Denmark

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Denmark's domestic terror threat level is set to 'significant' (level 4 of 5).

The Danish Government has security measures in place, including at airports and major train stations.

The threat of right-wing extremism is rising, and ISIL-inspired extremism continues to be a threat.

In the past few years, authorities have arrested several people suspected of planning terrorist attacks. Terrorists are likely to keep planning attacks.

Terrorists have staged attacks in several European cities. Targets have included:

• aviation
• public transport and transport hubs
• sporting venues
• places of mass gathering, including those popular with travellers

European security services have also stopped some planned attacks.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Danish Security and Intelligence Service (English)

Serious crime is low.

There have been incidents of gang-related crime in Copenhagen, especially in Nørrebro/Nordvest area and Christiania.

Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work together, targeting people in tourist areas, including hotel lobbies and public transport in and around Copenhagen.

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings on public transport, at national landmarks, museums, railway stations and restaurants, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Civil unrest is rare and protests are generally peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Monitor the media and plan your travel to avoid affected areas.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

There are many adventure activities in Denmark, including in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

To stay safe:

• check you have everything you need for adventure activities, including the right equipment
• ensure you're fit enough to do these activities
• always let people know where you're going
• follow local advice and check weather forecasts.

The weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer months.

Check your travel insurance covers these activities. Include coverage for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
• if proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider

Polar bears have killed and injured travellers in Greenland. Don't approach polar bears.

Cruise Ship Travel

Most of the areas in the Arctic, especially around Greenland, are uncharted and covered by ice. Search and rescue operations in Arctic waters may take several days to arrive and are unlikely to offer advanced life support.

Before you go on a cruise, make sure you take steps to be prepared and reduce the risks of things going wrong.

More information:

• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

Extreme weather can impact your travel. Monitor local media for updates.

Although the main peninsular of Denmark is not prone to extreme weather or natural disasters, travellers to Greenland or the Faroe Islands should plan accordingly.

Some places in the Arctic are a long way from mobile coverage and help, including:

• search and rescue
• evacuation
• medical facilities.

Search and rescue teams in the region are highly skilled. However, help depends on the weather and sea conditions in an emergency. If you need assistance, you may have to wait a long time.

If you need to be rescued or evacuated in Greenland, the search and rescue operation could cost you thousands of dollars. Plan accordingly.

If severe weather affects the area you're visiting:

• confirm plans and activities with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of buildings and facilities with local tour operators and hotels.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

For specific information on bringing medication into Denmark, refer to the Danish Medicines Agency.

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Health risks in the Arctic can include:

• frostbite
• dehydration
• severe sunburn
• snow blindness
• hypothermia

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic
• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Denmark for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you medical evacuations and hospital stays. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities in the main peninsula of Demark is similar to Australia. There are major hospitals in Copenhagen, Aarhus and the Odense area. English is widely spoken.

Costs are similar to, or more than, private treatment in Australia.

Medical services and facilities in Greenland and the Faroe Islands are limited. Evacuations can be required for serious illness or injury.

Drugs

Penalties for drug possession, use or trafficking, even small amounts, include heavy fines and prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to wear clothing which covers the face while in a public place. You'll be fined if you don't comply, and the fine increases for repeat offenders. The law applies to both residents and visitors.

Penalties for vandalism, such as graffiti, may include fines, jail and/or deportation.

There are restrictions on flying drones. Contact the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority for more information and guidance on registration.

Holders of Australian superannuation accounts should seek advice on taxation before moving to Denmark.

Denmark recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

The main peninsula of Denmark is part of the Schengen area, along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Denmark without a visa in some situations.

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Greenland and the Faroe Islands aren't part of the Schengen area or the EU. Entry to Greenland and the Faroe Islands without a visa is possible for Visa-free countries.

Get a legible entry stamp on your passport when you enter the Schengen area for the first time.

Check the Schengen Convention before you travel.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Denmark for details about visas, currency customs and quarantine rules.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. The Australian Government can't help you if you don't.

