U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
Consular Information Sheet
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U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet |
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February 13, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Denmark is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. Greenland is a self-governing dependency of Denmark. The Faeroe Islands are a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark.
Detailed information on Denmark is available at the Danish government’s official website at www.denmark.dk.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport and visa regulations are similar for Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroes. A valid passport is required. Tourist and business travelers do not need visas for visits of up to three months (the 90-day period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). For further information on entry requirements for Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, travelers may contact the Royal Danish Embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008, phone (202) 234-4300 or consult http://www.denmarkemb.org.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Danish laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Danish citizens. For additional information, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of Denmark or any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations in Denmark, and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security for participants and passers-by. Nonetheless, 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.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
CRIME: Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroes all have relatively low crime rates. Nonetheless, travelers in Copenhagen and other major Danish cities are 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, shopping streets and 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. Car and home break-ins are also on the rise.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to 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 could 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.
If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while you are in Denmark, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen for information about passport replacement. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Excellent medical facilities are widely available in Denmark. In Greenland and the Faeroe 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.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State 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. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it life-saving. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: 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 hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who/int/ith.
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.
Safety of public transportation: excellent
Urban road conditions/maintenance: excellent
Rural road conditions/maintenance: good
Availability of roadside assistance: goodA 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.
Use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children under three must be seated in approved child or booster seats. Drivers may not use a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle. 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 and largest city in Denmark, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. There is also a reliable train and bus network connecting Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark.
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 Faeroe Islands are connected by bridges or serviced by boat. Although the largest islands have roads, most domestic travel is done on foot, horseback, boat or air.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Danish driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Danish Tourist Board in New York via the Internet at http://www.denmark.org.The emergency telephone number for police/fire/ambulance in Denmark and the Faeroe Islands is 112. In Greenland contact the local police.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category One -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Denmark’s air carrier operations. This rating applies to Greenland and the Faeroe Islands as well. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Danish customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into and export from Denmark of items such as firearms and medications. It is advisable to contact the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, DC, or one of Denmark’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Danish customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (admission temporaire/temporary admission) carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.
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 possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Denmark are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The official unit of currency in Denmark is the Danish kroner. ATM machines are widely available throughout Denmark.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/children’s_issues.html or contact the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by dialing 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Denmark are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen and obtain updated information on travel and security within Denmark. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24; 2100 Copenhagen, tel: (45) 35-55-31-44; embassy fax: (45) 35-43-02-23; consular section fax: (45) 35-38-96-16. After hours emergencies: tel: (45) 35-55-92-70. Information is also available via the U.S. Embassy Copenhagen Internet home page at http://denmark.usembassy.gov/. The United States has no consular presence in Greenland or the Faeroe Islands.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 2, 2003, to update the sections on Country Description, Dual Nationality, Safety and Security, Crime, Traffic Safety, Special Circumstances and Children’s Issues.
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