Summary

We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Denmark. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

Safety and Security

Denmark is a generally a safe country.  However, along with other European countries there is potential for Denmark to experience international terrorism. Irish citizens travelling to Denmark are advised to be vigilant and to take the usual, sensible precautions as when travelling to any country with which they are unfamiliar.

Although Denmark’s crime rate is relatively low, Denmark has seen a slight rise in non-violent crimes in the past few years; therefore care should be taken with your personal belongings, including passport, money and credit cards. Crowded, public areas during tourist season attract pickpockets; additional care/precautions should be taken to keep personal belongings secure. There have previously been isolated incidents of civil disturbance, particularly in the area of Christiania, in Copenhagen.

In Denmark, the emergency telephone number is 112.

Local Laws and Customs

Drug possession, even in small amounts, is illegal and will lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

You should carry personal identification at all times, for example either a passport or driving licence.

A valid full Irish driving licence is sufficient for driving in Denmark. Dimmed headlights are mandatory at all times. It should be noted that cyclists are commonplace on Danish roads, and care should be taken – especially when turning right - as a cyclist is usually given the right of way. On many urban roads there are lanes designated to public transport.

The use of seatbelts while driving is mandatory and children between the ages of 3 and 6 may use approved child or booster seats instead of a normal seatbelt. Children under the age of 3 must also be secured with approved safety equipment appropriate to their height, weight, and age.

The legal alcohol limits in Denmark are stricter than in Ireland, and urban speed limits tend to be lower. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offence and the fines are heavy. Parking violations also carry heavy fines.

Road conditions in winter can be icy. Roads are normally well salted in central Copenhagen but may not be salted outside of the metropolitan area.

Bicycles are a common mode of transport and there are numerous bicycle rental services located throughout the city. It is compulsory to have working front and rear lights, reflectors on tyres and a bell on a bike. Hefty fines are levied if not. Tourists should take care when entering or leaving buses, as the bike path is usually located between the road and the footpath. Likewise, for their own safety, pedestrians should not stray into cycle lanes.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Rarely, Denmark may experience heavy rain and cloudbursts. Warnings are sent out via the media.

Additional Country Info

The medical infrastructure in Denmark is of a very high standard, and in the case of serious injury emergency medical treatment is free of charge, although the patient is charged for follow-up care.  

Travellers to Denmark may wish to consider downloading a mobile app, AkutDanmark, which displays emergency information in Denmark in Danish, English or German. The app automatically matches the language settings of your mobile phone. The app costs DKK 6 (approximately €0.80) and can be downloaded via the App store and Google Play.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN DENMARK

Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in Denmark are available here. (Opens in new window)