The Cook Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
The Cook Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Which IDP version the Cook Islands accept
The Cook Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
| Convention | Status |
|---|---|
| 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
| 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
Source: United Nations Treaty Collection.
Getting the right IDP for the Cook Islands
Check with the official source which IDP the Cook Islands accept before you apply.
What the UK, US and Canadian governments tell their citizens
No IDP needed with a UK licence. An IDP is recommended for Canadian licence holders. UK licence holders can drive on their licence, while Canadian licence holders are advised to get an IDP.
UK licence holdersUK licence accepted, no IDP needed.Source: UK FCDO, updated 10 December 2025
US licence holdersNot covered by this source.
Canadian licence holdersIDP recommended.Source: Government of Canada, updated 14 October 2026
What the governments say
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Cook Islands. … If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Source: UK FCDO travel advice for the Cook Islands, updated 10 December 2025.
Government of Canada
You can drive in the Cook Islands with your Canadian driver's licence. … You should carry an international driving permit.
Source: Government of Canada travel advice for the Cook Islands, updated 14 October 2026.
Road conditions in the Cook Islands
Canada describes road safety in the Cook Islands as follows:
Coastal roads on Rarotonga are paved but are poorly maintained and lit. Traffic accidents involving motorcycles are common.
Source: Government of Canada.
Questions
Can I drive in the Cook Islands with a foreign licence?
The Cook Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Do UK licence holders need an IDP in the Cook Islands?
No. A UK driving licence is accepted in the Cook Islands. Source: UK FCDO, updated 10 December 2025.
Do Canadian licence holders need an IDP in the Cook Islands?
Recommended, not strictly required. Source: Government of Canada, updated 14 October 2026.
About International Driving Permits
A 1949 IDP is valid for 1 year from issue, a 1968 IDP for up to 3 years.
What an IDP is and how to get one
Related
- International Driving Permit: all countries
- Do I need an IDP in French Polynesia?
- Do I need an IDP in American Samoa?
- Do I need an IDP in Samoa?
- Is It Safe to Travel to the Cook Islands?
Sources and methodology
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: travel advice for the Cook Islands, Open Government Licence v3.0.
- Government of Canada: travel advice for the Cook Islands, Open Government Licence – Canada.
- United Nations Treaty Collection: status of the 1949 and 1968 road traffic conventions.
Licences and full attribution for all sources
Last updated 9 November 2026. Government advice changes often: confirm the current rules with the official source before you travel.