Greenland
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Still valid: ET
Latest updates: This travel advice was thoroughly reviewed and updated.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Greenland - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Greenland. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is low. There are no serious security or safety concerns.
Road safety
Arctic weather conditions may cause delays and interruptions in transport services. Carry enough funds to cover unexpected expenses.
There are no roads or railways between towns. Travel is, however, possible by air, sea, ski, snowmobile or dogsled.
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.
Air Greenland operates regular domestic flights between all towns and larger settlements.
Tourism and expeditions
Tourist facilities are limited. Main tourist centres are in:
- Nuuk
- Ilulissat
- Disko Bugt (or Disko Bay)
- southern Greenland
- Tasiilaq, in eastern Greenland
You must apply for a special permit at the Ministry of Domestic Affairs, Nature and Environment of Greenland to explore glaciers, mountains or the National Park in northeast Greenland. You should travel with a tour operator.
Information from the Government of Greenland about travel in remote parts
General Safety information
Ensure personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure at all times.
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.
Greenland is an autonomous territory the Kingdom of Denmark but not a part of the European Union nor the Schengen area. Greenland has its own entry and exit requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Greenland, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. 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.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
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
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
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.
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 Greenland. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Greenland, certain insects carry and spread diseases.
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 domestic and wild animals as certain infections found in Greenland, 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 and the flu.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Limited medical facilities are available, but evacuation is required for serious illness or injury. Make sure you have accessible funds and travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.
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.
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 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 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 and restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.
The removal of natural resources, including any precious and semi-precious metals, stones, and gemstones is strictly regulated. To avoid complications, check with the Ministry of Mineral Resources before attempting to leave Greenland with any of these items.
Contact information for Government Ministries in Greenland
Driving
You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Greenland.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Penalties for drinking and driving, as well as for speeding, are severe.
The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.
Money
The currency of Greenland is the Danish krone (DKK).
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
The climate is extreme, especially during winter, with severe cold weather.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Nuuk - Consulate of Canada
Copenhagen - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call 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.