Get Your Greenland Visa Online
Fast visa processing for tourism, adventure, and expeditions — explore the ultimate Arctic frontier
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Greenland Visa
Quick 4-step process — most travelers approved within 10-20 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your travel details and personal information. Our intelligent validation system pre-checks every field against Danish immigration requirements for Greenland entry, catching errors before submission and ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
2
Upload your documents
Submit a clear passport scan (bio page with photo), recent passport photographs meeting specifications, travel insurance proof, and supporting documents. Our document specialists verify everything meets requirements for Greenland travel, significantly reducing processing delays.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is prepared for submission to the Danish embassy or consulate handling Greenland visas. We track processing status continuously and notify you immediately of any updates, interview requirements, or additional documentation requests via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your Greenland visa will be placed in your passport. Collect it from the embassy or receive it by courier. Welcome to Greenland — prepare to explore the world's largest island with its spectacular icebergs, Inuit culture, and the magical Northern Lights!
Greenland Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Greenland Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism and Arctic expeditions
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
Visa-free access for Danish, Nordic, and eligible countries
Transit Visa
Up to 5 days
For travelers connecting through Greenland airports
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For research, business meetings, and scientific expeditions
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond planned departure
- Comprehensive travel insurance with Arctic medical evacuation coverage
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx DKK 500/day)
- Confirmed accommodation or expedition tour booking
- Return or onward flight ticket confirmation
- Purpose of visit documentation or invitation letter
Greenland Visa & Entry Requirements
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark but is NOT part of the Schengen Area. This means a standard Schengen visa does not automatically grant entry to Greenland — separate authorization may be required depending on your nationality. Greenland maintains its own immigration rules despite being under Danish sovereignty.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of Denmark, Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland), and EU/EEA nations can visit Greenland visa-free without restriction. Travelers from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea can also visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, you must transit through Copenhagen or Reykjavik, which may require separate Schengen visa arrangements.
Greenland-Specific Visa
Travelers from countries requiring visas for Denmark typically also need a visa for Greenland. However, the application process differs — you must specifically request a Greenland visa or have your Danish visa endorsed for Greenland travel. A standard Danish Schengen visa alone is not sufficient. Contact the Danish embassy to request the appropriate endorsement or separate Greenland visa.
Research & Scientific Expeditions
Scientific Research Permits
Greenland is a premier destination for Arctic research and scientific expeditions. Researchers and scientists may require additional permits beyond standard visas. The Greenland Research Council coordinates research activities, and many scientific projects require approval from the Ministry of Research and Education. Permits are needed for activities involving wildlife studies, archaeological research, geological surveys, and glacier expeditions.
Expedition Tourism
Adventure travelers joining organized expeditions (cruise ships, guided tours, mountaineering groups) typically travel under their operator's permits. Ensure your tour company has proper authorizations for remote areas. Independent expeditions to uninhabited regions may require special permits and mandatory safety equipment including satellite communication devices and emergency beacons.
Film & Media Permits
Professional filming and photography in Greenland often requires permits from local municipalities and the Greenland government. Drone usage is heavily regulated, especially near wildlife and in protected areas. Commercial media projects should contact Visit Greenland well in advance to arrange necessary authorizations.
Application Requirements & Travel Logistics
Required Documents for Greenland Visa
• Completed application form specifically requesting Greenland entry
• Passport valid minimum 3 months beyond planned departure with at least 2 blank pages
• Two passport photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Comprehensive travel insurance with Arctic medical evacuation coverage (minimum EUR 30,000)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, expedition confirmation, or invitation letter)
• Flight itinerary showing entry and exit routes (via Copenhagen or Reykjavik)
• Proof of financial means (approximately DKK 500 per day, bank statements from past 3 months)
• Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and detailed itinerary
Visa Fees
Greenland visa fees align with Danish visa rates: EUR 80 for adults (EUR 40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6). Additional service center fees may apply. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. Apply through the Danish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Entry Points & Processing Times
Main Entry Points
Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is Greenland's primary international gateway, located on the west coast. Most flights from Copenhagen land here, with domestic connections to other Greenland destinations. The airport features Greenland's longest runway, capable of handling large aircraft.
