This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Where to get help (new email contact for Australian Embassy). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Target Summary

Target Safety and Security

Target Terrorism

We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Denmark because of the risk of terrorist attacks. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

Since October 2005, a number of individuals have been arrested in Denmark on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks. In April 2008, three people were convicted of planning an act of terror. In June 2008, the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan was attacked by terrorists.

Target Civil Unrest/Political Tension

There have previously been isolated incidents of civil disturbance, particularly in the tourist area of Christiania, in Copenhagen. While the majority of demonstrations are non-violent, travellers should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent.

Target Crime

Denmark has a low incidence of serious crime.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, particularly during the peak tourist season (summer). Thieves tend to target the central train station, airport, hotel lobbies, restaurants, hostels and other crowded or tourist areas. Travellers should be aware of their personal belongings at all times and not leave their belongings unattended or unsecured.

Target Local Travel

Cyclists are very common on Danish roads and have their own bicycle paths. They often have the right of way and drivers should check cycle lanes before turning. Pedestrians should be careful not to walk on cycle lanes because of the high risk of collisions. You should also be aware of cyclists when opening car doors.

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. Headlights must be on at all times. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety .

Target Airline Safety

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Target Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice. It is also advisable not to feed animals in metropolitan areas.

Target Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Foreign-issued debit/credit cards may not be accepted by some outlets in Denmark, or may incur a user surcharge fee. Credit card transactions require the use of a PIN code for identification purposes, not a signature.

The currency is the Danish Krone. The Euro is not accepted in Denmark except in larger international shops or hotels.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, electronic equipment, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Target For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .

Target Local Laws

When you are in Denmark, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter .

Assaults, however minor, may attract jail sentences and a ban from future travel within the European Union.

Penalties for drink driving and speeding may include heavy fines and possible prison sentences.

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 drivers licence.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Target Information for Dual Nationals

Australian/Danish dual nationality is not generally recognised by Denmark. The only exception is if Danish citizenship is acquired as a child, through citizenship by descent. Dual nationals who are registered citizens of Denmark may be liable for three months military service when they turn 18. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Denmark .

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Target Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Denmark for the most up to date information.

Denmark is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 24 other European countries, which allows Australians to enter Denmark without a visa in some circumstances. See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention for further information.

People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) who are carrying 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Under the legislation, the term "cash" includes cheques, travellers' cheques and money orders. Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Target Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website . For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin . The Danish National Board of Health report there has been no reported cases of H1N1 infection since December 2009.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of health facilities and care throughout Denmark is high. English is widely spoken. There is no reciprocal health care agreement with Denmark. Costs are comparable with or more expensive than private treatment in Australia. While emergency hospital treatment is generally free, the patient is responsible for follow-up costs.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Denmark. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website . For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza .

Target Where to Get Help

In Denmark, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
Dampfaergevej 26,
2nd floor,
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Telephone +45 7026 3676
Facsimile +45 7026 3686
Email: genenq.cpgn@dfat.gov .au
Website: www.denmark.embassy.gov.au/

If you are travelling to Denmark, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate . The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.