Greenland

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 112 for police and fire assistance.  If you are unable to contact the police using 112, dial +299 70 14 48.  
• Dial 112 for a medical emergency.  If you are unable to reach someone, call the nearest medical facility.

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 throughout the year.  
• Common health threats include frostbite, dehydration, keratitis (eye damage from reflected sunlight), sunburn, and accidents.  
• Emergency response capabilities are limited due to resource constraints, long distances, and natural hazards.  Search and rescue efforts could take several days to reach the scene of an incident. 

Cruise travel risks 

• If you are considering traveling by cruise ship 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 limitations 

• Search and rescue resources 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. 
• 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 before traveling.  Review our webpage for more information on insurance coverage abroad. 

Overland travel and hiking 

No settlements in Greenland are connected by a road system.  Travelers venturing away from settlements should expect to be isolated from emergency services. Seasonal light patterns range from complete winter darkness to midnight sun in summer.  Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly with little warning.  

Safety tips  

• Use only experienced guides.  Prepare a detailed itinerary.  Inform the relevant authorities and your emergency contacts of your plans. 
• Consider bringing a satellite phone, a satellite personal locator beacon, and a 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 follow all 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.  They are extremely dangerous.  Avoid any behavior that could provoke an attack.  If you encounter a polar bear: 

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

If you choose to travel in areas of Greenland frequented by polar bears, review these resources: 

• Visit Greenland’s polar bear guide for hikers 
• The Greenlandic government’s polar bear guidelines 
• 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 viewing seals from a 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, seek medical attention immediately as you could contract seal finger.  This disease can have lifelong implications. 

Muskoxen 

• Muskoxen can weigh up to 900 pounds and are found in many parts of Greenland.  Keep your distance and avoid provoking muskoxen, they can become defensive if threatened. For more information, review the Alaska Department of Game and Fisheries’ guide about living with muskoxen. 

Crime  

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

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.  If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Although they typically do not originate in Greenland, financial and online romance scams falsely claiming a connection to Greenland are common.  Be cautious of anyone who asks for money, particularly individuals who initiate a romantic relationship online or claim that local authorities require payment on their behalf.  These scams often begin through social media, online marketplaces, email, or unsolicited messages.  Scammers frequently impersonate U.S. citizens in distress, claiming they need financial assistance to resolve an emergency or facilitate travel. 

Common scams include:  

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.  You may report crimes to the local police. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime. U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault, should first contact local police. Crime victims in Greenland may contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen at +45 3341-7100 after they have contacted local police. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• 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 in cases of destitution.  
• Greenland has a program that provides financial compensation to victims of crime. 

Victim compensation programs in Greenland 

Greenland provides financial compensation to eligible victims of violent crime through the Greenlandic Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (Danish and Greenlandic). 

• The injury must have resulted from a violation of Greenland’s Criminal Code. 
• The victim must have suffered a personal injury. 
• The crime generally must be reported to the police within 72 hours. 
• If the case is heard in court, the victim generally must seek compensation from the offender during the criminal proceedings. 
• An application generally must be submitted to the Greenlandic Criminal Injuries Compensation Board within two years of the crime or, if applicable, the court's judgment. 
• 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 and application forms are available from the Greenlandic Criminal Injuries Compensation Board’s website (Danish and Greenlandic). 

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence or sexual assault should contact local police for emergency assistance and to file a police report.  If you need help contacting the police, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen at +45 3341-7100. 

Mental health counseling  

• If you need help with grief, anxiety, fear, depression, or suicidal thoughts, you can contact a suicide prevention hotline by dailing +299 801-180 or texting 1899.  The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. 

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Drone use is strictly regulated.  For example, it is prohibited to use drones to film or otherwise pursue polar bears. Review Visit Greenland’s page on drone restrictions.  

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections of equipment and facilities are not common.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always signposted, and operators 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.

• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

• You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.  Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• 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.

Drugs and alcohol 

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict. 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. 

Recreational hunting and fishing 

• Hunting in Greenland is regulated through a licensing system and subject to species-specific quotas. 
• Different rules and regulations apply to residents and non-residents of Greenland.  Non-residents may hunt through an authorized hunting operator.   
• Review Visit Greenland’s page on Hunting in Greenland and Air Greenland’s page on Trophy Hunting. 
• If you want to fish in Greenland, you must purchase a fishing license.  You can obtain one at a post office in Greenland. 
• Review Visit Greenland’s page on fishing and fly-fishing and Air Greenland’s page on Angling in Greenland. 
• Importing or exporting firearms does not authorize hunting. 
• Review the Greenland Police’s page on importing firearms. 

Arrest notification  

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods can be found in many destinations, including Greenland. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice 

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

Greenland has anti-discrimination laws that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Greenland.  

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs 

The law in Greenland prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and health care access. 

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication, access to services, and ease of movement.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. 
• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is as common as it is in the United States. 

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

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.   

Women travelers   

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  

Human rights 

• There are currently no credible reports of significant rights abuses in Greenland. Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources

• Greenlandic Healthcare System’s Telephone List
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Greenland Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

Greenland does not have a central telephone number for medical emergencies.  Use the Greenlandic Healthcare System’s telephone list (unavailable from the United States, see the table below) to call the appropriate number for emergency assistance.

