Yes, you must go through this process because your visa will be checked in paperback form on different platforms and by different officers.
Any person he/she who has a valid passport can apply for the visa.
One should apply for a visa at least 1 or 2 months before their travel date.
Both categories are being applied for Cook Islands visas, you can choose between plans for single entry or multiple entries
You can get a Cook Islands an visa by going through your country's embassy or consulate.