Denmark Travel Guide:

         Tourism Information

                    Special Note   Road Safety and Conditions   Medical Care

Denmark is an Add-on Destination (two of four globes)

Denmark is a destination that is a desirable "add-on" to vacations focused on other European countries.  While short on World Class tourist destinations, Denmark offers the traveler a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Europe's more popular countries for tourism. 

1. The Danes are a wonderful and warm people and we suspect that after your visit, you will remember the country as a great place for good food, good company and touring at an unhurried pace.



2. Denmark is a good place for independent travel.



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in Denmark can be found at Denmark: Places To Visit.



4. Additional information on Denmark can be found at the country's official tourism website www.visitdenmark.com.



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Denmark is a safe travel destination for tourists. 

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings for Denmark have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.
2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
3. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.
4. If you have an emergency in Denmark call 112. 112 is a European Economic Community initiative to provide a one telephone number contact for ambulance services, the police, the fire service, air and sea rescue, and other emergency services available within a specific country. The 112- telephone number is designed for use in emergency situations, especially when life or property is at risk. Calls may be answered in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English, or German.
5. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24; 2100 Copenhagen, telephone: (45) 33-41-71-00; Embassy fax: (45) 35-43-02-23; Consular Section fax: (45) 35-38-96-16; After-hours emergency telephone: (45) 35-55-92-70. Information is also available via the U.S. Embassy's website at http://denmark.usembassy.gov/ .  See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.

A valid passport is required.  Tourist and business travelers do not need visas for visits of up to three months (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden.)

For further information on entry requirements for Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, travelers may contact the Royal Danish Embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008, phone (202) 234-4300 or consult http://www.denmarkemb.org.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Danish laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Danish citizens.

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's  Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues.  U.S. citizens who are also citizens of Denmark or any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

 Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.

Be alert and avoid the petty theft situations that target travelers.  The more common situations are described below.

Travelers in Copenhagen and other major Danish cities are targets for pickpockets and sophisticated thieves. Criminals frequent airports, train stations, and cruise ship quays to take advantage of weary, luggage-burdened travelers. Thieves also operate at popular tourist attractions, shopping streets and restaurants. In hotel lobbies and breakfast areas, thieves take advantage of even a brief lapse in attention to snatch jackets, purses, and backpacks. Women’s purses placed either on the backs of chairs or on the floor are typical targets for thieves.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

From time to time Copenhagen may experience protest activities from young people in their attempt to defend their self-proclaimed rights to either property (club activity buildings) or other privileges provided by Danish public means. Travelers should be aware that participation in illegal demonstrations or street riots may result in immediate imprisonment and long term bans on re-entering Denmark.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While in Denmark, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Denmark is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: excellent
Urban road conditions: excellent
Rural road conditions: good
Availability of roadside assistance: good

A valid U.S. driver's license may be used while visiting Denmark, but the driver must be at least 18 years old. Driving in Denmark is on the right side of the road. Road signs use standard international symbols. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transport only.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).

Use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children under three years of age must be secured with approved safety equipment appropriate to the child's age, size, and weight.  Children from three to six years of age may use approved child or booster seats instead of seat belts.

Drivers may not use a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle.

• Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a very serious offense. The rules are stringently enforced, and violations can result in stiff fines and possible jail sentences. 

• ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

Copenhagen, the capital and largest city in Denmark, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. There is also a reliable train and bus network connecting Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark. 

Bicycles are also a common mode of transportation in Denmark. Passengers exiting public or tourist buses, as well as tourists driving rental cars, should watch for bicycles on their designated paths, which are usually located between the pedestrian sidewalks and the traffic lanes.

Danish expressways, highways, and secondary roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country. It is possible to drive from the northern tip of Denmark to the German border in the south in just four hours.

Speed Limits in Denmark:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 80 km/h
3. Motorways - 130 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For specific information concerning Danish driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Danish Tourist Board in New York at http://www.denmark.org.

Excellent medical facilities are widely available in Denmark.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. 

ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.