Healthcare facilities

All healthcare in Greenland is public.  There are no private medical providers or facilities.  Healthcare facilities are limited, and medical evacuation is required for serious illness or injury.

Many professional staff speak English.  However, you should anticipate that 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 (unavailable from the United States, please see the table above).

• 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.
• There is a private dentist in Nuuk able to assist tourists requiring emergency dental care.
• You must contact the Greenlandic Healthcare System before 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.

Medical evacuation

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.
• Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Kangerlussuaq, and Narsarsuaq are the only airports in Greenland that can accommodate ambulance jets.  There are no hospitals in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq.  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.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are limited in Greenland and only available in larger towns. Greenland has no established road system between towns and settlements.

Traditional ambulances are not available outside Nuuk.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• Medical care is not free in Greenland.  If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even in a public healthcare facility.
• The Greenlandic Healthcare System provides emergency medical care; however, you may be billed for services after they are rendered.
• As a tourist, you must pay for all health care and medical-related transportation in Greenland and home from Greenland.
• Greenland’s healthcare system does not accept U.S. health insurance.  You will generally need to pay your medical expenses yourself and seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.
• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Prescription and over-the-counter medications

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.
• 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 (unavailable from the United States; download archived copy) and list of authorized medications (unavailable from the United States; download archived copy) to ensure the medication is legal in Greenland.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate importation of medications into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Greenland does not currently have legislation recognizing legal parentage established through surrogacy arrangements.  Individuals considering surrogacy in or involving Greenland should seek legal advice regarding parentage and the recognition of parental rights.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and for use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.

Air quality

Air pollution levels in Greenland are low.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. The AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) program uses historical data and global pollution modeling to generate a forecast of expected air quality in Greenland.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

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 must be 18 years of age to drive a car in Greenland. 
• Do not drink and drive.  Greenland’s legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05 percent.  Drivers may also be prosecuted if alcohol impairs their ability to drive safely, even if their blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit. 
• 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 (unavailable from the United States).  
• 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 25 miles per hour (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 79 pounds (36 kilograms), or less than 53 inches (135 centimeters) must use a car seat. 
• 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. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

Taxis are commonly used and safe in Greenland.  Ride-sharing apps are not used. 

Public and commercial transportation  

In larger towns such as Nuuk, Sisimut, and Qaqortoq, cars, buses, and taxis are common.  Greenlandic towns and settlements are not densely populated and are generally spread out over several miles. 

• Smaller settlements have fewer roads and are better traveled by foot or ATV.   
• For additional information, please see Visit Greenland’s page on public transportation.  
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight  

The Kingdom of Denmark is responsible for regulating civil aviation in Greenland. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Kingdom of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. The FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.   

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Greenland should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

• For weather forecasts and alerts, review the Danish Meteorological Institute’s weather forecasts, marine forecasts, and ice charts. 
• Local tour operators often have expertise in navigating Greenland’s environment safely.

Weather conditions

• Greenland has an Arctic climate, although weather and temperatures vary considerably by region and the time of the year. 
• Most communities are located along the coast, where the surrounding ocean moderates temperatures compared with inland areas. 
• Weather conditions can change quickly, and temperatures may vary significantly between coastal areas, fjords, and higher elevations. 
• Warm, dry föhn winds are common and can cause temperatures to rise rapidly, even during winter. 
• Summer temperatures are generally cool, while winter temperatures vary more widely from south to north and can be much colder in northern Greenland and on the Greenland Ice Sheet. 

Winter weather and extreme cold

Blizzards and periods of extreme cold are common in the winter months. 

• Winter storms with hurricane-force winds, freezing rain, and blowing snow can reduce visibility and disrupt travel. 
• A piteraq is a powerful, cold wind that can develop suddenly as air descends from the Greenland Ice Sheet.  These winds, which can reach a velocity of over 100 miles per hour, occur primarily in eastern and southern Greenland. 
• Temperatures can fall well below freezing, particularly on the Greenland Ice Sheet, where temperatures can reach as low as -95 degrees Fahrenheit (-70 degrees Celsius). 

Avalanches

Avalanches can occur in mountainous areas, particularly after heavy snowfall, strong winds, or rapid temperature changes.  If you plan to hike, ski, or snowmobile, consider traveling with an experienced guide. 

Tsunamis

Landslides, icebergs, and glaciers can trigger tsunami-like waves with little warning.  Tsunamis have caused loss of life, injury, and extensive damage to buildings.  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.   

Safety tips

• Be vigilant and follow 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 dangerous.  Exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe distance, especially if visiting this area by boat. 

Crevasses

Glaciers constantly shift, forming deep cracks called crevasses, especially in the top 150 feet where ice is brittle.  Crevasses are dangerous because they are often difficult to detect and may be concealed beneath thin snow layers.  These snow bridges, sometimes only a few inches thick, cannot support the weight of a person or vehicle.  New crevasses can open at any time.  Do not assume a previously traveled route is safe.  

Crossing a glacier is extremely risky. If you proceed, you should: 

• Hire an experienced guide. 
• Travel with a team. 
• Use proper equipment and purchase appropriate clothing. 

Sea ice and navigation risks  

Sea ice can be unstable, even when it appears solid.  Follow local advice before traveling on sea ice and never rely on its appearance to judge whether it is safe.  Changing sea ice conditions may delay or alter local transportation.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and

Embassies and consulates