Safety and security

Political Stability/unrest

The political situation in Denmark is reasonably stable but there can be occasional outbreaks of social unrest, including, for example isolated incidents of civil disturbance or violence, particularly in the area of Christiania, in Copenhagen.

Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.  

Terrorism

Denmark’s terror threat level is currently categorised as ‘significant’, in addition to the ongoing global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Denmark but you should take sensible precautions: 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Pickpockets are attracted to crowded, public areas frequented by tourists, especially during the summer, so be extra careful to keep your personal belongings such as passports, money and credit cards secure.

Reporting crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Denmark, report it to the local police immediately. You can also contact us at the Embassy of Ireland in Copenhagen if you need help.

Driving

If visitors are planning to drive in Denmark, you should take the same precautions as when in Ireland:

• Bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
• Be aware of Denmark’s traffic laws; dimmed headlights are mandatory at all times, parking violations carry heavy fines, and urban speed limits tend to be lower than in Ireland.
• Road conditions in winter can be icy. Main roads are normally well salted in central Copenhagen but may not be salted outside of the metropolitan area.

Vehicle hire

• If visitors are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
• Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged)

Cyclists

Cycling is a feature in Danish life, and cyclists are very commonplace on Danish roads. Drivers need to be extremely careful, especially when turning right, as cyclists always have the right of way. It is vital to check your blind spot for a cyclist before turning.

Pedestrains should exercise caution when walking in the city and be aware of cyclists. Never walk on bike paths. If you are using public transport as a pedestrain, take care when getting on and off buses, as designated bike paths are usually located between the road and the footpath.’

If youvisitors want to hire a bike while in Denmark, make sure it has working front and rear lights, reflectors on tyres and a bell – if it doesn’t, you risk paying a hefty fine.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the cycling rules before getting on a bike in Denmark.

Local laws and customs

Practical advice

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it’s your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. 

Personal identification

Visitors should carry personal identification at all times, for example either a passport or driving licence.

Additional information

Health

The healthcare system in Denmark is of a very high standard, and in the case of serious injury emergency, medical treatment is free of charge, although you will be charged for follow-up care. 

Travel Insurance

We cannot pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you have not broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of Euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: Travellers should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Currency

The currency of Denmark is the Danish krone. Cash is used for payment less frequently than in Ireland, although ATMs are easy to find. Credit and debit cards are commonly used for payments, although foreign cards can attract a surcharge. 

Greenland

Travellers to Greenland should be conscious of the additional risks implicit in the severe climate of Greenland, and the vast distances involved in travelling to and around the area. Travelling by cruise ship in the north may mean that search and rescue assistance will take a considerable time to arrive, possibly days. Travelling by land also imposes hazards, and anyone contemplating doing so should satisfy themselves that they have hired an experienced local guide.

The main hospital in Greenland, the Queen Ingrid's Hospital in Nuuk, is a modern, well equipped facility. However, serious medical issues may require evacuation to Iceland or further afield. Flights such as these can prove to be extremely expensive.

Given all of this, it is strongly recommended that travellers to the Greenland area acquire sufficient travel insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment or potential evacuation.