Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Cook Islands
With 15 regions, the Cook Islands present countless opportunities to explore cave pools, beaches and Polynesian culture.
The Cook Islands are also the second largest pearl farming producer in the world. Manihiki is the main location for the territory’s many local family-run pearl farms. The island is made up of 40 small coral inlets which encircle a tremendous blue lagoon.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Cook Islands?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Cook Islands?
What is the Climate Like in the Cook Islands?
How Safe are the Cook Islands?
Take a Dip in Mitiaro’s Underground Cave Pools
What Should I Pack for the Cook Islands?
Canadian Embassy for the Cook Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for the Cook Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the Cook Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Cook Islands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Cook Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Cook Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue is present on the islands. Make sure to bring repellents and mosquito netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the Cook Islands?
A passport which is valid for 6 months from the expected departure date is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for up to 30 days and a business visa is not required for up to 21 days. All passengers must have proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodations, as well as an onward/ return ticket.
Cook Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cook Islands? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Cook Islands and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands have a tropical climate with high, stable temperatures year round.
The territory has a rainy season with afternoon storms from December to March and a dry season from April to November. The wet season is also hurricane season.
There is little temperature difference between the seasons. The average temperature is in the low 20’s Celsius, while the average low is in the high-10’s.
February is typically the warmest month for the Cook Islands while August is the coolest. January is the wettest month while July is the driest.
How Safe are the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands are a very safe travel destination.
Swimming in sheltered lagoons is fine but reef passages can have very strong currents to be avoided.
The Cook Islands’ major island, Rarotonga, has major reef passages at Avana Harbour, Avaavaroa, Papua, and Rutaki. The other islands have reef passages as well, typically on opposite streams.
Be wary of bug bites as they can lead to dengue fever.
Take a Dip in Mitiaro’s Underground Cave Pools
Mitiaro is one of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands. But, it is unique in that it is known for its underground cave pools.
The heart of the island it is very flat and swampy. It has two freshwater lakes, Rotunui and Rotoiti, which are filled with eels and tilapia.
One of the most popular island spots is the underground cavern Vai Nouri. The cavern is said to have healing powers and possess water that is strikingly deep and clear. Travellers and locals alike can go to many points along the coast to discover and enjoy countless small coves with ample opportunities to take a dip in the tranquil waters. see the reef, explore the caves, relax on the beaches, and enjoy sights few get to see.
Tourists can get a wonderful cultural experience by staying with welcoming locals. Because the island is rarely visited, travellers can expect a quiet and beautiful experience.
What Should I Pack for the Cook Islands?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Appropriate Clothing – The Cook Islands can often be hot and humid. Be sure to pack accordingly for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, water-protective gear, and bathing suits.
- Health Kit – Be sure to have important first aid kit items while travelling. Consider using a pre-made first aid kit for your trip.
- Bug Repellent – With the possibility of dengue fever in the Cook Islands it is especially important to ward against mosquito bites.
Canadian Embassy for the Cook Islands
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in the Cook Islands. The High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand provides consular services to those travelling to the Cook Islands.
High Commission of Canada in New Zealand
Level 11, 125 The Terrace,
Wellington 6011,
New Zealand
+64 4 473-9577
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Cook Islands
“The nurse was very pleasant and knowledgeable from the minute we got there. She first found out about us, then proceeded to go through the places where we are travelling in the Cook Islands and explained the high risk areas and what shots were recommended for that area. She explained costs with no pressure. After agreeing to the shots we worked out a schedule for the next app and going over what needed we would be getting on that day. We received two shots today and made sure we were fine before leaving. She also made sure we iced our arms before leaving. We were very happy with the nurse and our experience.”
“The staff is great. Very knowledgeable, competent and friendly. Very reassuring when traveling to a less known destination like the Cook Islands.”
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