{"slug":"denmark","title":"Denmark travel advice","updated_at":"2026-08-11T10:18:28+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:18:28Z","change_description":"Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. </p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Denmark set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://storbritannien.um.dk/en/about-us\">Danish Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Denmark follows <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm\">Schengen area rules</a>. Your passport must:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area</li>\n  <li>have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area\">travel without a visa to the Schengen area</a>, which includes Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as a tourist</li>\n  <li>to visit family or friends</li>\n  <li>to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events</li>\n  <li>for short-term studies or training</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-denmark-for-work\">requirements for working in Denmark</a> are different.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.</p>\n\n<p>At Danish border control, you may also need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>show a return or onward ticket</li>\n  <li>prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"staying-longer-than-90-days-in-a-180-day-period\">Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period</h3>\n\n<p>To stay longer, you must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply\">meet the Danish government’s entry requirements</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you stay in Denmark with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.</p>\n\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-denmark#passports-and-travel\">entry processes if you live in Denmark</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"id-for-travel-from-denmark-to-sweden\">ID for travel from Denmark to Sweden</h3>\n\n<p>If you are travelling from Denmark to Sweden, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.oresunddirekt.se/en/find-a-job-in-denmark/commute-from-sweden-to-denmark/border-control-when-entering-sweden\">information on border control requirements</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"visas-for-greenland-and-the-faroe-islands\">Visas for Greenland and the Faroe Islands</h3>\n\n<p>Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not members of the EU. You do not need a visa to enter for tourism. If you plan to live and work there, you must get a work and residence permit – <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/The-Faroe-Islands-and-Greenland\">apply for residence in Greenland or the Faroe Islands</a>.</p>\n\n<div class=\"call-to-action\">\n  <h2 id=\"new-schengen-entry-requirements\">New Schengen entry requirements </h2>\n\n  <p>The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. </p>\n\n  <p>This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration. </p>\n\n  <p>On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. </p>\n\n  <p>You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.</p>\n\n  <p>EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.</p>\n\n  <p>If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. </p>\n\n  <p>Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.</p>\n\n  <p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system\">information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area</a>.</p>\n\n  <p>If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply\">the EU’s official Travel Europe website.</a></p>\n\n  <p>If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"delays-at-passport-control\">Delays at passport control</h2>\n\n<p>Following the introduction of EES, you may experience delays at passport control when arriving at or departing from Copenhagen Airport on flights to or from non-Schengen countries, including the UK.</p>\n\n<p>You should allow extra time when travelling through the airport.</p>\n\n<p>If you have a short onward connection, you should take this into account when planning your journey.</p>\n\n<p>If you need assistance, for example if you are travelling with young children or have accessibility requirements, speak to airport staff wearing yellow vests who are managing the queues.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"border-controls-at-germanys-land-borders\">Border controls at Germany’s land borders  </h2>\n\n<p>There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements\">entry requirements for Germany</a>.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/64/denmark#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Denmark guide</a></li>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/78/denmark-faroe-islands#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Faroe Islands guide</a></li>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/92/greenland#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Greenland guide</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://toldst.dk/en-us/individuals/special-rules-for-special-items\">goods you can take into or out of Denmark</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<p>It is illegal to import whale products from Greenland or the Faroe Islands into the UK or EU. You could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-denmark\">Taking food into Denmark</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en\">meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries</a>. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-denmark\">Taking money into Denmark</h3>\n\n<p>Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://toldst.dk/en-us/individuals/travel/if-you-are-travelling-with-large-amounts-of-valuables\">10,000 euros or more</a>. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-denmark\">Terrorism in Denmark</h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Denmark cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<p>Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\"> Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas, mainly in Copenhagen.</p>\n\n<p>Thieves use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly on crowded public transport. They sometimes also operate in hotel lobbies, cafes and restaurants.</p>\n\n<p>Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money, safe. Keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment, when travelling on trains to and from the airport.</p>\n\n<p>Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in the following areas of Copenhagen:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>the central station</li>\n  <li>Nørreport Station</li>\n  <li>the main shopping street, Strøget</li>\n  <li>other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv</li>\n  <li>inside Copenhagen Kastrup Airport</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"dress-code\">Dress code</h3>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to wear clothing that conceals your face in a public place in Denmark. There are legal exemptions – for example, face masks for health reasons. If you cover your face in public, you may get a fine of 1,000 krone (around £115). If you do it again, the fine can increase.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in small quantities. Severe penalties apply for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.</p>\n\n<p>You should expect long jail sentences of up to 10 years and substantial heavy fines.</p>\n\n<p>Airports in Denmark have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>Same-sex relationships and marriage are legal in Denmark.</p>\n\n<p>Read <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.   </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Denmark, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/denmark/\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Denmark guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Denmark. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.  </p>\n\n<p>Cyclists often have the right of way. Always check cycle lanes before turning right. Pedestrians also often have right of way to cross ahead of you if you are turning at traffic lights.</p>\n\n<p>Check if you need a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-symbols-and-identifiers\">UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you are visiting Denmark, you may be able to use your <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-using-it-in-the-eu/using-a-blue-badge-in-the-european-union\">Blue Badge</a> in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"bicycles-and-scooters\">Bicycles and scooters</h3>\n\n<p>Many bicycle accidents happen when pedestrians do not give the right of way to bicycles. There are online guides in English on cycling in Denmark at <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/biking\">Visit Copenhagen</a> and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cyklistforbundet.dk/english/\">Danish Cyclists’ Federation</a> (’Cyklistforbundet’).</p>\n\n<p>Electric scooters are subject to road traffic rules. If you hire and use a scooter under the influence of alcohol, you could be prosecuted for drink-driving and you may be fined.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"arctic-travel\">Arctic travel</h3>\n\n<p>Greenland is in the Arctic Circle, and most of it is very remote. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue services are limited in these areas. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/arctic-travel-safety-advice\">Arctic travel safety advice</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"greenland\">Greenland</h3>\n\n<p>Travel between towns is by air, sea or dogsled only. Arctic weather can affect travel, and you should be prepared for delays and cancellations.</p>\n\n<p>During busy periods or when there is travel disruption, there may be no accommodation available unless you have booked ahead.</p>\n\n<p>Supply chains are limited and travel times are long. Make sure you travel with sufficient prescription medication for all of your time in Greenland.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"the-faroe-islands\">The Faroe Islands</h3>\n\n<p>Smaller roads may be unpaved and winding.</p>\n\n<p>The weather can change quickly, and you should prepare appropriately for the activity you are planning.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","It is illegal to import whale products from Greenland or the Faroe Islands into the UK or EU.","Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more .","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in small quantities.","If you hire and use a scooter under the influence of alcohol, you could be prosecuted for drink-driving and you may be fined.","Make sure you travel with sufficient prescription medication for all of your time in Greenland."]}
