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Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands
Country Specific Information
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February 03, 2010
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Denmark is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. Greenland is a self-governing part of the Kingdom
of Denmark. The Faroe Islands have home rule within the Kingdom of Denmark. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Denmark for additional information.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Denmark are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. The United States has no consular presence in Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjold Alle 24
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Telephone: +45 3341 7100
Emergency after-hours telephone: +45 3341 7400
Facsimile: +45 3538 9616
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Denmark is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Denmark for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schegen fact sheet.
NOTE: Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Danish kingdom, but they are not in the EU or a party to the Schengen Agreement. However, U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for short-term tourist or business travel to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
Contact the Royal Danish Embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20008 or by telephone at (202) 234-4300 for the most current visa information. Another source of useful information, available in both English and Danish, is the Danish Immigration Service website.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Denmark.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Denmark remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, the country shares, with the rest of Western Europe, an increased
threat of terrorism. In particular, the 2005 publishing of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad continues to impact Denmark’s
relations with the Muslim world and draw the attention of extremists to Denmark. One of the cartoonists was recently attacked
in his home by an extremist. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Denmark has open borders that allow the possibility
of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard
to their personal security and to exercise caution.
Public demonstrations occasionally occur in Copenhagen and other Danish cities, and are generally peaceful events. Prior
police approval is required for public demonstrations and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security
for participants and passers-by. Nonetheless, as with any large crowd composed of diverse groups, situations may develop
which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas where public demonstrations are taking
place.
From time to time, Copenhagen may experience protest activities from young people in their attempt to defend their self-proclaimed
rights to either property (club activity buildings) or other privileges provided by Danish public means. In the recent past,
such demonstrations have sometimes turned violent, involving attacks on the police and incidents of arson. U.S. citizens
should be aware that participation in illegal demonstrations or street riots may result in immediate imprisonment and long-term
bans on re-entering Denmark.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroes all have relatively low violent-crime rates; however, non-violent crimes of opportunity have increased over the last few years. Embassy Copenhagen has observed a significant increase in the number of passport thefts during the last few years. Especially in Copenhagen and other major Danish cities, tourists can become targets for pickpockets and sophisticated thieves. Criminals frequent airports, train stations, and cruise ship quays to take advantage of weary, luggage-burdened travelers. Thieves also operate at popular tourist attractions, along shopping streets, and in restaurants. In hotel lobbies and breakfast areas, thieves take advantage of even a brief lapse in attention to snatch jackets, purses, and backpacks. Women’s purses placed either on the backs of chairs or on the floor are typical targets for thieves. You should secure your personal possessions at all times. Car and home break-ins are more prevalent than a few years ago.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Denmark has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious injuries due to crime. According to
existing regulations, the victim must report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Danish police routinely inform victims
of serious crime of their rights to seek compensation. The relevant forms can be obtained from the police or the Danish Victims’ Compensation Board at Civilstyrelsen, Erstatningsnaevnet, Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen V; Tel: (45) 33-92- 3334; Fax: (45) 39-20-45-05.
Claim processing time is a minimum of 3 months. While there is no maximum award limit, victim compensation payments may
be far lower than equivalent payments in the U.S. given Denmark’s social welfare coverage.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Denmark is 112.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.
Persons violating Denmark’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Denmark are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Tourists contemplating travel on cruise ships near Greenland should be aware that due to long distances between populated
areas, search and rescue capabilities are limited. Currently, the combined search and rescue ship capacity is less than would
be needed to cope with one of the large cruise ships that frequent the ice shelf in Greenland. Search and rescue ships offer
a transport capacity and basic medical care, but are not advanced-life-support capable. There are uncharted waters in some
fjords, and frigid water temperatures even during the summer months. Emergency medical facilities in Greenland are limited
in number and types of services offered. Potential passengers are strongly urged to consider these factors and to check the
operational records and the experience of captains and crews operating vessels in Arctic waters when signing up for cruises
off the shores of Greenland.
When exploring Greenland by land, tourists are highly encouraged to hire experienced local guides. Given the similarity of
landmarks, long periods of darkness, and the potential for quick changing weather, persons unfamiliar with the area can become
easily disoriented and risk exposure to the elements for long periods. While the mountains in Greenland are of moderate altitude,
they are technically difficult and familiarity with ascent and descent routes is a must.
Given the remoteness of Greenland, visitors should strongly consider obtaining travel insurance which could pay any expenses
relating to illness, injury, or death. Although emergency medical assistance is mainly free of charge, even to tourists,
all additional services will have an extremely high cost. Emergency medical evacuations from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, to
Denmark would be expected to cost at least US $1,500, and evacuations from more remote interior regions could cost significantly
more. The cost of funeral services in Greenland is significantly higher than those in Denmark.
The official unit of currency in Denmark is the Danish krone. ATMs are widely available throughout Denmark.
For information concerning the importation of pets into Denmark, please visit the Danish Veterinary & Food Administration website.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Excellent medical facilities are widely available in Denmark. In Greenland and the Faroe Islands, medical facilities are
limited, and evacuation is required for serious illness or injury. Although emergency medical treatment is free of charge,
the patient is charged for follow-up care.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas, particularly if considering travel to Greenland, and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States.
Visitors who are at least 18 years old may use their valid U.S. driver's license to drive in Denmark for up to 90 days. However,
long-term residents must obtain a valid Danish driver’s license. Driving in Denmark is on the right side of the road. Road
signs use standard international symbols. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transport only. Unless
otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on expressways.
Use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children under three years of age must be secured with approved
safety equipment appropriate to the child's age, size, and weight. Children from three to six years of age may use approved
child or booster seats instead of seat belts.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a very serious offense. The rules are stringently enforced
and violations can result in stiff fines and jail sentences.
Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Trains
and buses connect Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark and to Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Bicycles are also a
common mode of transportation in Denmark. Passengers exiting public or tourist buses, as well as tourists driving rental
cars, should watch for bicycles on their designated paths, which are usually located between the pedestrian sidewalks and
the traffic lanes.
Danish expressways, highways, and secondary roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country. It is possible
to drive from the northern tip of Denmark to the German border in the south in just four hours. Greenland has no established
road system, and domestic travel is performed by foot, boat, or air. The majority of the Faroe Islands are connected by bridges
or serviced by boat. Although the largest islands have roads, most domestic travel is done on foot or horseback, or by boat
or air.
The emergency telephone number for police/fire/ambulance in the Faroe Islands is 112. In Greenland, contact the local police.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the Danish Road Directorate (Vejdirektoratet) website for information on driving in Denmark.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Denmark’s air carrier operations. This rating applies to Greenland and the Faroe Islands as well. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands dated 08/05/09, to update sections on Contact Information for the Embassy, Entry/Exit Requireements, Threats to Safety and Security, Victims of Crime, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
