Denmark Travel Information

Entry to Denmark

From 1 March, those resident in the UK will be able to enter Denmark if they have a worthy purpose. You can see the list of worthy purposes on the Danish coronavirus website. This is a more extensive list than in recent months. You will need to provide evidence of your worthy purpose.

All UK resident travellers must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before entry. Children aged 12 and under are exempt.

Danish citizens, UK nationals resident in Denmark, or other persons resident in Denmark will continue to be able to enter Denmark. If travelling by air, you will also need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before check-in.

The Danish authorities also require you take a test on arrival and to self-isolate for 10 days. There is an option to test to release after 4 days with a PCR test. There are some exemptions including those delivering goods and services in /out of Denmark.

You can check with the Danish authorities on their helpline (+45 7020 6044) for advice on the conditions of entry for foreign nationals.

You can also keep up to date at the Danish coronavirus website.

Face masks at Danish airports

It is now compulsory to wear face masks on flights with several airlines. You should check with your airline before travel. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks. It is compulsory to wear a mask throughout terminals in Danish airports. You should wear a medical mask from the moment you enter the terminals, on board the plane, and until you leave again upon arrival. It is recommended by the Danish health authorities to change the mask every 3 to 4 hours.

Travel to the Faroe Islands

All UK resident travellers to the Faroe Islands must have a special worthy purpose to enter in line with the Danish government’s stricter requirements.

You should check the latest guidance on entry requirements for travel to the Faroe Islands before departure.

You will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival. A follow up test on the sixth day of the visit is strongly recommended. Children younger than 12 do not need to be tested. Travellers will have to pay for the test. Each test costs approximately DKK 312 – 390.

You should expect long waiting times upon arrival.

All travellers should self-isolate until they have received the result of the follow-up test that can be taken six days after arrival. You shouldread the guidelines for home quarantine before you travel.

If you need further guidance or information on COVID-19 in the Faroe Islands you can visit the Faroe Islands’ dedicated website or call the Faroese Corona Hotline on +298 30 40 40 (open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm).

Travel to Greenland

Up until 18 April, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless you are a critical worker and your travel is approved by Greenland’s Corona Secretariat. All travellers on flights out of Greenland to Denmark will not be affected.

For further information regarding travel from Denmark to Greenland between 1 January and 18 April 2021, you can contact Greenland’s Corona Secretariat at [email protected].

You can keep up to date at Visit Greenland’s travel advice.

Regular entry requirements

The Danish authorities increased border controls at the land border with Germany in January 2016. Border controls were also introduced in November 2019 for travellers from Rønne, Helsingør, Frederikshavn, Grenaa and those using the Øresund Bridge, including all train traffic from Sweden. These checks are temporary but will be in place for an unspecified period of time.

If you’re travelling using the land border, or by rail, road, or ferry you should make sure you have your passport with you. Allow additional time, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. Check with local media, your carrier, ferry operator or Danish State Railways (DSB) for more information.

When crossing from Denmark to Sweden various forms of ID are accepted, but must include a photograph, the holder’s full name, social security number or date of birth, holders signature, a stated validity and information on the issuing authority. Children under 18 accompanied by an adult with the appropriate ID are not required to carry ID themselves.

Visas

Greenland and the Faroe Islands aren’t members of the European Union. You don’t need a visa to enter for tourism, but you should get a work and residence permit before entry if you intend to live and work there.

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:

• you can travel to countries in the Schengen areafor up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
• if you are travelling to Denmark and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days
• to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Danish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Danish Embassywhat type of visa, if any, you will need
• if you are in Denmark with a visa or permit, this does not count towards your 90-day visa free limit

Any time you spent in Denmark or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

At Danish border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Denmark. If you are resident in Denmark, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Denmark guide.

Passport validity

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Denmark. Your ETD must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Crime

Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas mainly around Copenhagen.

Be aware that thieves can use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly when getting on and off from crowded public transport. Thieves are also known to operate opportunistically around hotel lobby areas and in cafes and restaurants.

Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money secure. You should also keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment when travelling on trains to and from the airport.

This kind of crime is more common at the central station, Nørreport Station and on the main shopping street called Strøget and other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. Pickpockets are also known to operate inside Kastrup airport.

You should take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.

Local travel

Public transport is generally of a very high standard. You can buy bus, train and metro tickets at train station kiosks and some supermarkets. Downloading the DOT app lets you buy tickets online and get up-to-date travel information including the latest coronavirus guidance for public transport. You should check before travelling.

For intercity travel in Denmark, a seat reservation is required. All seat reservations are free at dsb.dk or ticket machines at stations.

There are outlets across many Danish cities that hire out quality bicycles for a reasonable fee.

Bicycles are widely used in Denmark and cycle lanes are commonplace. Many accidents occur when pedestrians don’t give the right of way to bicycles. Guides on cycling in Denmark have been published in English on the websites of Visit Copenhagen and Cyklistforbundet (Danish Cyclists’ Federation).

Electric scooters are available as a means of transport in and around Copenhagen and other locations in Denmark. Electric scooters are subject to road traffic rules; hiring and using these scooters under the influence of alcohol could result in a drink driver offence and a fine.

Ferries are available to transport you to Denmark’s many islands.

Road travel

Licences and documents

You can drive in Denmark with a UK driving licence.

If you’re living in Denmark, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving standards

Road conditions in Denmark are good and driving standards are fairly high. In 2019 there were 199 road deaths in Denmark (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 3.40 road deaths per 100,000 of the population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.

Driving regulations

Always wear seatbelts.

You must drive with dipped headlights at all times and they should be masked with special European opaque material available from most garages in the UK and Ireland. It is now law in Denmark to indicate before changing lanes on a motorway. You should carry a warning triangle in case of breakdowns.

Sanctions for speeding have become tougher. Those caught driving 100km/h in a 50km/h zone or past road works with a 50km/h restriction may immediately lose their licence.

You must give due consideration to the many cyclists present in Danish cities. Cyclists often have the right of way. It is particularly important that you check cycle lanes before turning right. See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides on driving in Denmark.

Employment

You should check carefully whether any offers of employment for asphalting or seasonal work are genuine, as there have been examples of people being misled Information on working in Denmark is available at newtodenmark.dk.

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