Safety and Security

The political situation in Greenland is stable, and in general there are no significant security concerns. The crime rate is low, but isolated incidents of violence or gun crime can happen.

Visitors are advised to stay informed of what’s going on by monitoring local media and staying in contact with their hotel or tour operator.

Irish citizens are advised to use reputable tour operators when travelling in Greenland. Do not use unlicensed operators, for example offering boat tours, as this will put you at serious risk if anything goes wrong. The capacity for search and rescue is extremely limited and visitors may be billed for the cost of any rescue.

Further details about how to travel safely in Greenland here: How to travel safely in Greenland.

Local Laws and Customs

Remember, the local laws apply to visitors and it is advised to follow them.

Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as certain behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Health

Visitors who become ill while travelling in Greenland, can be treated in the local health system. However, outside of the major cities, healthcare will be more limited, and in the event of serious illness or injury, it is likely that evacuation to Iceland or Denmark for treatment is required.

Visitors should ensure to travel with sufficient supplies of any required medications as it may not be possible to purchase these locally. Visitors should be aware that, due to changing weather conditions, flights can be cancelled and it may necessary to remain in Greenland longer than planned.

As Greenland is not part of the EU, the European Health Insurance Card does not provide coverage there.

Additional Information

Travel Insurance

The Department cannot pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. Citizens are advised to purchase an appropriate travel insurance policy, where these costs will be covered, provided the terms and conditions have not been broken.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save visitors a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that they get required medical attention when needed. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of Euro, and a medical evacuation can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Irish citizens are advised that to make sure their policy covers all the activities planned for their trip. Insurance Ireland recommend 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: Visitors should be aware that most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Currency

The currency in Greenland 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.