15 January 2021 – Quarantine-free travel bubble begins with Cook Islands

Type of Intervention: Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Foreign Affairs, Tourism
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: NZ government

Overview: Travellers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from 21 January 2021, enabling access to essential services such as health.
Full details here: https://covid19.govt.nz/updates-and-resources/latest-updates/cook-islanders-to-resume-travel-to-new-zealand/

Other links: 1 2
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – academic, National – government
Evidence/Justification: Strict protocols will be in place including pre-departure health requirements and separation from other travellers at Auckland International Airport.
Today’s announcement does not change the criteria for entry into the Cook Islands which is limited to Cook Islanders and current holders of Cook Islands work and residence permits who meet Cook Islands health entry requirements. These arrangements do not apply to New Zealanders wishing to travel to the Cook Islands. We said we would take a phased approach to resuming two-way travel and will do so only once all safety protocols can be met.