U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24
2100 Copenhagen
Denmark
Telephone: +(45) 3341-7100
Ask a Question Using Our Contact Form

U.S. Consulate Nuuk
Postboks Nr. 552
Kujallerpaat 1
3900 Nuuk
Greenland
The U.S. Consulate in Nuuk does not provide routine consular services. For assistance, contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen.

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the Kingdom of Denmark for information on U.S.- Kingdom of Denmark relations. 

Denmark is a party to the Schengen Agreement.

• We recommend your passport be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry into the Schengen area. We recommend six months because your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen area, and immigration authorities may admit you for a period of up to three months. For additional information about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet and the EU’s page on Travel Documents for non-EU Nationals.
• You may enter Denmark for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa, regardless of whether you have stayed in another Schengen country before your entry into Denmark. Review the Danish Immigration Service’s page on Visa-Free Travel for more information.
• If you are a student or prospective student, your student visa will allow you to stay in Denmark for the standard duration of your educational program. Review the Danish Immigration Service’s page on studying in Denmark for more information.
• The Faroe Islands are not party to the Schengen Agreement; however, you may travel there for 90 days for business or tourism purposes without a visa. Residence and work permits are issued exclusively for the Faroe Islands and are not valid in Schengen countries. Review the Danish Immigration Service’s page on entry requirements for the Faroe Islands for more information.

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen area.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our page for U.S. Travelers in Europe.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the European Union’s webpage on Travel Documents for Non-EU Nationals.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: No HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to or foreign residents of Denmark.

Dual Nationality: As of September 1, 2015, the Kingdom of Denmark allows the acquisition of dual citizenship. Review the following Danish government resources for additional information:

• Danish Embassy in Washington
• Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack—including knives, firearms, and vehicles—to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship and associated institutions
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Organized crime groups operate in Denmark, including in and around Copenhagen. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and immediately leave the area if they feel threatened. In response to crime, Danish police may establish “Search Zones” to stop and search individuals at random.

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers operate aggressively in areas frequented by tourists, on trains and buses, and at transit stations, including Copenhagen Central Station, Copenhagen Airport, and quays. Do not place any bags containing valuables, such as your passport or credit cards, on the ground or on the back of a chair in public places, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Monitor your personal electronics, which are particularly attractive to thieves. Review the OSAC Crime and Safety Report for more information on crime in Denmark.

When traveling or living in the Kingdom of Denmark, you should:

• Be aware of the local security situation and take appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.
• Monitor media and local information sources, and incorporate updated information and recommendations into your travel plans and activities.
• Address specific safety concerns to Danish law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all residents and visitors.
• Exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
• If stopped by the police, cooperate and be ready to present identification.

Demonstrations occur regularly in Denmark. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on holidays, or during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Large public gatherings can affect public and private transportation.
• Monitor local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +45 3341-7100 for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. If you are victim of crime in the Faroe Islands, please contact the Embassy at +45 3341-7100 for further assistance.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Victim Compensation Program: Denmark has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious injuries due to crime.

• You must file a police report within 72 hours.
• Local police or the Danish Criminal Injuries Compensation Board can provide the forms to file for compensation.
• The expected case processing time can be found in the acknowledgment letter that the board sends to you or your representative when the board has received the application for compensation and the criminal case from the police.
• More information about compensation payments to victims of serious crime is available at the Compensation Board’s website.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance by calling +45 3341-7100. Domestic violence victims are also encouraged to file a police report with local police by calling 112.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules regarding best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to arrive and stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for coverage abroad.

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate them, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Furthermore, some crimes may be prosecuted in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice web page on extraterritorial crimes.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our web page for further information.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Driving under the influence may lead to confiscation of your driver’s license and immediate detention.
• Possession of weapons of any kind, including pocketknives and pepper spray, may result in criminal penalties.
• Your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution if you break the law in the Kingdom of Denmark.

Danish Compulsory Military Service: All male citizens 18 years of age and resident in Denmark must participate in a military draft.   Conscription periods vary from four to 12 months, based on the section of the armed forces to which you are assigned.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQIA+Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQIA+ events in the Kingdom of Denmark.

See our LGBTQIA+ Travel Information page and our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Danish law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care or other state services. In addition:

• Danish law mandates access to buildings, education, information, and communications for persons with disabilities.
• Public transportation can accommodate persons with disabilities, but many buildings and outdoor sites are not easily accessible for the disabled.
• Accessibility information is available at Visit Denmark.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Excellent medical facilities are widely available in Denmark. Hospitals are modern, fully equipped, and most professional staff will speak English. Medical facilities in the Faroe Islands are generally well equipped, though more complex procedures could require evacuation to Denmark.

For life-threatening emergencies in Denmark and the Faroe Islands, dial 112.

• For non-life-threatening emergencies, you can call a medical helpline, staffed by English-speaking physicians and nurses, who will coordinate an appointment for you at an emergency room or health clinic. In greater Copenhagen, you can call 1813. In other regions of Denmark, consult the table below. If you appear at an emergency room with a non-life-threatening emergency without calling in advance, you could be turned away.

• The Danish medical system will provide emergency medical care; however, you could be charged for services after they are rendered.
• Ambulance services are widely available throughout Denmark but are more limited in the Faroe Islands.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply abroad.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad. Most care providers abroad only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for coverage abroad. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel abroad. 

Medical Evacuation: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Prescription Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, review the Danish Medicines Agency’s guidance on bringing medicine into Denmark to confirm the medication is legal in the Kingdom of Denmark.   Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Danish roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country.

• Driving in the Kingdom of 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.
• Bicycles are widely used in Denmark, and bike lanes are very common.
• Bicycles have the right-of-way. Many accidents occur when pedestrians and vehicles fail to give the right-of-way to bicycles.

Most of the Faroe Islands are interconnected by roads, tunnels, and boats. On the large islands, even small hamlets are generally accessible by road. Travel on the smaller islands is mostly done on foot.

Traffic Laws:

• You must be 18 years of age to drive a car in the Kingdom of Denmark.
• Your U.S. state’s driver’s license is acceptable in Denmark for up to 90 days.
• Long-term residents must obtain a valid Danish driver’s license.
• In Denmark, the speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas, 80 kilometers per hour on open roads, and 130 kilometers per hour on expressways, unless otherwise noted on traffic signs.
• You must use your seat belt while driving in a vehicle.
• Children between 3-12 years of age, under 36 kilograms, or less than 135 centimeters must be in a car seat.
• Driving any vehicle, including a bicycle, under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a serious offense. 
• It is illegal to make a right turn on a red light in the Kingdom of Denmark.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
• Laws are strictly enforced, and violations can result in high fines and lengthy jail sentences.

Public Transportation: Denmark has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark and with Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Germany. Review Visit Denmark, the national tourism agency, and the Danish Road Directorate’s websites for additional information. See our road safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Denmark’s air carrier operations.   Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to the Kingdom of Denmark should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings (select “broadcast warnings”).