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Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands
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June 03, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Denmark is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. Greenland is a self-governing dependency of Denmark.
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark. For additional information, visit the
State Department Background Notes on Denmark.
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 Schengen fact sheet. Passport and visa regulations are similar for Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroes. 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.
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 sheet.
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SAFETY AND SECURITY: Denmark remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, the country shares, with the rest of Western Europe, an increased threat of Islamic terrorism. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Denmark’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. Americans 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 comprised 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. American 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.
Tourists traveling on cruise ships in Greenland should be aware that, due to long distances between populated areas, search and rescue capabilities in and around Greenland are limited. 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.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State‘s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. 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 American 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 information on A Safe Trip 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.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is 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 criminal injuries. 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; Email: erstatningsnaevnet@erstatningsnaevnet.dk. Claim processing time is a minimum of 3 months. There is no maximum award limit.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Denmark is 112.
See our information for 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 protection 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. Persons violating Denmark’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Denmark are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The official unit of currency in Denmark is the Danish krone. ATMs are widely available throughout Denmark. Please see our Customs Information sheet.
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.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of, Denmark.
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's website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
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. The information below concerning Denmark is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
A valid U.S. driver's license may be used while visiting Denmark but the driver must be at least 18 years old. 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 possible jail sentences.
Copenhagen, the capital of and largest city in 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 by 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 website.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information, see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Denmark are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the
State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Denmark. Americans without Internet access may
register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy
or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24; 2100 Copenhagen,
telephone: (45) 33-41-71-00; Embassy fax: (45) 35-43-02-23; Consular Section fax: (45) 35-38-96-16; After-hours emergency
telephone: (45) 35-55-92-70. Information is also available via the U.S. Embassy’s website. The United States has no consular presence in Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 26, 2008 to update the section on Safety and Security.
