Orientation briefing: Denmark

Orientation briefing: Denmark1 / 15

Overview

Alert levelNo general travel restrictionOfficial advice updated on 11 August 2026 (FCDO)

21open jobs

4organisations hiring

0violent events in 3 months

Region: Europe

To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.

The country in its region

Orientation briefing: Denmark2 / 15

Socio-political and economic situation

History and context

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is part of the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. The country has opted out of certain elements of the EU's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union and justice and home affairs issues. a 2022 referendum resulted in the removal of Denmark's 30-year opt-out on defense issues, now allowing Denmark to participate fully in the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy.

Political system

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Orientation briefing: Denmark3 / 15

Ethnic groups, languages, religions

Ethnic groups

Danish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 84.2%, Turkish 1.1%, other 14.7% (largest groups are Polish, Romanian, Syrian, Ukrainian, German, and Iraqi) (2023 est.)

Languages

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority); note - English is the predominant second language

Religions

Evangelical Lutheran (official) 71.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other/none/unspecified (denominations include Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian) 24.3% (2024 est.)

Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).

Orientation briefing: Denmark4 / 15

Economy and society

Economic overview

high-income, EU-member, trade-oriented Nordic economy; growth driven by pharmaceuticals, energy, and services; large share of employment in public sector; fixed exchange rate pegged to euro; strong fiscal position and declining public debt; tight labor market mitigated by migrant workers and higher retirement age

6 MPopulation2025

88.8 %Urban population2025

$76,970GDP per capita2025

2.9 %GDP growth2025

1.9 %Inflation2025

0.4 %Extreme poverty (international line)2023

5.5 %Unemployment2025

99.8 %Internet users2024

100 %Access to electricity2024

Refugees and displaced people

95,007refugees hosted2025

2,738asylum seekers2025

71refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025

8,493stateless people2025

Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.

Orientation briefing: Denmark5 / 15

Arms bearers

Armed and security forces

Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret): Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force (2025)

Designated terrorist groups

Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force

Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.

Orientation briefing: Denmark6 / 15

Warnings and insurance

UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.

This travel advice also covers the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow FCDO: 

Orientation briefing: Denmark7 / 15

Recent security

Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.

No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.

Orientation briefing: Denmark8 / 15

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Denmark

Terrorist attacks in Denmark cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas, mainly in Copenhagen.

Thieves use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly on crowded public transport. They sometimes also operate in hotel lobbies, cafes and restaurants.

Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money, safe. Keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment, when travelling on trains to and from the airport.

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in the following areas of Copenhagen:

the central station
Nørreport Station
the main shopping street, Strøget
other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv
inside Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

Take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.

Laws and cultural differences

Dress code

It’s illegal to wear clothing that conceals your face in a public place in Denmark. There are legal exemptions – for example, face masks for health reasons. If you cover your face in public, you may get a fine of 1,000 krone (around £115). If you do it again, the fine can increase.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in small quantities. Severe penalties apply for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.

You should expect long jail sentences of up to 10 years and substantial heavy fines.

Airports in Denmark have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and marriage are legal in Denmark.

Read advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Denmark, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Denmark guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Denmark. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.

Cyclists often have the right of way. Always check cycle lanes before turning right. Pedestrians also often have right of way to cross ahead of you if you are turning at traffic lights.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you are visiting Denmark, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Bicycles and scooters

Many bicycle accidents happen when pedestrians do not give the right of way to bicycles. There are online guides in English on cycling in Denmark at Visit Copenhagen and the Danish Cyclists’ Federation (’Cyklistforbundet’).

Electric scooters are subject to road traffic rules. If you hire and use a scooter under the influence of alcohol, you could be prosecuted for drink-driving and you may be fined.

Arctic travel

Greenland is in the Arctic Circle, and most of it is very remote. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue services are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.

Greenland

Travel between towns is by air, sea or dogsled only. Arctic weather can affect travel, and you should be prepared for delays and cancellations.

