Fire and rescue services
Call 112.
Medical emergencies
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Police
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
We now advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Denmark due to the threat of terrorism.
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to a hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
We now advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Denmark due to the threat of terrorism.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Denmark.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Denmark due to the threat of terrorism.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
To reduce your risks:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Denmark
There are many adventure activities in Denmark. These include mountain biking, kite surfing and extreme watersports.
Greenland
There are many adventure activities in Greenland. These include hiking, fjord sailing and dog sledding.
Polar bears have killed and injured travellers in Greenland. Don't approach Polar bears.
Faroe Islands
There are many adventure activities in the Faroe Islands. These include hiking, kayaking in the ocean, mountain biking, cliff jumping, surfing, rappelling, snorkelling, and speed boating.
Check you have everything you need for these activities, including the right equipment.
Ensure you're fit enough to do these activities.
To stay safe:
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:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs, including COVID-19 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 many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
More information:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Denmark. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you can find up-to-date information from the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen).
More information:
Other health risks
Other health risks in Denmark are broadly similar to those in Australia.
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.
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:
Drugs
Penalties for drug possession, use or trafficking, even small amounts, include heavy fines and prison sentences.
More information:
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.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
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 are part of the Schengen area.
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. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
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.
Entry restrictions can vary within the Schengen Area. Refer to the European Commission Re-open EU for country-specific information for each EU Member State, including entry restrictions.
Make sure you:
Pressure on border controls in Europe has increased due to the mass movement of asylum seekers.
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.
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:
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:
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.
To drive in Denmark, you'll need both:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
More information:
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:
E-Scooters are common in larger cities:
More information:
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:
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:
Sea travel
Copenhagen is a hub for cruise travel to the Baltic and the Arctic regions.
Before you book a cruise, check the following:
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:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112
If not life-threatening, call +45 1813 to be referred to a hospital.
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.
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
Twitter: @AusAmbDK
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.