Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
15 March 2020
In response to the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) global outbreak, the Cook Islands Government established on 27 February 2020 Covid-19 as a notifiable and dangerous condition under Schedule 2 of the Public Health Act (2004). As such, pursuant to Section 9A of the Cook Islands Entry Residence and Departure Act (1972) and as provided for under Schedule 2 of the Public Health Act (2004), the following international travel restrictions for entry into the Cook Islands will take effect from Monday 16 March 2020 23:59 and remain in effect until 18 April 2020 23:59. These travel restrictions will apply to all travelers seeking entry to the Cook Islands, including Cook Islanders and Cook Islands residents.
Persons intending to travel to the Cook Islands having originated from or transited through any country except New Zealand within 14 days prior to travel will be denied entry into the Cook Islands. Such persons intending to travel to the Cook Islands must have self-isolated for a minimum of 14 days in New Zealand prior to travel to the Cook Islands. Provision of medical clearance for travel issued within 3 days of travel to the Cook Islands must be produced on check in with airlines.
Cook Islanders and Cook Islands residents who travel to New Zealand after these restrictions take effect will be required to self-isolate in New Zealand for 14 days prior to intended return travel to the Cook Islands with the exception of professional medical personnel escorting medical patients to New Zealand. Provision of medical clearance for travel issued within 3 days of travel to the Cook Islands must be produced on check in with airlines.
Travelers who breach these restrictions will be refused entry on arrival to the Cook Islands.
Cruise Ships, Yachts and Leisure Crafts
A temporary ban on the entry of all cruise ships, yachts and leisure crafts to the Cook Islands territorial waters will come into effect on Monday 16 March 2020 23:59 and remain in place until 30 June 2020 23:59.
Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration is working with other government agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach is being taken to manage this evolving situation.
Immigration related queries regarding this release can be directed to Senior Immigration Officer Paul Taputu-Crombie on 29 347 or immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck Updates relating to international travel restrictions will also be posted to MFAI facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mfaicookislands/
Notes
Te Marae Ora Cook Islands Ministry of Health have defined self-isolation as a precautionary measure to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues – from possibly contracting COVID-19. It involves staying at home essentially and limiting contract with people other than family members/companions you travelled with. Avoiding visitors to your home, though it is okay for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food supplies. For further clarification or health-related concerns, visit www.health.gov.ck or contact healthline on 29 667. See also Te Marae Ora – Ministry of Health facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/CookIslandsHealth/
End.