Entry to Denmark
If you've got this far, it must mean this relationship is starting to get serious! We want to tie the knot and make sure you get to know all our everyday wonders - and the quirky bits too. So here's a bit of helpful information about Denmark's visas and immigration rules.
Is Denmark part of the European Union?
Yes, Denmark is a member of the European Union, which means travel to and from Denmark is governed by EU law. Therefore, different entry requirements may apply depending on where you're travelling from, and what your nationality is.
Photo:Jasper Carlberg - CPH Airport
What are the visa and entry requirements to Denmark?
EU citizens can travel freely to Denmark; citizens of other countries may require a visa. If you travel to Denmark from outside the Schengen agreement area, you may also require a visa. See here if you are from a country where you will need a visa to enter Denmark.
Brexit and Denmark
Tourists
UK citizens can travel to any country in the Schengen area, including Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. That also applies if you are visiting Denmark to attend business meetings, cultural or sporting events, or for short term studies or training. The whole visit has to be within the 90-day limit and visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days count towards your 90 days.
At the Danish border control, UK citizens may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.
Business travellers
If you come to Denmark for work or a longer stay and are a UK citizen, from 1 January 2021 you will have to apply for permission. If you are in Denmark with a visa or permit, the trip does not count towards your 90-day limit.
Further information is available from the British Foreign Office and the Danish Foreign Ministry.
Apply for a short term visa to Denmark
The Schengen Agreement
Denmark is part of the European Union's Schengen Agreement, which means that you do not need to show your national ID card or passport when you are travelling to or from Denmark from another Schengen EU country. You are still recommended to bring your passport or ID card with you in case you need to prove your identity. Some airline operators still require you to present a passport even for travels within the Schengen area.
Schengen countries
The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Can I bring my pet to Denmark?
There are certain restrictions to bringing pets and other animals in to Denmark. Consult the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration website to see what rules exist regarding your pet.
Photo:Mette Johnsen
Quick facts about entering Denmark
Entry to Denmark
Denmark is part of the Schengen agreement, which eliminated border passport control between Schengen countries in Europe. This means you no longer need to stop or show your passport when travelling between Denmark and Germany or Denmark and Sweden. You must still have your passport with you, however, when travelling in Schengen countries as a form of identification.
Following Brexit, UK citizens can travel to any country in the Schengen area, including Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Border openings post-corona are subject to change. You can find out about entry requirements in place on our Safe Travel in Denmark page.
Embassies
Visit the Danish Foreign Ministry’s website for full listings of Danish embassies, consulates and trade missions around the world.
Pets
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration website contains full details on which animals you can bring to Denmark and under what conditions. You can also read more about Pet Passports.
Schengen countries
The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement:
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Visa Requirements
There is a passport control when entering Denmark from a country outside the Schengen area and some nationalities need a visa to enter Denmark. Following Brexit, UK citizens are not required to have a visa to visit Denmark. You can check visa requirements for your country at the Danish Immigration Service’s website.
Useful information about importation and exportation
Drugs
The import, export, sale, purchase, delivery, receipt, production, processing and possession of drugs are defined as criminal offences. Cannabis is included in the definition of drugs.
Duty-free alcohol and tobacco
There are different regulations regarding importing and exporting alcohol and/or tobacco depending on whether you are travelling within the EU or outside the EU. Visit the Danish Customs Agency website to figure out how much you are allowed to carry when arriving in Denmark from the EU and outside the EU.
Food products
Visit the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration website to see rules on which foods you can bring into Denmark.
Tax-free shopping
If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT you pay on goods you purchase in Denmark. You will be reimbursed between 10% and 19%, which amounts to the VAT minus and administration fee and you can only claim on purchases that are over 300kr.
Refunds are only available for purchases made in shops which are part of the scheme. For more on the scheme and how to claim back VAT, visit the Planet website or the Global Blue Denmark website.
Weapons
In Denmark, you may not acquire, possess, carry or use firearms, knives or other dangerous weapons, except in specific cases with particular police permission. It is also illegal to use self-defense sprays such as CS gas in Denmark.
