Coconut Connection | 21 Jan 2022 v2
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Welcome to the latest edition of Coconut Connection. Your Tourism Industry Updates direct from Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
Feel free to share the newsletter with your colleagues, family, and members of the community. If you have not yet subscribed, please subscribe here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on email online@cookislands.gov.ck
Travelling from New Zealand to the Cook Islands
Anyone travelling to the Cook Islands must complete the following steps before departure to the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Declaration Form:
It is mandatory for all passengers to complete the online form within 96 hours prior to departure out of New Zealand. A unique CookSafe QR code will be issued via email response to be used to tag in at CookSafe stations.
Saliva OR Nasal RT-PCR Test:
All passengers must provide a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours prior to their departure out of New Zealand. Refer to our Travel FAQ for more information on pre-departure testing in New Zealand.
International Travel Certificate:
All passengers must present their International Travel Vaccination Certificate (or Exemption Certificate) when checking in at the airport. Air New Zealand check-in staff will be verifying that this has been completed.
We recommend that travellers print hard copies of all completed forms and results to present to the check-in staff a the Airport, and have electronic versions saved to their devices. For more information please refer to the Cook Islands Travel Advisory or the Cook Islands COVID-19 website.
Travelling from the Cook Islands to New Zealand
New Zealand Declaration Form: This is a requirement by the New Zealand Ministry of Health and must be completed before you check-in for your flight. Air NZ check-in staff on Rarotonga will be verifying that you've completed this.
Pre-Departure Testing: A negative COVID-19 test is not required for travel to New Zealand, from the Cook Islands.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination is required for all travellers that are not New Zealand citizens.
Travel Requirements to the Pa Enua
Anyone wishing to travel to the Pa Enua (excluding Aitutaki) must meet the following travel requirements:
- Provide a negative result from a supervised Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) administered on the day of departure. A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) testing facility is available at the Airport for $10 per test.
- Provide evidence of full vaccination or has a Pa Enua Travel exemption. To apply for a Pa Enua Travel exemption email tmo.exemptions@cookislands.gov.ck
- Has resided in the Cook Islands for a continuous period of 7 days before the day of departure. Passengers can travel on day 8.
- Sign a declaration confirming that they have been in the Cook Islands for 7 consecutive days.
Public Health Measures
Please familiarise yourself with the General Public Health Measures put in place to help keep you safe. Depending on your vaccination status, you’ll need to adhere to certain guidelines.
Access to High risk Premises:
- Vaccinated: No restrictions will apply if only vaccinated people are permitted to enter the premises
- Unvaccinated: Restrictions will apply if unvaccinated people are permitted to enter the premises
Face Masks must be worn on:
- All Public Buses and Passenger Transfers
- Aircrafts: including Domestic or International flights
- Face masks may also be required in identified high-risk premises
CookSafe Contact Tracing:
- Remember to sign up and tag in wherever you go with CookSafe and CookSafe+
- Download and use the CookSafe+ Bluetooth tracing app.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Officer Training
Should you wish to attend any future practical COVID-19 Health & Safety Officer training sessions, please register your interest via email with Carlene Mapu at: carlene.mapu@cookislands.gov.ck
In the interim you can complete the COVID-19 Health & Safety Officer Online training here: COVID-19 Health and Safety Officer Online Training
What is Open: Around and About
We have compiled a sheet of what's currently open on Rarotonga and Aitutaki with the most updated opening hours of our destinations amenities, including tours, activities, restaurants and cafes. If you would like to update your opening hours with us, please email: headoffice@cookislands.gov.ck
