Cook Islands travel guide for Americans

Americans do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 31 days; no ETA is required. Apply for a visa only if staying longer.

Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.

Visa‑free for up to 31 days; extensions must be arranged with the Cook Islands Immigration office.

No pre‑travel ETA or online travel authorization is required.

The Cook Islands have no US embassy. The nearest US consular office is the Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.

Contact details (as of 2026):

Phone: +64 4 473 6000 (check).

Email: [email protected] (check).

Airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Rarotonga (RAR) round‑trip: US$1,300–1,600 (economy).

Mid‑range hotel (3‑star) on Rarotonga: US$150–200 per night.

Domestic flight Rarotonga → Aitutaki: US$200–250 one‑way.

Meals (restaurant): US$15–30 per person per meal.

Direct flights from Los Angeles to Rarotonga take about 10 hours non‑stop (Air New Zealand, Hawaiian).

Time difference: Cook Islands are UTC−10, which is 17 hours behind New York (UTC−5) and 18 hours behind Los Angeles (UTC−8) year‑round.

Plug type I (same as Australia and New Zealand).

Voltage 240 V, frequency 50 Hz. Bring a suitable adapter if your devices use other plug types.

Tipping is not customary in the Cook Islands. Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills and hotel rates.

Police: 999

Ambulance: 998

Fire: 996