Processing time
Issued at the border if they meet the arrival-card conditions. No visa before travel for a stay under 31 days (MFAI criteria page).
Stay period
31 days for passports that are not New Zealand. New Zealand passports: 90 days. One extension of 31 days is possible (not more than two months on this permit without leaving for over six months).
Validity
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond departure from the Cook Islands (MFAI FAQ)
Visa Fees and Charges
International visitor permit on arrival — no fee (MFAI visa and permit criteria)
Extend international visitor visa/permit a further 31 days — MFAI criteria page
| Entry | Label | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| — | International visitor permit on arrival — no fee (MFAI visa and permit criteria) | Check applicable fees |
| — | Extend international visitor visa/permit a further 31 days — MFAI criteria page | NZ$470 |
About This Visa
Indian ordinary-passport holders do not apply for a Cook Islands visa in India for a holiday under 31 days. MFAI: no visa before travel; a visitor permit is issued on arrival if they meet identity, character, health, onward travel, funds, and bona fide visitor rules (no work for gain, no study).
New Zealand passports get 90 days. Everyone else, including India, gets 31 days. Immigration Regulations 2023 clause 37 matches that split.
Extension: a further 31 days for NZD 470. They must not already have stacked visitor permits beyond the two-month / eight-month caps on the criteria page. Work is not this permit.
Documents Required
MFAI — international visitor on arrival
- Evidence of identity, character and health (arrival card)
- Proof of onward travel
- Sufficient funds for themselves and any dependent children
- Bona fide visitor: not intending work for gain or study
- Passport valid 6 months beyond departure (FAQ)
- Accommodation for the stay (FAQ / arrival card)
If the passport has less than 6 months beyond the stay, MFAI must authorise travel first (immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck on the FAQ).
