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Good to know before you travel to Greenland.

Entry & Visa

  • Always bring a valid passport – also when traveling from Denmark.

  • Greenland is part of the Danish Realm, but outside of Schengen.

  • Citizens from countries requiring a visa must apply via Denmark and state Greenland specifically.

Transportation & Arrival

  • No roads between cities – travel by plane, helicopter or boat.

  • Possibility to rent a car for use in the city you are staying in.

  • International flights to Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk.

  • Shuttle bus to and from the airport is available.

Packing list

  • Take out travel insurance for canceled flights, unforeseen events, etc.

  • Pack medication in your hand luggage.

  • Layered clothing (wool on the inside, wind and waterproof on the outside).

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen – the sun is strong due to reflection from ice and snow.

  • Insect repellent in summer.

  • Good hiking boots and possibly thermal clothing for winter.

Payment & Prices

  • Currency: Danish krone (DKK).

  • Card payment works in most places, but carry cash in small towns and settlements.

Health & Safety

  • If you have Danish health insurance, you are covered. Otherwise, regular travel health insurance.

  • No special vaccinations required.

  • Greenland is generally a very safe place to be. But nature can be harsh – always follow local advice when hiking, sailing or traveling on ice.

Climate & Seasons

  • Summer (June-August), midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle.

  • Winter (October-April), polar night in the north, northern lights in dark months.

  • The weather can change quickly – from calm to blizzard .

Language & Culture

  • Official language: Greenlandic. Many speak Danish and English is widely spoken.

  • Respect local culture and nature is important. Ask before photographing people.

  • Traditional dishes can include seal, whale and musk ox.

Food & Procurement

  • Tap water is safe to drink.

  • Food can seem expensive due to imports.

  • Larger cities have supermarkets, villages have small shops.

Photo; Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland.