All country guides
- Capital
- Avarua (on Rarotonga) (RAR)
- Dialing Code
- + 682
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT -10
- Language
- English and Cook Islands Maori
- Best Time to Go
- April – November (Dry Season)
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Travel Tips
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, bottled water is available
- Cook Islands driver's licence are required, which is obtainable for a small fee from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of an International or Commonwealth licence
Last updated 29 September 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1 - 2
April: 3, 6, 25
June: 1
July: 3
August: 4
October: 26
December: 25 - 26, 28
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders visiting the Cook Islands do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 31 days
- Visa Information: mfai.gov.ck
- Useful Link: cookislands.travel
Entry Requirements
- All international passport holders must have a passport valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands
- You must have evidence of a valid outbound ticket or return ticket to your port of origin
- You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in the Cook Islands
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended but not compulsory
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia