23 Mar 2022 | 07:56 AM UTC
Cook Islands: Eased COVID-19 entry, quarantine requirements in effect as of March 23 /update 11
Cook Islands eases entry and quarantine requirements as of March 23. Domestic COVID-19 restrictions ongoing.
Event
Cook Islands authorities have eased some entry measures as of March 23 amid stable COVID-19 activity. Authorities have lifted quarantine requirements for inbound unvaccinated Cook Islanders and permanent residents. The government no longer requires entrants to spend at least 10 days in New Zealand before travel. Officials have eased testing requirements and now accept a supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) result from a test taken within 24 hours of departure as an alternative to PCR testing.
Officials have also reduced the self-quarantine period for locally acquired COVID-19 cases and their close contacts from 10 to seven days. Affected people will also likely have to undergo COVID-19 testing before leaving quarantine, though requirements can vary.
Domestic Measures
Officials limit attendance at all indoor and outdoor gatherings to up to 50 people; organizers may apply for an exemption from the Secretary of Health to convene in groups with more than 50 people. The measure does not apply to business-related functions, including restaurants. A facemask requirement remains for all indoor public areas.
The government classifies many establishments, including hospitality and entertainment venues, offices open to the public, enclosed retail outlets, and religious sites as high risk. Nevertheless, these venues can operate at full capacity if all patrons are fully vaccinated. All high-risk venues must ensure 1 meter (3 feet) physical distancing, collect contact information, and appoint a COVID-19 officer. Public venues and businesses must ensure physical distancing for customers; owners are also encouraged to keep patrons' contact information.
Air and sea travel from Rarotonga to the outlying islands, except Aitutaki, is restricted to cargo transport. However, passengers can travel from outlying islands to Rarotonga.
International Travel Restrictions
International flights are available from New Zealand. The government permits fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country. People with medical exemptions from vaccination or under five years, three months old can also enter the country with permission. All arrivals must complete an online travel declaration 96 hours before departure and obtain a negative PCR test result within 48 hours or supervised RAT within 24 hours before departure.
Most arrivals can enter the Cook Islands without quarantine. Permitted unvaccinated children under age five years, three months, partially vaccinated children under age 12, and citizens and permanent residents with medical vaccine exemptions can self-quarantine for five days, with testing on arrival and day five. The government charges for quarantine; fees are NZD 2,142 for the first adult, 825 for an additional adult, and 500 for children aged 12 and younger.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm domestic travel arrangements. Delay travel until border restrictions ease. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
