+682 29 347 secfai@mfai.gov.ck Mon – Fri, 8:00am – 4:00pm CKT
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Foreign Affairs

Consular Assistance

What the Ministry can and cannot do for Cook Islanders in difficulty overseas.

The Ministry provides consular assistance to Cook Islanders travelling or living overseas, through our High Commissions in Wellington and Suva, our office in Auckland, and our honorary consuls.

In an emergency

If you or somebody with you is in immediate danger, call the local emergency services first.

Then contact the nearest overseas mission. Wellington, Auckland and Suva all hold consular responsibilities.

The Ministry in Rarotonga is on +682 29 347, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm Cook Islands Time.

What we can help with

  • Serious illness, injury or death overseas
  • Arrest or detention
  • Lost or stolen travel documents
  • Contacting your family in an emergency
  • Information about local services and local legal processes
  • Assistance in a natural disaster or civil disturbance

What we cannot do

  • Pay your medical, legal or travel costs
  • Intervene in local legal proceedings or get you out of prison
  • Give you legal or medical advice
  • Guarantee your release or a particular outcome
  • Investigate a crime committed against you overseas

The laws of the country you are in apply to you, whatever your status at home. The Ministry can explain a process and make representations. It cannot set one aside.

Before you travel

  • Check that your passport is valid for the period the country you are entering requires.
  • Take travel insurance that covers what you intend to do.
  • Leave your itinerary and contact details with somebody at home.

Cook Islanders in serious difficulty overseas

Contact the nearest overseas mission first.

Find your nearest mission