U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24
2100 Copenhagen
Denmark
Telephone:  +(45) 3341-7100 
Ask a Question Using Our Contact Form

U.S. Consulate Nuuk
Postboks Nr. 552
Kujallerpaat 1
3900 Nuuk
Greenland
The U.S. Consulate in Nuuk does not provide routine consular services.  For assistance, contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen.

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the Kingdom of Denmark for information on U.S.-Kingdom of Denmark relations.

• U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Greenland.  You may travel to Greenland for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.
• To enter Greenland, your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended departure date.
• The Danish Immigration Service issues specific residence and work permits for Greenland.  These permits are not valid in Denmark or other Schengen countries.  Similarly, Danish and Schengen residence and work permits are not valid in Greenland.
• For more information on residence and work permits in Greenland, please visit the Danish Immigration Service’s website.

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our page for U.S. Travelers in Europe’s Schengen Area.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the European Union’s webpage on Travel Documents for Non-EU Nationals.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  No HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to or foreign residents of Greenland.

Dual Nationality:  As of September 1, 2015, the Kingdom of Denmark allows the acquisition of dual citizenship.  Review the following Danish government resources on dual nationality:

• Danish Embassy in Washington
• Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our website.

Police Assistance: Call +299 70 14 48 for police assistance.

Environmental Hazards:

• Greenland’s landscape includes vast stretches of territory remote from cities and settlements.
• Long periods of daylight and darkness, extreme cold, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather are common.
• Common threats include frostbite, dehydration, keratitis (eye damage from reflected sunlight), sunburn, and accidents.
• Emergency response capabilities, including search and rescue, are limited due to resource constraints, long distances, and natural hazards.  In areas outside of cities and large settlements, search and rescue efforts could take several days to reach the scene of an incident.

Cruise Ship Travel: If you are considering cruise ship travel to or around Greenland, you should:

• Understand search and rescue capabilities are limited.
• Be aware advanced medical care is not available in many areas of Greenland where cruise ships travel.  Cruise ships must coordinate with the Greenlandic Healthcare System to disembark passengers in need of medical attention in towns with medical facilities capable of treating the passenger.
• When choosing cruises off the coast of Greenland, check the operational records and the experience of captains and crews operating ships in Arctic waters.
• Follow the safety guidelines, advice, and instructions of your cruise operator.

Search and Rescue: Search and rescue capabilities in Greenland are limited, distances are vast, and the weather is harsh.   In some areas outside of cities and large settlements, first responders could take several days to reach the scene of an incident. Upon arrival, they may only be able to provide basic medical care and transportation to more advanced facilities.  In addition, the person in need of assistance will be billed for the cost of search and rescue efforts.  Travelers should obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance prior to departure. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage abroad.

Overland Travel and Hiking:  Greenland’s landscape includes vast stretches of territory remote from cities and settlements.  The winter has periods of prolonged darkness, and the summer has periods of prolonged daylight.  Extreme cold, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather are common.

• Use only experienced guides, prepare a detailed itinerary, and inform the relevant authorities and your emergency contacts of your plans.
• Consider bringing a satellite phone, satellite personal locator beacon, and VHF radio.
• Understand the risks of glaciers, crevasses, polar bears, landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.
• Permits are required for travel to Greenland’s Northeast National Park, treks across the ice sheet, and travel to isolated regions of Greenland.  Check the Expedition Office’s website and map of the areas of Greenland that require permits and instructions to obtain them.
• If you are unfamiliar with an area, you can easily become disoriented and risk prolonged, unplanned exposure to the elements.
• Greenland’s mountains are moderately high but technically difficult.  Familiarize yourself with ascent and descent routes.
• Local authorities will try to rescue people in distress, but search and rescue resources are limited.  Outside of cities and large settlements, it might take several days for local authorities to reach you.
• For more information on travel to Greenland, please review Visit Greenland’s website.

Polar Bears:  Polar bears are active in many regions of Greenland and are extremely dangerous. Avoid any behavior that could provoke an attack. If you encounter a polar bear:

• Do not approach the bear; instead, leave the area and seek shelter.
• If you cannot leave the area safely, use a deterrent, such as making noise, jumping, waving your arms, and throwing things, to scare the bear away.
• Inform local authorities about the location of the bear sighting.

