Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. Greenland is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Faroe Islands have home rule within the Kingdom of Denmark. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Denmark for additional information on U.S.-Denmark relations. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Denmark, you may encounter traffic conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. You must be 18 years of age to drive a car in Denmark. U.S. tourists may use their state driver’s license in Denmark for up to 90 days. Long-term residents must obtain a valid Danish driver’s license. Driving in Denmark is on the right side of the road. Road signs use standard international symbols. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transport only, and bicycle lanes are very common. Unless otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 130km/h on expressways.

Use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children under three years of age or under 135 cm in height must be secured with approved safety equipment appropriate to the child’s age, size, and weight.

Driving any vehicle, including a bicycle, under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a very serious offense. The rules are strictly enforced and violations can result in stiff fines and jail sentences. It is also against the law to drive while using a hand-held cell phone.

Denmark has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark and with Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Germany.

Bicycles are also widely used in Denmark. Passengers crossing streets or exiting public or tourist buses, as well as tourists driving rental cars, should be vigilant in watching out for bicycles using designated lanes and paths, which are usually located between the pedestrian sidewalk and the motor-vehicle lane, or on the streets in areas where there are no bike lanes. Many accidents occur when pedestrians and vehicles fail to give the right-of-way to bicycles.

Danish expressways, highways, and secondary roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country. It is possible to drive from the northern tip of Jutland or from Copenhagen to the German border in the south in just four hours. Greenland has no established road system, and almost all domestic travel is by foot, boat, or air. The majority of the Faroe Islands are interconnected by roads and tunnels, as well as by boats, and on the large islands even small hamlets are generally accessible by road. On the smaller islands, travel is mostly done on foot.

There is excellent mobile telephone coverage throughout Denmark, including its many islands. Mobile telephone coverage is also generally good in the Faroe Islands; coverage is more sporadic in Greenland and usually incurs high extra charges for roaming.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Denmark’s Ministry of Transport.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Denmark’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Denmark remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, like other nations, Denmark faces an increased threat of terrorism. In 2011 and 2012, police arrested individuals accused of planning terrorist attacks in Denmark. The 2005 and 2010, publication in Denmark of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad continues to impact Danish relations with the Muslim world and draw the attention of some extremists.

As with other countries in the Schengen area, Denmark’s open borders allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. You are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and to exercise caution. In general, Copenhagen is a safe city, but certain areas require greater security awareness than others. For instance, late at night, you should be extra vigilant in central Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Public demonstrations occasionally occur in Copenhagen and other cities, and are generally peaceful events. Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations, and police routinely provide oversight to ensure adequate security for participants and passers-by. Nonetheless, as with any large crowd composed of diverse groups, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. You should avoid areas where public demonstrations are taking place. Be aware that participation in illegal demonstrations or street riots may result in immediate imprisonment and long-term bans on re-entering Denmark.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Denmark on Twitter and by visiting the Embassy’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroes all have relatively low violent-crime rates. Robberies, sexual assault, and racially motivated violence are rare. Violent confrontations occasionally take place involving various immigrant gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in Denmark, but do not typically affect tourists and law-abiding Danish citizens. There is always a possibility that travelers could be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and immediately leave the area if they feel threatened. Be particularly vigilant in the Nørrebro and Vesterbro areas of Copenhagen late at night.

Freetown Christiania, located in the Christianshavn area of Copenhagen, has been known to be a hostile environment for tourists. Historically, Christiania has been the site of illicit drug activity. Recent drug enforcement efforts have resulted in clashes between the police and Christiania residents. Because of the illicit activity taking place in the area, Christiania residents have imposed a strict no-photography policy; tourists have been assaulted and robbed for taking pictures. Police and emergency services are limited in Christiania.

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers operate mainly at train stations -- the Copenhagen Central Station in particular -- and on crowded trains or buses, as well as in areas frequented by tourists. Sophisticated thieves also target the Copenhagen Airport and cruise ship quays. The best precaution is to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Do not put any bags containing valuables, such as your passport or credit cards, down on the ground or on the back of a chair. Watch your computer bag, which is particularly desirable. Popular tourist attractions, like shopping streets and restaurants, also attract pickpockets and thieves. Hotel lobbies and breakfast rooms attract professional, well-dressed criminals who blend in with guests and target purses and briefcases left unguarded by unsuspecting tourists and business travelers. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers often work in pairs or groups, with one person distracting the victim while another grabs the valuables. Since car and home break-ins have become more prevalent in recent years, we strongly recommend that you not leave any valuables in parked vehicles and ensure your vehicle or residence is locked properly when you leave it.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Denmark has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious injuries due to crime. The victim must report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Danish police routinely inform victims of serious crime of their right to seek compensation. The relevant forms are available from the police or from the Danish Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Adelgade 13, 1304 Copenhagen K. TEL: 45-3392 3334; FAX: 45-3920 4505, e-mail: erstatningsnaevnet@erstatningsnaevnet.dk. Claim processing time is a minimum of three months. While there is no maximum award limit, victim compensation payments are generally far lower than equivalent payments in the United States, due to Denmark’s generous domestic social welfare coverage. More information about compensation payments to victims of serious crime is available at the Compensation Board’s website.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Denmark is “112.” For non-life threatening situations, individuals in the greater Copenhagen area may dial 1813 to reach an urgent medical helpline.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.