This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the New Zealand High Commission in the UK.
\n\nThe Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing countries in free association with New Zealand. Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand.
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave the Cook Islands and have at least 2 blank pages.
\n\nTo enter Tokelau, your passport must meet the validity requirements for travel to Samoa – see travel advice for Samoa. All travel to Tokelau is by ship from Apia, Samoa. You can email the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office: contact@tokelaunso.tk
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Cook Islands and have at least 2 blank pages.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit the Cook Islands without a visa for up to 31 days. If you’re staying longer, you may need a visa or entry on arrival permit. See visitor information from the Cook Islands government. You can get monthly Cook Islands visa extensions for a total stay of 5 months. You must apply at least 2 weeks before your visa or permit expires.
\n\nTo visit Tokelau, you must get permission from the Tokelau council (‘Taupulega’) before you travel and buy boat tickets from the Tokelau office in Samoa. See visitor information from the Tokelau government and travel advice for Samoa.
\n\nYou can visit Niue without a visa for up to 30 days. If you’re staying longer, you may need visa. Email Niue’s immigration department for information: immigration.niue@mail.gov.nu
\n\nIf you plan to join a tourist boat, yacht or other sea-going vessel to travel from the Cook Islands, you must apply for permission to enter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
\n\nTo enter the Cook Islands or Niue, you must have:
\n\nTo enter Tokelau, contact the Tokelau government office for their requirements.
\n\nTo enter Niue, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of:
\n\nYou must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou must declare any currency if the value is 10,000 New Zealand dollars or more.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there is no recent history of terrorism in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nDo not leave valuables unattended or in plain sight. Items left unattended on the beach or in unsecured storage, including in scooters or motorcycles, are a particular target.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for possessing or importing even small amounts of drugs, including deportation and imprisonment.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal. However, showing affection in public may be considered offensive.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIn the Cook Islands, the only ATMs are on the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Credit and some debit cards are widely accepted on Rarotonga and some places on Aitutaki. You must use cash on the other islands.
\n\nThere are no banks in Tokelau, so you’ll need to bring cash with you.
\n\nIn Niue, most businesses accept New Zealand debit cards, Mastercard and Visa. Some businesses offer cashback. There are no ATMs in Niue, but you can withdraw cash from Kiwibank in Alofi. Kiwibank accepts only New Zealand debit cards, Mastercard and Visa.
\n\nIf you plan to hire motorbikes, jet skis or any other motorised vehicle, follow local licensing laws. Ask your travel insurance company if your policy covers these activities and get advice on any restrictions. Wear a helmet when using motorbikes or scooters.
\n\nFollow local safety advice when swimming, snorkelling or diving. At certain times of the year, some beaches in Niue are closed for traditional fishing activities.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Cook Islands. In Niue, you must apply for a local driving licence from the police department. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nDriving on islands in the South Pacific can be challenging, particularly at night. Road conditions and street lighting are poor and there are few footpaths. Beware of pedestrians and animals on the roads.
\n\nSea transport operators may not meet the safety standards you’d expect in the UK. Operators may not provide safety equipment or always follow safety regulations. Ferries are often overcrowded.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe South Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April. There are severe storms across the region, although the risk varies between countries and from season to season. On average, there are around 9 tropical cyclones each season, with some likely to be classified ‘severe’ (category 3 or higher).
\n\nMonitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. If you’re staying in a hotel, follow the guidance of hotel management or your tour operator.
\n\nThere is a heightened risk of tsunamis in low-lying island countries in the Pacific. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an tsunami.
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