If you choose to travel in areas of Greenland frequented by polar bears, you should read Visit Greenland’s polar bear guide for hikers, the Greenlandic government’s polar bear guidelines, and the International Polar Guides Association’s polar bear safety recommendations.

Seals: Six species of seals are common in Greenland. Seals are usually nonaggressive, playful, and curious. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends observing seals from distance of at least 150 feet. If you unexpectedly encounter a seal, remain calm, back away slowly, and avoid sudden movements. Never put your hand out to a seal. Seals carry several types of bacteria that are harmful to humans. If your skin is broken by a seal, you should seek medical attention immediately as you could contract seal finger, which can have lifelong implications.

Muskoxen: Muskoxen can weigh up to 850 pounds and are found in many parts of Greenland. Do not provoke or approach musk oxen. They are powerful animals and can become defensive if they feel threatened. For more information, see the Alaska Department of Game and Fisheries’ guide about living with muskoxen.

Tsunamis: Landslides, icebergs, and glaciers can trigger tsunami-like waves with little warning and have caused loss of life, injury, and extensive damage to infrastructure. As icebergs melt, their center of gravity shifts, causing them to tip over and break. Glaciers that calve icebergs into fjords can also trigger tsunamis. You should:

• Be vigilant and comply with all signs and warnings when visiting coastal areas.
• Keep a safe distance from icebergs if you are in a boat or kayak.
• Understand that visiting a glacier’s ablation zone is extremely hazardous.  Exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe distance, especially if visiting this area by boat.

Crevasses: Glaciers are constantly moving, causing crevasses to form, especially within the top 150 feet where the ice is brittle. Crevasses can be difficult to see and are often covered by thin layers of snow. These snow bridges can be only a few inches thick and will not support the weight of a person or vehicle. New crevasses can open at any time, and you should not assume a previously traversed route is safe. Crossing a glacier is extremely risky, if you choose to travel on a glacier, you should:

• Hire an experienced guide.
• Travel with a team.
• Use proper equipment and purchase appropriate clothing.
• Read the U.S. Antarctic Program’s Glacier and Crevasse Traverse Manual and Field Manual on Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Crime: Crime rates in Greenland are low, and violent crimes against tourists are rare.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at +299 70 14 48.  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. If you are the victim of a crime in Greenland, please contact the Embassy at +45 3341-7100 for further assistance.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. 

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.

Greenlandic Victim Compensation Program: Greenland has a program that provides financial compensation to victims of crime.

• A police report must be filed within 72 hours
• Local police or the Greenlandic Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (Danish and Greenlandic) can provide the forms to apply for compensation
• Processing times vary and the decision to grant compensation rests with the Greenlandic Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
• More information about compensation for victims of serious crimes can be found on the Compensation Board’s website (Danish and Greenlandic)

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local police at +299 70 14 48 for emergency assistance and to file a police report. If you need help contacting the police, please contact the Embassy at +45 3341-7100.

Mental Health Counseling:  Individuals needing assistance with grief, anxiety, fear, depression, or suicidal thoughts can contact a suicide prevention hotline by calling +299 80 11 80 or texting 1899.  The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 356 days a year.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections of equipment and facilities are not common. Hazardous areas/activities are not always signposted, and staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities in the field. In the event of injury, adequate medical treatment is usually only available in or near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Please visit our webpage for more information on insurance coverage abroad.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Driving under the influence can result in loss of your driver’s license and immediate detention in jail.

Removal of Natural Resources: Greenland has strict regulations on the extraction of natural resources, including all precious and semi-precious metals, stones, and gemstones. Check with local authorities before attempting to extract or export any of these materials.

Products Derived from Mammals: Many Greenlandic handicrafts and souvenirs are derived from mammals in the Arctic region. Generally, you may not import items such as polar bear and seal skins or products made from whale bones into the United States. For more information, see CBP’s article on importing endangered species and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s guide for travelers.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Greenland.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Greenland prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities for employment, education, and access to health care or other government services. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, older lodging, and older infrastructure.

For addition information, please visit Tilioq’s website. Tilioq is a Greenlandic government organization that promotes full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Greenland.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel advice for Women Travelers.

