Denmark

Terrorist attacks can occur at any time. In July 2022, a gunman at Field's Shopping Mall in Copenhagen killed 3 people and injured 7.

Denmark's 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 in Denmark.

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

To reduce your risks:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor local news
• take official warnings seriously
• follow advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Danish Security and Intelligence Service (English)

Violent crime

Serious crime is low.

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

There's a strict 'no photography' policy in Christiania. Travellers have been assaulted and robbed for taking photographs. 

Petty crime

Pickpockets often target people in tourist areas, including hotel lobbies and public transport in and around Copenhagen.

Pickpockets and bag snatchers sometimes work together to target people.

Take care of your belongings, especially on public transport, at national landmarks, museums, railway stations and restaurants. Keep your passport in a safe place.

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, 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.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and large public gatherings are not common. However, they can turn violent.

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

If civil unrest affects the area you're in, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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

Although 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.

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

Check you have everything you need for adventure activities, including the right equipment.

Ensure you're fit enough to do these activities.

To stay safe:

• follow local advice
• check weather forecasts
• always let people know where you're going.

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:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• 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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs and medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)

More information:

• Travel insurance

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal with the Danish Medicines Agency.

Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use.

More information:

• Medications

Health risks in Denmark are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Health risks in the Arctic can include:

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

More information:

• Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

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

Australia doesn't have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Denmark.

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

Emergency hospital treatment is usually free, but you must pay the follow-up costs.

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

Make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuations and hospital stays.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested Or Jailed Overseas

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.

Drink driving or speeding penalties may include heavy fines and/or jail. The legal limit is 0.5% blood alcohol and applies to the driver of any motorised vehicle. You may be banned from entering the Schengen area for up to 6 years if convicted.

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

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Denmark recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

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.

From November, the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

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 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

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You could end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK).

Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU). 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 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 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 the Faroe Islands. Patients may be evacuated by helicopter to the capital, neighbouring Iceland, or 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 in Denmark, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• 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. The use of winter tyres is recommended. Check local rules.

Cyclists are common.

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.

Get to know the local road rules before you drive or ride a vehicle.

Pedestrians and bicycles:

• bicycles are common
• many roads have bicycle pathways between the pedestrian footpath and the roadway, as well as bicycle traffic lights
• don't walk on these pathways. Cyclists travel fast and have the right of way
• 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:

• Driving or riding
• Visit Denmark

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

We don't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen

Dampfaergevej 26
2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen Ø DENMARK
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