Denmark Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Denmark
General travel safety in Denmark on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Denmark
Updates
Updated: 30 Aug 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Road conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country. Cyclists are numerous in Danish cities and often have right-of-way over pedestrians and automobiles. If you're driving, be sure to check bicycle lanes before turning right. When crossing the street on foot, watch carefully for bicycle traffic.
Identification
Carry adequate identification at all times, such as a passport or residence permit, as police have the right to ask to see it. Keep a photocopy of your passport, in case it is lost or seized. It is illegal to cover your face in public places in Denmark. Failure to comply can lead to a fine.
Public transportation
Public transportation network is widely available and reliable.
Women's safety
Denmark is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.
Crime
Petty crime (such as pickpocketing, luggage snatching and purse snatching) occurs in large cities, particularly during the tourist seasons (summer months and winter holiday season). Pickpockets and purse snatchers may work in teams. One person will distract the victim while another commits the robbery. Be particularly alert in hotel lobbies and breakfast rooms because they attract professional, well-dressed thieves. These thieves blend in with the guests and target the bags and purses of distracted patrons. Gang-related violence can occur in Copenhagen, particularly in the neighbourhoods of: Nørrebro, Husum, Brønshøj, Bispebjerg, Amager island.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112
- Fire112
- Ambulance112
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Copenhagen
AddressDag Hammerskjolds Allé 24
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Denmark has become one of the most socially liberal countries in the world for LGBTQ affairs, with recent polls indicating that a large majority of Danes support same-sex marriage and LGBT adoption. Copenhagen, the capital, has frequently been referred to by publishers as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, famous for its annual Pride parade.
Illegal or restricted activities
If you travel to Christiania, do not take pictures while you're there. There is zero tolerance for photography and tourists have become victims of assault and robbery after taking pictures.
Illegal drugs
Although Denmark is generally a liberal society, drug use is illegal and laws are enforced. Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs deemed to be for personal consumption will often receive a police fine or a short prison sentence.
Face covering
As of 1 August 2018, it's illegal in Denmark to wear in a public place any clothing which conceals the face.
Driving
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Denmark. You should carry an International Driving Permit. Penalties for drinking and driving, as well as for speeding, are severe.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Denmark.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Germany