ETIAS for Denmark
European travel authorisation for Denmark
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ETIAS visa waiver for Denmark is an electronic travel and information authorisation. ETIAS will contribute to the security of the European Union.
By 2026 , eligible travellers from over visa-exempt nations will be able to get an ETIAS authorisation to visit Denmarkand other countries of the Schengen Area. ETIAS will become an entry requirement for visa-free travel.
DENMARK: BASIC INFORMATION
Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a constitutionally a unitary state. It has evolved into one of the most progressive, socially-liberal countries in the world. Its well-preserved cultural heritage, unique architecture, and countless points of interest, make it an inviting destination.
Situated in the southern area of Scandinavia, Denmark is a peninsula north of Germany. The main part of Denmark is Jutland and an archipelago of 443 islands. The largest being:
- Zealand
- Funen
- North Jutland Island
Islands in Denmark feature a temperate climate and have flat, sandy coasts. Most of the country’s terrain is flat, with some hills. It has an extremely long coastline with several lagoons, gulfs, and inlets. Denmark is surrounded by the sea.
The population of Denmark is around 5.7 million and almost 2 million live in the capital, Copenhagen. The official language is Danish though there are other minority languages including German, Faroese, and Greenlandic.
This European nation has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Danish families receive over $1,500 per child, each year until they become 18. Most of its population belongs to the Church of Denmark.
Denmark has a fascinating history. Once the home of the Viking raiders and later a major north European power, it is now an integrated political and economic member of the EU.
DENMARK’S POLITICAL SYSTEM
As a constitutional monarchy, Denmark has a representative parliamentary system with a prime minister as the head of its government, and the monarch, as the head of state.
The monarch’s role is strictly ceremonial and representative. It should be noted that the Danish monarchy is the longest unbroken line of rulers in Europe. The current queen, Queen Margrethe II, is a direct descendant of King Gorm, who ruled in the 10th century.
The kingdom has 2 autonomous constituent countries:
- The Faroe Islands
- Greenland
Neither are part of the Schengen Area, nor the European Union. However, ETIAS will be needed to visit either region in the future.
Denmark
Capital City: Copenhagen
Official language: Danish
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
Population: 5,8 million
Area: 16,638 square miles (43,094 square kilometers)
EU member state since: 1st January 1973
Schengen member state since: 25 March 2001
DENMARK AS PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Denmark joined the European Community in 1973 at the same time as the UK and Ireland. In the referendum, 63.3% voted in favour of joining with a turnout of over 90%. However, Denmark decided to opt-out of certain parts of the EU’s Maastricht Treaty, the single currency, as well as some issues regarding internal affairs. The Danish currency is the Krone.
Denmark forms part of the single market and the Schengen Area. There are no hard borders between the Schengen countries, only a singular, shared external border.
DENMARK IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Denmark has 12 members in the European Parliament, comprised of a total of 705 MEPs. Its representatives work toward strengthening the EU’s role at a global scale.
The Danish government wants the EU to continue the promotion of freedom, peace, and development. Denmark has put an emphasis on the need for EU policies that work towards achieving international goals and better development aid.
DENMARK TRAVEL ADVICE
Visitors from EU countries can enter Denmark freely. If coming from non-Schengen countries, many nationalities can enter visa-free, though others need to get a Schengen visa through a Danish embassy or consulate.
From 2026 , international travellers from over 50 countries can enrol with ETIAS before travelling to any Schengen country, including Denmark. Travellers will be able to use the ETIAS visa waiver to go to Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
GETTING AROUND DENMARK
One of the best ways to travel around Denmark is by car, which features a well-preserved road network. However, if renting a car is not a possibility, most major towns in the country are serviced by trains. Offshore islands can only be reached by ferry-boat.
While visiting this fascinating country, travellers have the opportunity to rent a bicycle to get around. This is a popular form of transportation, and how many Danes travel in their cities and towns. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but accessible to the majority.
When visiting this part of Scandinavia, international visitors may want to explore other important cities and places besides Copenhagen:
- Herning, home to several exhibitions, conventions, and trade fairs.
- Svendborg, vibrant harbour with old fishermen’s boats. The gateway to Funen.
- Skagen, where the Baltic joins the North Sea. Features expansive beaches.
- Aalborg, which has a 16th-century castle and a medieval old town.
- Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark, founded by Vikings.
Cities and towns in the country can be easily reached by car, train, or bus.
DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT DENMARK?
Before going to Denmark, foreign travellers are advised to make sure that they meet all necessary requirements.
Nationals who need a Schengen visa to enter Denmark must already have medical insurance before applying for the visa.
To apply for this type of visa, foreign visitors will need to make an appointment at a Schengen member country embassy or consulate and present the medical insurance along with other documents. The insurance must have a minimum of €30,000 of coverage including coverage of emergency evacuations.
Visa-exempt foreign visitors are not required to have medical insurance to enter Denmark. However, they are advised to have one in case of an emergency.
