New Zealand Visa RequirementsFor Cook Islands passport holders
Cook Islands is a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand. All Cook Islanders are automatically New Zealand citizens and have the unrestricted right to live and work in New Zealand at any time without a visa.
Cook Islands passport holders require a visa to enter New Zealand.
No visa application is required. Cook Islands citizens may enter New Zealand with a Cook Islands passport, though a New Zealand passport makes travel to other countries easier. New Zealand passports are applied for through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Cook Islands to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
The 1948 British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act and subsequent legislation grants every Cook Islands citizen the status of New Zealand citizen. This means no visa, no application, and no restrictions on entry, stay, or work in New Zealand. The USD 170 listed is the cost of a New Zealand passport application, not a visa.
How to Get There
As Cook Islands citizens are automatically NZ citizens, there is no alternative route needed. Simply arrive in New Zealand and present your Cook Islands passport.
Money & Banking
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). ATMs are widely available. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Practical Tips
Cook Islands citizens should consider applying for a New Zealand passport if they plan to travel internationally, as New Zealand passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to well over 180 countries. The two passports can be held simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cook Islands citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
No. All Cook Islands citizens are automatically New Zealand citizens under New Zealand law. Cook Islanders can enter and live in New Zealand without any visa, permit, or application at any time.
Can Cook Islands citizens work and live in New Zealand permanently?
Yes. As automatic New Zealand citizens, Cook Islanders have the full right to live, work, study, and remain in New Zealand indefinitely without any immigration restrictions.
Should Cook Islands citizens get a New Zealand passport?
It is highly recommended. While Cook Islanders can enter New Zealand on their Cook Islands passport, a New Zealand passport provides much stronger travel freedom internationally, with visa-free access to over 180 countries.
Can Cook Islands citizens hold both a Cook Islands and a New Zealand passport?
Yes. Cook Islands citizens can hold both passports simultaneously. There is no restriction on dual passport holding. The New Zealand passport is particularly useful for international travel.
How do Cook Islands citizens apply for a New Zealand passport?
Apply through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) at dia.govt.nz. New Zealand passport fees apply. Cook Islands citizens are entitled to a NZ passport as citizens by birthright.
Is there any entry requirement for Cook Islanders arriving in New Zealand?
Cook Islands citizens must present a valid travel document (Cook Islands passport or New Zealand passport). They may be asked about their visit but there is no visa requirement and no limit on length of stay.