Denmark
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Denmark - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Denmark. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime (such as pickpocketing, luggage snatching and purse snatching) occurs in large cities and in tourist areas, on public transportation and in restaurants, particularly during the tourist seasons (summer months and winter holiday season).
Pickpockets and purse snatchers may work in teams; one distracts the victim and another commits the robbery. Hotel lobbies and restaurants attract professional, well-dressed thieves who do not attract attention. Be vigilant and ensure your personal belongings are secure at all times.
Canadians should be aware that gang-related violence can occur in Nørrebro, an area in the northern part of Copenhagen. Remain vigilant about your surroundings and avoid large unofficial gatherings.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, schools, places of worship and airports and other transportation hubs. Exercise caution if attending sporting events, religious holiday celebrations and other public festivities. Remain vigilant at all times, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Consult the website of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service for more information. On February 14, 2015, a gunman fired on a crowd in a café in Copenhagen, killing one person and injuring three police officers. Several hours later, a further shooting resulting in injuries was reported at a synagogue in central Copenhagen. Expect tighter security measures and increased police presence at high profile events or locations.
Public transportation
Bus, train and taxi services are extensive.
Ferry services, available for transport to Denmark’s many islands, may be disrupted during winter due to inclement weather.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Cycling
Cyclists are numerous in Danish cities and often have right-of-way over pedestrians and automobiles. In Copenhagen, bicycles may be rented for a small fee but cannot be taken out of the inner-city area.
Motorists should be sure to check bicycle lanes before turning right, and pedestrians should watch carefully for bicycle traffic when crossing the street.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur periodically in larger urban centres. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
General safety measures
Exercise normal safety precautions and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
Ensure your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Danish authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Royal Danish Embassy and its consulates for up-to-date information.
Passport
Denmark is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Temporary border controls
The Danish government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. Canadians may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Denmark, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: Not required
Work visa: Required
Student visa: Required. You must also show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Schengen area
Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - May 2, 2017 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk
- Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of this country.
- It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
Recommendation
- Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
- A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
- Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Western Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Excellent health-care facilities are widely available. Emergency medical treatment is provided free of charge, but patients must pay for follow-up care.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Denmark are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Denmark to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Danish authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Denmark. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Danish citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Danish passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.
Driving
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Denmark.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Penalties for drinking and driving, as well as for speeding, are strict.
The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.
Headlights must be used at all times.
Money
The currency of Denmark is the Danish krone (DKK).
Automated banking machines are widely available and credit cards widely accepted. Many hotels, restaurants, stores and banks, however, will only honour credit cards that have the new “chip and PIN” technology. Some stores will add a surcharge to the total amount when payment is made with a foreign credit card.
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission's cash controls website.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Flooding is a threat in coastal areas protected from the sea by dikes.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Copenhagen - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the The Embassy of Canada in Copenhagen and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.