook Islands?

There is no bad time weather-wise to visit the Cook Islands, although the months of April, May, September, and October usually provide the best combination of sunshine and warmth.

What should I wear in the Cook Islands?

When you are in the major towns in the Cook Islands, you'll need to wear something casual. Because beach attire is not appropriate. Visitors should consider packing cotton summer attire, such as a dress, button-down shirt, and shorts or pants.

What currency is used in Cook Islands?

The New Zealand Dollar and the Cook Islands Dollar are the currencies used in the Cook Islands. Although the New Zealand Dollar is the official currency.

Do South Africans need a visa to go to the Cook Islands?

South Africans don't need a visa to visit the Cook Islands. They will be able to stay up to 31 days in the Cook Islands.

Is it safe to travel to the Cook Islands?

There's basically no crime on the Cook islands. Even a woman wandering around at night has nothing to fear.