Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate is low. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Take normal security precautions and ensure personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure at all times.

Road safety

There are no roads or railways between towns. Travel is only possible by air, sea, ski, snowmobile or dogsled.

Arctic weather conditions may cause delays and interruptions in transport services. Carry enough funds to cover unexpected expenses.

Adventure and arctic tourism

Adventure tourism may lead to serious safety concerns if not well-organized. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach certain areas. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

Most areas of Greenland are remote and inaccessible. Emergency services may not be able to respond in isolated areas.

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.

If you undertake adventure tourism or climbing in Greenland:

•   inform a family member or friend of your itinerary if going alone
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Expedition permit information – Government of Greenland

Cruise ship travel

Unpredictable weather in Greenland may disrupt cruise ship travel and lead to rough seas, cancellation, delays and itinerary changes without notice. Rescue operations may also be very limited for ships in distress or stuck in mud and silt. In the winter season or during severe weather, rescue operations may not be possible.

If you decide to take a cruise in Greenland:

• choose a well-established and reputable cruise company
• ensure that your travel insurance covers cruise ship travel and includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation

Advice for Cruise Travellers

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.

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

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 from Greenland.

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 in a 180 day period
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days

In the 90-day period, Canadian citizens are permitted to study and take courses or university classes. They are not permitted to work part-time or teach.

Residence Permit

If you intend to stay in Greenland beyond the permitted 90-day period, you must apply for a residence permit before you arrive in Greenland. You cannot apply for a residence permit once you have arrived in Greenland.

Students

Students with a study period of over 90 days must apply for a residence permit. Residence permits allow students to work part time for up to 15 hours per week, and full time during the summer months.

Residence permits are granted for a period of 1 year , with the possibility of renewal provided that the student is enrolled in courses at a university or high school.

Residence permits – New to Denmark

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

Limited medical facilities are available. Most doctors speak English. Evacuation is required for serious illness or injury.

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

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

The availability of both prescription and over-the-counter medications is limited.

Danish customs restrict certain medications and limit the amount of medication that you can bring into Greenland. For most prescription medications, you can only bring in the quantity prescribed for three months. Certain medications are controlled. For controlled medications, you can only bring in the quantity prescribed for 30 days.

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

Useful links

• Bringing medicine into Denmark – Danish Medicines Agency
• Legal medicines and import of medicines – Greenland health portal (in Danish)

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.

Natural Resources

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.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail 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

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 Greenland, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Greenlandic 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 Greenland 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 must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Greenland.

You should carry an international driving permit

Penalties for drinking and driving, as well as for speeding, are severe.

Useful links

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

Money

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

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Greenland. 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.

Extreme weather

The climate is extreme, especially during winter, with severe cold weather. The region is prone to heavy snowfall and snowstorms.

The interior of Greenland is cold, dry and windy.  The vast majority of the island is covered in ice year-round. These conditions put you at risk of frostbite and sun overexposure, which can result in dehydration and eye damage.

Ensure that you have equipment and clothing that meet Arctic standards.