ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • POPULATION (2025 EST.): 13,263 • CAPITAL: Avarua • VISA: Passport must be valid for six months beyond date of departure from the Cook Islands. No visa required for stays of up to 31 days, but travelers must be able to supply proof of onward travel, suffi cient funds for the trip’s duration and pre-arranged accommodation • HEALTH: Immunizations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are recommended • CURRENCY: New Zealand dollar (NZD); Cook Islands dollar (CKD). Credit cards are broadly accepted
on Rarotonga; carrying local currency is also essential • TIPPING: Not customary or expected but would be appreciated if acknowledging outstanding service • TIME: GMT-10 • ELECTRICITY: 240 volts; adapter required • DRIVING: On the left. US driver’s license accepted • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2026): Jan 1-2; Apr 3, 6, 25; Jun 1; Jul 3; Aug 4; Oct 26; Dec 25-26, 28 • LANGUAGE: Rarotongan and English (co-offi cial); Pukapukan • RELIGION: Secular; Christian • DIAL CODE: +682
CLIMATE The Cook Islands are warm year-round with mild summers and wet winters. The rainy season runs between December to March — islands may be affected by cyclones, although they’re relatively uncommon
GETTING THERE • MAJOR GATEWAY: Rarotonga, Avarua (RAR) • TYPICAL FLYING TIME: One layover: 12h+ from LA Two layovers: 20h+ from NY
Penrhyn Pukapuka Nassau Suwarrow Tropic of Capricorn AUSTRALIA COOK ISLANDS Palmerston Aitutaki Manuae Mitiaro Takutea Atiu Rarotonga Avarua SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Mangaia