Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, luggage snatching and purse snatching, occurs in large cities. It is most common during the tourist seasons, in the summer and winter holidays. The areas most affected include:  

• tourist areas  
• public transportation  
• hotel lobbies 
• restaurants  

Pickpockets and purse snatchers may work in teams. One person will distract the victim while another commits the robbery.  

Professional, well-dressed thieves target hotel lobbies and restaurants These thieves blend in with the guests and target their bags, passports and purses while they are distracted.

• Be especially vigilant in hotel lobbies and restaurants  
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times 
• Avoid poorly lit areas, particularly at night  

Gang-related crime  

Gang-related violence has occurred in certain areas of Copenhagen., particularly in the neighbourhoods of: 

• Christiania  
• Nørrebro  
• Brønshøj- Husum 

Christiania

Violent confrontations between law enforcement authorities and organized crime have happened in the past and could occur again.

On August 26, 2023, a fatal shooting linked to gang violence and the drug trade occurred in Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. This was the fourth fatal shooting connected to the drug trade since 2020. Residents have called for an end to the previously tolerated drug trade in the area. If you are in Christiania, avoid areas where an open trade in illegal drugs takes place.  

There is zero tolerance for photography in Christiania and tourists have become victims of assault and robbery after taking pictures. If you travel to this area:

• be vigilant and aware of your surroundings 
• don’t take pictures while you’re there 

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.  

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools  
• places of worship  
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks  
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners  

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.  

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service maintains a public alert system on terrorism. It communicates threat-level changes on its website and through local and social media. Denmark's current threat level is 4,«significant», on a 5-step scale.

Latest terror threat assessment - Danish Security and Intelligence Service  

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time in large cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. 

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place  
• Follow the instructions of local authorities  
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations  

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country.  

Cyclists are very common in Danish cities and often have right-of-way over pedestrians and automobiles.  

If you’re driving, be sure to check bicycle lanes before turning right.  

When crossing the street on foot, watch carefully for bicycle traffic. 

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Danish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Denmark is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Temporary border controls

The Danish government has in the past reintroduced border controls at certain border crossings within the Schengen area. These are known as “internal borders” within the Schengen area. Canadians may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Denmark, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Business visa: not required
Work visa: required
Student visa: required

You must also show proof of sufficient funds for your stay, between 350-500DKK per day.

Guide to temporary entry into Denmark under CETA 

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country. Many doctors and medical staff speak English, especially in large cities. Emergency medical treatment is provided free of charge, but patients must pay for follow-up care.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Danish customs restrict certain medications and limit the amount of medication that you can bring into Denmark.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Bringing medicine into Denmark – Danish Medicines Agency 

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

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Denmark are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. 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 Denmark authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

It’s illegal to cover your face in public places. Exempted purposes include protecting yourself against the weather or wearing a face mask for health reasons. Failure to comply can lead to a fine.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Denmark.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Denmark, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

Compulsory military service

Male Danish citizens who reside in Denmark are subject to compulsory military service. You may still be subject to this requirement if you’re a dual Canadian-Danish citizen.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Denmark.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Denmark, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Danish court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Denmark to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Denmark.

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.

Headlights must be used at all times.

Useful links

• More about the International Driving Permit
• More information about driving in Denmark - European Commission

Money

The currency of Denmark is the Danish krone (DKK).

Some stores will add a surcharge to the total amount when payment is made with a foreign credit card.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change 

Climate change is affecting Denmark. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation. 

Flooding 

Flooding is a threat in coastal areas, even in areas protected by sea dikes.