Greenland does not have a central telephone number for medical emergencies. Use the Greenlandic Healthcare System’s telephone list to call the appropriate number for emergency assistance.

Health Facilities: All health care in Greenland is public; there are no private medical providers or facilities. Public facilities are limited, and medical evacuation is required for serious illness or injury. Many professional staff will speak English; however, you should anticipate an English-speaking medical professional might not be available, especially in smaller settlements. Please refer to the Greenlandic Healthcare System’s list of health centers.

• Medical facilities and equipment are limited outside of Nuuk. Larger towns have small hospitals with a few doctors. Smaller towns often have medical clinics staffed by a single doctor. The majority of smaller settlements have a community member with basic medical training. In the event of an emergency, this person will coordinate further medical treatment.
• Greenland has four small regional hospitals in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq, and a national hospital in Nuuk.
• As a tourist, you or your insurance company must pay for all health care and medical-related transportation in Greenland and home from Greenland. The U.S. government does not guarantee payment or pay for medical expenses.
• There is a private dentist in Nuuk able to assist tourists requiring emergency dental care.
• Medical evacuation is required for serious illness or injury
  • The Greenlandic Healthcare System has one air ambulance, a “King Air” with room for two stretchers, which is used to transport patients throughout Greenland. It is often in use and may not be available for immediate evacuation. If the “King Air” is not available, transport by helicopter or Dash 8 is an alternative, provided Air Greenland has an aircraft available.
  • Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq are the only airports in Greenland that can accommodate ambulance jets. There are no hospitals in these locations, and close coordination with the Greenlandic Healthcare System is required to transfer patients to ambulance jets.
  • The Greenlandic Healthcare System can assist with transportation within Greenland or transportation to a hospital in Copenhagen with a payment guarantee.
• You must contact the Greenlandic Healthcare System prior to seeking treatment for a non-life-threatening emergency. If you appear at an emergency room unannounced for a non-life-threatening emergency, you may be turned away.

Ambulance Service: Ambulance service is limited in Greenland and only available in larger towns. Greenland has no established road system between towns and settlements.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage abroad. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel abroad.

Evacuation Insurance: The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation from Greenland. Medical evacuation is required for serious illnesses or injuries in Greenland and is costly.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Prescription Medication: Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription medication can normally only be obtained at one of the four regional hospitals or at Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk, and not all medications available in the United States are available in Greenland. If you unexpectedly need to fill a prescription in Greenland, you will need a prescription from a doctor in Greenland. Review the Greenlandic Healthcare System’s information about importing medicine and list of authorized medication.

Over-the-Counter Medication: A limited selection of over-the-counter medication is available in grocery stores.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We highly recommend all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Greenland.

• Select your destination in the Travelers’ Health webpage.
  • Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the Traveler Advice webpage that provide advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Greenland does not have an established road system between towns. Most domestic travel is by foot, boat, plane, helicopter, snowmobile, and dogsled.

Traffic Laws: You must have a valid driver’s license to drive a car, truck, or bus. Motorcycles are not allowed in Greenland, but mopeds and snowmobiles are, provided you wear a helmet. You drive on the right side of the road in Greenland.

• You must be 18 years of age to operate a car in Greenland.
• Your U.S. state driver’s license is acceptable in Greenland for up to 90 days.
• Long-term residents must obtain a valid Greenlandic driver’s license.
• In Greenland, the speed limit is regulated by the local municipality. As of January 1, 2024, all municipalities in Greenland have adopted a uniform speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour unless otherwise posted.
• You must use your seat belt while riding in a vehicle.
• Children between 3-12 years of age, under 36 kilograms , or less than 135 centimeters must use a car seat.
• Driving any vehicle, including a bicycle, under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
• It is illegal to make a right turn on a red light in Greenland.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.

Public Transportation: In larger towns (e.g., Nuuk, Sisimut, or Qaqortoq), cars, buses, and taxis are popular means of transportation. While Greenlandic towns are not heavily populated, the towns are often spread out over several miles. Smaller settlements have fewer roads and are better traversed by foot or ATV. For additional information, please see Visit Greenland’s page on public transportation.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The Kingdom of Denmark is responsible for regulating civil aviation in Greenland. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Kingdom of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Kingdom of Denmark’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Greenland should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.