If while in the country and emergency were to occur, the traveller is advised to call 1813 or 112.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS DENMARK
To obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation, the applicant does not need to have health insurance, medical insurance, or travel insurance. Neither are requirements of the ETIAS visa waiver. However, when travelling abroad, it is highly recommended to have some sort of insurance in case of an emergency. A trip to the doctor could be costly without any coverage.
Even EU nationals are advised to have an EHIC, a free European Health Insurance Card, when travelling within Europe.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
As previously mentioned, to obtain a Schengen visa, the international applicant will need to have either medical or travel insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30,000. The insurance must meet these requisites as well:
- It should be valid for all of the Schengen Area
- Cover all expenses in case of repatriation for medical reasons
- Cover all expenses in case of an emergency, treatment
- Cover all expenses in case of death
DENMARK’S BORDER CONTROLS
As a member of the European Union, travelling to and from Denmark is ruled by EU law. Depending on a foreign visitor’s nationality, different entry requirements will apply.
As a member of the Schengen Area, Denmark officially abolished all passport and border controls at mutual borders. The only Schengen country with which it has a shared border is Germany.
The member countries of the Schengen zone function as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes. Therefore, there is a common visa policy. Foreign citizens from non-visa exempt nations who wish to enter the area must have a valid Schengen visa and passport, which will be checked at a port of entry.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Denmark introduced checks on all of its internal borders.
EU travellers who want to enter Denmark must carry a valid passport or national ID-card, this is proof of their right to enter and stay in the country.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA-EXEMPT VISITORS
Nationals from visa-exempt countries have to present a valid passport at all ports of entry in Denmark.
From 2026 , those exempt from obtaining a Schengen visa will be able to apply online for their ETIAS visa waiver. After being processed, the approved ETIAS will be linked to a person’s passport.
ETIAS will become an entry requirement for the Schengen Area, including Denmark. It will also be necessary to visit the Danish territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
The ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport, allowing the Denmark’s control authorities to check their ETIAS status.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA HOLDERS
Schengen visa holders who want to visit Denmark must present, upon arrival, the following additional documents:
- A passport, issued in the last 10 years and valid 3 months beyond the intended stay
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay (credit card, cash)
- Medical insurance
- A return or onwards ticket
- An accommodation reservation or address
Danish border authorities may ask visitors to provide the reason for their trip and the length of stay.
ARRIVING IN DENMARK
Even though the only Schengen country with which Denmark shares a border is Germany, there are several ways in which foreign visitors can arrive in the country.
Sweden, Norway, and Finland, are well-connected with Denmark. Travelling to and from other Schengen countries is easy and quite quick. The entire region is connected by rail, air, water, and road.
ARRIVING IN DENMARK BY FERRY
There are up to 560 ferries that run each week. Travellers can choose between 11 routes and 5 different operators.
The travel duration of a ferry will vary greatly depending on the route and final destination. The shortest trip is 45 minutes, and the longest route is over 18 hours. Other factors that may affect the duration of a ferry ride include changes in the route, the type of ferry, weather conditions, time of sail, etc.
When using the ferry, visitors are able to take their car.
ARRIVING IN DENMARK BY TRAIN
There is no direct train from Germany to Denmark. However, trains depart from S+U Alexanderplatz Bhf, and arrive at Koebenhavn H via Berlin Hbf and Hamburg Hbf. The journey, including transfers, will take up to 8 hours.
Denmark has an extensive railway network. Those who wish to explore the country are recommended to buy the ´standard´ ticket which is fully refundable and flexible. It is valid for a specific date, but not a specific departure time.
Up to two children under the age of 12 are able to travel free of charge when accompanied by one adult with a valid ticket.
ARRIVING IN DENMARK BY ROAD
International visitors may arrive or enter Denmark by road. Whether travelling with a car, or bus, the country has well-kept and well-connected roads and highways.
Many coach companies travel to the country from several European cities. Travellers can purchase inexpensive trips. Some providers include Eurolines Germany, FlixBus, IC Bus and Swebus.
Those arriving in Denmark by car should have a valid driving license, and respect the country’s road regulations.
ARRIVING IN DENMARK BY AIR
There are 4 international airports in the country. The busiest out of the four is Copenhagen Airport.
- Copenhagen Airport is also called Kastrup Airport, located 8 kilometers from Copenhagen and 24 kilometers from west of Malmö (Sweden). It only takes 15 minutes to reach Copenhagen’s city centre from the airport.
- Billund Airport is is the second busiest airport in the country. It’s only 2 kilometres from Billund’s centre. It is also the closest airport to Legoland, which is 6 minutes away by bus.
- Aalborg Airport is located in Nørresundby, 6.5 kilometres northwest of Aalborg city centre. Regular international flights include Amsterdam, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca.
- Aarhus Airport is the smallest international airport. Regular flights include destinations such as Oslo, Prague, Stockholm, and seasonal flights travel to Germany, Spain, and France.
VISITING DENMARK
Denmark’s stretches of sandy beaches, appealing culture, and range of points of interest continue to draw visitors. Nine UNESCO world heritage sights, fantastic food, and a number of popular music festivals and amusement parks, such as Legoland, are some of the things that make it appealing.