There are sporadic border controls between Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Border forces will only grant entry if you can present a valid passport.

If you're entering Denmark by boat, a valid passport is a requirement, even if you're entering from another Schengen country.

Make sure you:

• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area
• monitor border conditions by checking local sources and asking transport providers directly.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK).

If you travel between Denmark and any non-EU country, you must declare cash of over 10,000 euros (or equivalent). This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare or give the wrong information on entry or exit, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

ATMs are common, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

Check if your credit card has 'chip and PIN' technology. Many hotels, restaurants and shops need this.

Travel to Greenland

Greenland has no serious personal security concerns, and the crime rate is low. However, the weather is extreme.

Flights can often be delayed or cancelled at short notice. You may need to remain in Greenland for some time.

There are no roads or railways between towns. Travel is by air, sea, ski, snowmobile or dogsled only.

Limited medical facilities are available in Greenland. Patients may be evacuated by helicopter to the capital or neighbouring Iceland for treatment.

Search and rescue response may come from many hundreds of kilometres away. They can only provide basic transport and medical care. Make sure you have accessible funds‎ and travel insurance ‎that cover your overseas medical costs, including hospitalisation and medical evacuation.

Travel to the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have no serious personal security concerns, and the crime rate is low. However, the weather is extreme.

Flights can often be delayed or cancelled at short notice. You may need to remain in the Faroe Islands for some time.

Limited medical facilities are available in parts of the Faroe Islands. You may be evacuated to Tórshavn (the capital of the Faroe Islands), neighbouring Iceland, or to the main peninsula of Denmark for treatment.

Search and rescue response may come from many hundreds of kilometres away. They can only provide basic transport and medical care. Make sure you have accessible funds‎ and travel insurance ‎that cover your overseas medical costs, including hospitalisation and medical evacuation.

More information:

• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

Driving permit

To drive, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Always keep your headlights on.

Roads can be dangerous in winter because of ice. Vehicles are required to have winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March. Check local rules.

When driving, check cycle lanes before turning. Cyclists often have the right of way.

Take care not to walk on cycle lanes. Look both ways before crossing one-way streets, as bicycle traffic is often allowed in both directions. Accidents and injuries resulting from collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are common.

E-Scooters are common in larger cities:

• you don't need a driver's licence to ride them, but you must be over 15 years of age
• they mustn't be driven on pedestrian footpaths
• lights are required any time it is in operation
• you can't take passengers on e-scooters
• it's mandatory to wear a helmet when riding an e-scooter.

More information:

• Road safety
• Driving regulations in Denmark
• Danish Road Traffic Authority 

Cycling

Plan your route ahead of time. Cycling is prohibited on motorways and some highways.

Cycling-related accidents are the most common cause of injury among foreigners visiting Denmark.

If renting a bicycle, familiarise yourself with Denmark's cycling rules before riding.

Helmets are recommended but not compulsory when riding a bicycle or electric bike with a 25km/h top speed. For e-bikes and electric scooters with a top speed above 25km/h, helmets are mandatory, and fines apply if you do not wear one.

More information:

• Cyklistforbundet (Danish Cyclists' Federation)
• Cycling in Copenhagen | International.kk.dk

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis.

Public transport

Public transport is efficient and of a high standard.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Copenhagen is a hub for cruise travel to the Baltic and the Arctic regions.

Before you book a cruise, check the following:

• experience and reputation of cruise operators
• standard of onboard medical facilities.

You might be going somewhere far from search-and-rescue, evacuation and medical facilities.

Check your travel insurance covers you for the type of travel you're doing. Ensure it covers any pre-existing medical conditions.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

Air travel

Check Denmark's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline.

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112

If not life-threatening, call +45 1813 to be referred to a hospital.

Police

Call 112.

Call 114 or go to the local police station to report a crime. Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen

Dampfaergevej 26
2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen

Phone: +45 7026 3676
Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: denmark.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland
X: @AusAmbDK

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia