Border Control

The available services available at the Rarotonga International Airport and contact details

Smoke-Free Airport

Rarotonga International Airport is proudly a smoke-free facility, in accordance with the Cook Islands Tobacco Product Control Act 2007.

Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the airport, including departure, transit, and arrival zones. For those who wish to smoke, a designated smoking area is available in the car park. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for all travelers.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Protect Yourself During Your Trip

Mosquitoes can spread diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. Protect yourself by using repellents, wearing long clothing, and staying informed.

Important Notice: Zika and Microcephaly

Pregnant women should reconsider traveling to areas where Zika virus transmission is active, as the virus can be passed to an unborn baby. Zika may cause microcephaly, a serious birth defect resulting in an abnormally small head and brain.

If you’re pregnant and have traveled to affected areas, consult a doctor immediately.

For Assistance:

  • On-Duty Health Officer: Available at the airport.
  • Rarotonga Hospital (24 hours): Call +682 22664
  • Visit www.health.gov.ck for more information.

Stay safe and enjoy your journey!

Prohibited and Restricted Goods
Certain items are strictly prohibited from being brought into the Cook Islands. These include:

  • Weapons: Such as firearms.
  • Illicit Drugs and Paraphernalia

If you are unsure about specific items or need more information, please contact:

Cook Islands (Airport) Police

Help us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Cook Islands Customs Service

The Cook Islands Customs Service plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s borders. Their responsibilities include preventing illegal imports and exports, promoting international trade, facilitating tourism, collecting revenue, and investigating and prosecuting illegal activities when necessary.

After collecting your baggage, proceed to the exit point where an officer will review your passenger arrival card before you pass through Customs and the Cook Islands Quarantine Inspection Service.

Duty-Free Exemption
You are allowed to bring in goods not for resale up to a total value of NZ$750 per passenger without paying duty.

Important Reminder
Declare all necessary items to avoid severe penalties for failing to declare prohibited or restricted goods, or items requiring duty/sales tax payment.

Arrivals Duty-Free Allowance

  • Alcohol: 2 Litres of wine or spirits OR 4.5 Litres of beer
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, OR 250 grams of tobacco

For detailed information about what you can bring into the Cook Islands, please contact:

Cook Islands Customs

Help us ensure a smooth and compliant arrival process!

Departure Tax

The Departure Tax is included in the price of all international airfare tickets. This means you won’t need to pay any additional fees at the airport when departing the Cook Islands for international travel. This service is designed to streamline your travel experience and ensure a seamless departure.

For more information about departure procedures, feel free to contact your airline or our customer service team.

On the Ground – Aviation Security

All passengers departing on international flights from Rarotonga International Airport must pass through a security screening point operated by the Aviation Security Service. There are specific security restrictions for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) that can be carried in the cabin of international flights.

LAGs Restrictions

  • All LAGs in carry-on baggage must be in containers of 100ml or less.
  • These items must be placed in a 20cm x 20cm re-sealable transparent plastic bag and presented separately at the security screening point.
  • If you have larger quantities, they must be packed in your checked luggage.

Existing restrictions on prohibited carry-on items still apply.

Prohibited Carry-On Items

  • Firearms and guns
  • Pointed or sharp objects
  • Blunt instruments
  • Explosive or inflammable substances
  • Chemical or toxic substances

Exemptions

  • Duty-Free Purchases
  • Prescription Medicines (with a letter from your doctor)
  • Medical items (e.g., insulin, epi pens, contact lens solution)
  • Baby products (e.g., baby milk, sterilized water, baby food, wipes)

Common LAGs Items

  • Drinks (water, other beverages), soups, syrups, jams, stews, sauces, pastes
  • Foods with high liquid content (e.g., honey, marmite)
  • Creams, lotions, cosmetics, oils (including face creams, sunblock, insect repellent, roll-on deodorants)
  • Perfumes, sprays, gels (e.g., hair gel, shower gel)
  • Pressurized containers (e.g., shaving foam, deodorants)
  • Toothpaste, mascara, eyeliner, liquid soaps, lipsticks, lip gloss, and similar items at room temperature

For more information, contact:
Aviation Security Services

In the Air

Airport Authority Cook Islands manages air traffic throughout the country’s airspace, ensuring safe and efficient navigation.

For more information, contact:
Air Traffic Services

Stay informed and travel safely with our thorough aviation security and air traffic services.

Arrival Process at Rarotonga International Airport

Upon arrival in Rarotonga, all passengers must proceed to the Immigration point. Please ensure you have the following ready:

  • Passport
  • Completed passenger arrival card

Once your documents are processed, you may proceed to collect your baggage.

Exception for Transiting Passengers
If you’re transiting through Rarotonga, proceed through security screening into the international departure lounge to re-board your connecting flight.

For further information, please contact:

Cook Islands Immigration

Ensure a smooth arrival by having your documents ready, and enjoy your time in the Cook Islands!