Mainland Denmark has three UNESCO sites:
- The most famous is Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- The Jelling Rune Stones, which date back to the 10th century.
- Roskilde Cathedral was the first Gothic church in Northern Europe built from brick.
This fairytale-like country is Europe’s oldest kingdom and home of the author Hans Christian Andersen. Copenhagen, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager and is definitely worth a visit.
A VIBRANT AND CULTURE-RICH COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is famous for its colourful scenery. The capital of the happiest country on earth has numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés.
Many visitors look forward to dining at the renowned Noma, a two-Michelin star restaurant, whose chef René Redzepi’s is credited for completely reinventing Nordic cuisine. Noma has been ranked best restaurant in the world for 4 years.
In total, Copenhagen has over 90 museums as well as unique architecture, and numerous parks. Its historic city center is home to:
- Amalienborg Palace
- Christiansborg Palace
- Rosenborg Castle, from the Renaissance era
Visitors usually include a stop at the Little Mermaid’s sculpture, which sits on a rock next to the Langelinie promenade. She’s a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen who wrote the original story.
THE FAMOUS PICTURESQUE HARBOUR
While visiting the capital, a must-see is Nyhavn, which means New Harbour. The historic waterfront is situated next to a 17th-century canal. Here tourists will find old wooden ships.
The painted houses on both sides of the canal date back to the 16 and 17 centuries. Three of these houses were home to Hans Christian Andersen at different times. While now Nyhavn is one of the most visited places in the city, it used to be a crummy part of the capital.
AN ISLAND NATION
Denmark is an island nation. There are 72 inhabited islands as well as 371 uninhabited ones. Bornholm is one of the most popular with tourists, it has a rich history and is characterized by its mystic, round churches, and its links to the Knights Templar.
Many of the islands are rarely visited, making them perfect for those seeking adventure.
ABUNDANCE OF NATURE
Danish landscapes vary greatly. Forests, lakes, marshes, moors, cliffs, and miles of beaches, all combine to make a truly beautiful country. In total, there is more than 4000 miles of coastline which is similar to Brazil. Even when millions of tourists come in the summer months, it is possible to find a relaxing spot.
LOVE FOR MUSIC
There is a long-running history of music festivals dating back to the 1970s. Between June and August, music fans can find a festival to suit their taste.
The biggest festivals are:
- Roskilde Festival
- Skive Festival
- Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
EXTRAORDINARY AMUSEMENT PARKS
The largest and the original Legoland is in Billund and this is just one of numerous theme parks in Denmark. Copenhagen’s Tivoli was a major source of inspiration for Disneyland, and Dyrehavsbakken is the oldest operating amusement park in the world.
ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DENMARK
By registering with the ETIAS form, travellers will be able to visit all of the Schengen countries, including Denmark, without having to get a visa.
To successfully apply for ETIAS, eligible citizens will need to complete an online application and meet the basic ETIAS requirements.
The ETIAS application form requires applicants to enter a range of information including their:
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, marital status, gender
- Contact details, phone number, email address, and address
- Passport information, number, issuing date and expiry date
- Travel plans
There will also be some security-related questions about the applicant’s health and past travels.
Tourists from eligible nations visiting Denmark will soon have to present a ETIAS Denmark at a port of entry.
To get the ETIAS for Denmark, each applicant must have:
- Passport
- Email address
- Debit or credit card
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from European ETIAS countries. The ETIAS visa waiver programme for Denmark allows its holders to visit the country and the rest of the Schengen Area for a period of up to 3 consecutive years, or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first.
ETIAS for Denmark - FAQ
Which countries can I visit from Denmark with ETIAS? Toggle faqs
Which type of visa do I need for Denmark? Toggle faqs
The visa type for Denmark a traveller needs is determined by their nationality and the purpose of their trip, as well as the length of stay. EU nationals can enter Denmark freely, without a visa.
Citizens of over 50 countries outside of the EU can also enter Danish territory visa-free. Visa-exempt foreign visitors will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation online, prior to their trip.
All other foreign visitors must get a Schengen visa to travel to Denmark. Applicants must meet a series of requirements and gather several documents to present at an embassy or consulate.
Which documents do I need to enter Denmark? Toggle faqs
Once ETIAS becomes available to current visa-exempt visitors, they will need to have a passport valid for 3 months after they will depart the Schengen zone, as well as a valid ETIAS.
The passport and ETIAS will be electronically linked. If the passport is not valid or has expired, a new application must be submitted.
An ETIAS holder should have a valid travel document beyond their intended stay in the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS will grants stays of up to 90 consecutive days within a 180-day period. Exceed the allotted time could have an impact on future ETIAS applications.
Will ETIAS be required to enter Greenland? Toggle faqs
Yes, foreign nationals visiting Greenland will need to register with the ETIAS visa waiver system following its launch.
Will ETIAS be required to visit the Faroe Islands? Toggle faqs
Yes, you will need to have the ETIAS to travel to the Faroe Islands unless you are an EU national. This will come into effect when the visa waiver system is introduced in the near future.