During busy periods or when there is travel disruption, there may be no accommodation available unless you have booked ahead.

Supply chains are limited and travel times are long. Make sure you travel with sufficient prescription medication for all of your time in Greenland.

The Faroe Islands

Smaller roads may be unpaved and winding.

The weather can change quickly, and you should prepare appropriately for the activity you are planning.

Orientation briefing: Denmark9 / 15

Health

Health indicators

82.3yearsLife expectancy2024

4per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024

4per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023

4.5per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2021

100 %Basic drinking water access2024

Health risks and precautions (official advice)

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccinations recommendations for Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what other health risks you’ll face in Denmark, Greenland and Faroe Islands.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greenland. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Denmark does not recognise UK prescriptions. If you need medication, you should speak to a local pharmacist (‘Apotek’), who will be able to tell you if you need a prescription from a local GP.

Healthcare in Denmark

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Denmark where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards in Denmark

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Denmark, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

how to apply for a GHIC
how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

changes to travel and accommodation bookings
additional standard costs for treatment
medical repatriation to the UK
treatment that is ruled non-urgent
private healthcare
private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Denmark.

Health insurance cards in Greenland

You will not be refused treatment, but an EHIC or GHIC will not cover the costs unless you are resident of a Nordic country, under the reciprocal agreement, or a resident of Denmark. You can find more details about medical assistance available during a temporary stay in Greenland.

You may also have to cover the cost of medical evacuation.

Health insurance cards in Faroe Islands

You cannot use a GHIC or EHIC in the Faroe Islands. The UK has reciprocal agreements with the Faroe Islands, so British nationals can get the same medical treatment they would with a GHIC or EHIC. This arrangement is not a substitute for travel insurance.

If you travel to the Faroe Islands, you should still take your GHIC or EHIC with you. You’ll need to provide proof of identity and nationality, such as your UK passport.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Orientation briefing: Denmark10 / 15

Entry and visas

Your nationality

For other nationalities:

Visa-free (68): Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
Visa to apply for at the embassy before travel (103): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)

Work visa and humanitarian permit

A tourist visa does not allow you to work: your organisation usually applies for a work or mission visa, with an invitation letter and the NGO's registration with the authorities.
It often takes several weeks: have a passport valid for at least 6 months, photos, diplomas, contract and international vaccination certificate ready.
United Nations staff travel on the laissez-passer with an official visa requested by the agency.

Detailed entry requirements (FCDO, for British travellers)

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Denmark set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Danish Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Denmark follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Denmark are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

At Danish border control, you may also need to:

show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Danish government’s entry requirements.

If you stay in Denmark with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Denmark.

ID for travel from Denmark to Sweden

If you are travelling from Denmark to Sweden, see information on border control requirements.

Visas for Greenland and the Faroe Islands

Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not members of the EU. You do not need a visa to enter for tourism. If you plan to live and work there, you must get a work and residence permit – apply for residence in Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

New Schengen entry requirements

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Delays at passport control

Following the introduction of EES, you may experience delays at passport control when arriving at or departing from Copenhagen Airport on flights to or from non-Schengen countries, including the UK.

You should allow extra time when travelling through the airport.

If you have a short onward connection, you should take this into account when planning your journey.

If you need assistance, for example if you are travelling with young children or have accessibility requirements, speak to airport staff wearing yellow vests who are managing the queues.

Border controls at Germany’s land borders 

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see:

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Denmark. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to import whale products from Greenland or the Faroe Islands into the UK or EU. You could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence.

Taking food into Denmark

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Denmark

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Orientation briefing: Denmark11 / 15

Humanitarian coordination

Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.

Global directory of NGO forums (ICVA)

Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.

Orientation briefing: Denmark12 / 15

Humanitarians on the ground

Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:

UNICEF · 12DRC · 5PNUD · 3UNFPA · 1

See jobs in Denmark Funding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security

Orientation briefing: Denmark13 / 15