Organization : Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI)
Facility : Visa & Permit Factsheet
Country : Cook Islands
Website : https://mfai.gov.ck/visa-permit-factsheet
What is a Visa & Permit?
A visa is an official document issued to individuals who do not have continuing rights in the Cook Islands (e.g., non-Cook Islanders or those without Cook Islands Permanent Residency). A visa allows them to travel to and enter the Cook Islands.
Related / Similar Facility : MFAI Cook Islands Status
A permit allows the visa holder to stay in the Cook Islands for a specific duration, as approved in their visa.
Key Changes to Visa and Permit Process
Previous Process (pre-April 2023):
** Approved permit holders received an Authority to Travel letter (ATT) for their initial arrival.
** Once the permit was endorsed in the passport, travellers could re-enter the Cook Islands without presenting the ATT again.
Current Process (effective April 2023):
** All individuals without continuing rights must hold both a valid visa and permit for travel, entry, and stay in the Cook Islands.
** Applicants are notified via email upon approval and must present their visa when requested by airline or immigration officials.
** The visa specifies whether unlimited or single travel is permitted.
For Travel and Entry:
** A visa, similar to the previous ATT, is issued with an expiry date consistent with the approved timeframe.
** Upon approval, applicants are notified via email and advised to present their visa when requested by airline or immigration officials.
** Depending on the type of visa approval, the visa can grant either unlimited or single travel to the Cook Islands.
To Stay:
To stay in the Cook Islands, a permit must be endorsed in the passport, allowing the holder to stay for the duration specified in the visa.
Why Do I Need to Show My Visa?
** Verification of Approval: A visa demonstrates that you have been granted approval to travel to and enter the Cook Islands.
** Essential Details Provided by the Visa: Includes passport details, visa type, expiry date, and travel permissions.
** Information Provided by the Permit: Includes permit number, expiry date, employment status, and approved duration of stay.
** Why a Permit Alone Is Insufficient: A permit does not provide comprehensive travel authorisation details, which is why both documents are required.
Implementation and Enforcement
The new visa and permit process has been in effect since May 2023. Applicants, or authorised representatives, have been informed of these requirements through email and verbal communication. Following a 12-month grace period, the requirement to present a valid visa for travel and entry is now enforced.
Contact Information
For further assistance, please contact Cook Islands Immigration:
** Email: immigration.visapermit [at] cookislands.gov.ck
** Phone: +682 29347 (option 1)