Cocos (Keeling) Islands travel information

For more information visit the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association website.

Air services

The Australian Government, through the department, provides significant investment in underwriting air services to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT), as these services are not commercially viable.

A freighter aircraft operates from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands each fortnight on a Friday (see Services section below for freight arrangements).

Virgin Australia operated an air service between Perth and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands via Christmas Island until 31 October 2025.

Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) has been selected as the new long-term air services delivery partner for the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT), following an open and competitive tender process.

Qantas will deliver both passenger and air freight services to the IOT for a period of five years, with two possible two-year extension options. These services commenced on 3 November 2025. Refer to the Qantas website for specific flights details from 3 November 2025.

Time difference

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are one and a half hours behind Western Standard Time (AWST) and three and a half hours behind Eastern Standard Time (AEST). For , 9.00 am in Sydney is 7.00 am in Perth and 5.30 am on Cocos. Daylight saving is not observed on Cocos so an extra hour will need to be added during this time.

Customs and immigration

Passports and visas are not required when travelling to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence or Proof of Age card, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Customs and Immigration. A valid passport meets this identification requirement and is the preferred means of documentation to expedite passenger processing and provide passenger identification in the case of a flight diversion to another country.  

Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia. A passport is necessary and a visa may be required. Refer to your travel agent or the Department of Home Affairs for further details.

Duty free purchases may be made for travel to and from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Quarantine

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are home to some unique species of wildlife. The Islands are also free of many pests and diseases that are found in other parts of the world. The Department of Agriculture is the border agency charged with the task of protecting the environment and human health from pest or disease incursions. The department's objective is to facilitate the movement of passengers, cargo, aircraft and vessels in the way that minimises any inconvenience to the people involved while maintaining the quarantine integrity of the islands. This is achieved through various reporting, screening, inspection and treatment mechanisms. Certain products are prohibited on the islands while other items may require some form of treatment before they may be released.

Any person wishing to know more about the quarantine requirements on Christmas Island or the Cocos (Keeling) Islands should refer to the Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry webpage or phone 1800 900 090.

Importation of cats and dogs

Under the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire local law on Animal Control, the Shire has the right to refuse applications for the importation of cats and dogs. The Shire also has the discretion to approve the importation of a dog if it is an assistance animal. If a person wishes to import an assistance animal, an application can be made in writing to the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Services

Tourism

For accommodation, details are available from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association.

For information on restaurants and bars, shopping, car hire and information for visiting yachts, please refer to the Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre.

Banking

Most businesses on West Island accept credit cards, a few accept Diners and Amex, and several now have EFTPOS facilities.

There are no Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) on the island, and visitors are advised to bring sufficient cash.

Postal services

Post Offices on both West and Home Islands provide postal and philatelic services. Opening hours are limited.

Postal services to Cocos are twice weekly. Envelopes and Express Post Packages will be sent by air. Other mail, including airmail packages, will be sent via sea mail which may take up to two months for delivery.

Freight

Freight to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands may be sent by air or sea. Air freighter services depart from Perth, every fortnight. Sea freight is from Fremantle, Western Australia every four to six weeks.

For further information:

Telecommunications

Four television stations are broadcast from Western Australia via satellite. These are ABC, SBS, WIN and GWN. A local radio station, 6CKI—Voice of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, is staffed by community volunteers and provides some local content. ABC Regional Radio and FM music stations are also broadcast.

As television and radio stations are broadcast through a satellite service rainfall may cause interference.

The telephone service is part of the Australian network. The local area code is 08 and international is +61 8. There is no mobile reception on Cocos, but most accommodation providers offer WiFi access.

Internet dongles can be booked online in advance of your travel through the Community Resource Centre. Public phones are also available and are located on both West Island and Home Island.

Electricity

Electricity on Cocos is generated by two diesel plants, one on West Island and one on Home Island.

Both power stations are currently managed and maintained by the Water Corporation of Western Australia under an SDA with the Australian Government.

Water

Water is pumped from several water lenses located beneath West and Home Island. A reverse osmosis plant is used to supplement the water supply on Home Island. The water supply is managed and maintained by the Water Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government.

Newspapers

Papers are generally not available for purchase. However, a number of mainland magazines and newspapers are available to read at the community library at the West Island School Campus.

The Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Cocos Islands Community Resource Centre produce The Atoll, a fortnightly local newsletter.

Recreation

Recreation is centred on the Islands' natural resources and is predominantly water based. Local tour operators provide guided cultural tours on Home Island, including snorkelling, diving, island hopping and fishing. The lagoon also offers excellent conditions for windsurfing, kite boarding and sailing.

A key part of the social life of the West Island community centres on the Cocos Club and various activities. Visitors to Cocos are welcome to use the Club and join in other activities including tennis, golf and Hash House Harriers. Check the blackboard outside the Cocos Club for details. These activities are usually organised by volunteers.

Scroungers Golf Club is the only nine-hole golf course played over an international runway. Players tee-off every Thursday and must be coordinated with the Club to ensure approvals are in place.

Many events are held throughout the year to celebrate the varied cultural aspects of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These events are linked to special days, such as New Year, Australia Day, Act of Self Determination Day and Hari Raya. Visitors are welcome to join in these celebrations and details are available from the Tourism Association.

A ferry operates between Home Island and West Island Monday to Saturday. Operating times can be found on the website of the Cocos Islands Co-Operative Society Limited. The Islands unique history and culture can be viewed at the Home Island museum. Tours can also be arranged by contacting the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association.

Dress

The relaxed attitude of the islands is reflected in the casual attire worn by residents and visitors. Business dress is smart casual. A hat and sunscreen is recommended when outdoors and reef shoes or sandshoes should be worn in the water to avoid injury from the coral.

When visiting Home Island, visitors are requested to wear appropriate clothing to respect the community's dress standards. Women and men are asked to wear modest outfits which cover the shoulders and upper legs.

Health

Special vaccinations and medications are not required for travel to Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It is important to ensure that supplies of personal medications are brought for the duration of the intended travel, as supplies of special medication may be limited and could take up to a week to obtain. Pharmaceuticals and general supplies are available from the chemist.

Health clinics operate on both West Island and Home Island providing essential health services. People sustaining serious illness or injuries may be sent to Perth for treatment. It is important for people to check their health and travel insurance before travelling to the Islands.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the Indian Ocean at latitude 12°10" south and longitude 96°52" east. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands welcomes visiting yachts and provides anchorages at Direction Island.

On approach,  all yachts must contact the local police on Channel 20 VHF. Once cleared by the Customs Officer you may leave your vessel and visit the Islands. All passengers and crew must remain on board until policy clearance has been granted, and customs and quarantine procedures have been completed.

Supplies of fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce are generally limited.

A Cocos Vessel Code of Conduct and further information is available on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands visitor website.