Nuuk Airport (GOH) serves the capital with flights from Reykjavik and domestic routes. Expansion projects are underway to accommodate larger international aircraft. Other airports include Ilulissat (JAV) for visiting the famous Icefjord, and Narsarsuaq (UAK) in the south.
Cruise Access
Several Greenland ports welcome cruise ships during summer months (June-September), including Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq. Cruise passengers must still meet visa requirements based on nationality.
Processing Times
Greenland visa applications typically take 10-20 business days from submission. During peak summer season (June-August), processing may extend to 4-6 weeks. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your planned travel dates. Research permits and scientific expedition authorizations require 3-6 months advance application.
Important Tips
• Book through Copenhagen or Reykjavik — these are the only international transit points
• Greenland has limited infrastructure — book accommodation and internal flights well in advance
• Arctic weather causes frequent flight delays — build buffer days into your itinerary
• Summer offers midnight sun and wildlife; winter brings Northern Lights and dog sledding
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"DoVisa helped me navigate the tricky Greenland visa process. The fact that it's separate from Schengen confused me initially, but their team explained everything clearly. My Arctic dream came true!"
"Excellent service for our expedition cruise to Greenland. They ensured our visas were properly endorsed for Greenland entry, not just standard Danish Schengen."
"Used DoVisa for research visa coordination. Good support, though the process took longer than expected due to research permit requirements. The icefjord was worth every day of waiting."
"As a Japanese citizen, I wasn't sure about Greenland entry requirements. DoVisa clarified that I could visit visa-free but needed proper documentation for the transit through Copenhagen."
"Seeing the Northern Lights in Greenland was a bucket list item. DoVisa made the visa process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their Arctic expertise!"
"Good experience overall. The team was knowledgeable about Greenland's unique visa situation. Processing took about 3 weeks but was within their estimated timeframe."
"DoVisa handled my Indian passport application for Greenland expertly. They knew exactly what endorsements were needed and my visa was approved for both Denmark transit and Greenland entry."
"Wonderful service! Planning a photography trip to Ilulissat and DoVisa helped with all the documentation. The icebergs were even more spectacular than the photos!"
Greenland Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Greenland?
Greenland offers several entry categories. Tourist visa allows visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, photography, and adventure travel. Visa-free entry is available for citizens of Nordic countries, EU/EEA nations, and approximately 60 other countries including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Japan. Transit visa permits short stays for travelers connecting through Greenland. Business/research visa covers scientific expeditions, business meetings, and research projects. The appropriate category depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended duration of stay.
Is Greenland part of the Schengen Area?
No, Greenland is NOT part of the Schengen Area despite being an autonomous territory of Denmark. This is a crucial distinction — a standard Schengen visa does not automatically grant entry to Greenland. If you require a visa for Denmark, you must specifically request a Greenland endorsement or separate Greenland visa. Travelers from Schengen visa-exempt countries can typically visit Greenland visa-free, but must consider visa requirements for transit through Copenhagen or Reykjavik (which are in the Schengen Area).
Do I need a visa to visit Greenland?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of Denmark, Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland), and EU/EEA nations can visit freely. Travelers from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and approximately 60 other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of countries requiring Danish visas (including China, India, Russia, Philippines) need a specific Greenland visa or Greenland endorsement on their Danish visa. Check your specific nationality requirements before planning your trip.
What documents do I need for a Greenland visa?
A Greenland visa application requires: completed application form specifically requesting Greenland entry; valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond departure, with 2 blank pages); two passport photographs (35x45mm, white background, recent); comprehensive travel insurance with Arctic medical evacuation coverage (minimum EUR 30,000); proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or expedition confirmation); flight itinerary showing entry via Copenhagen or Reykjavik; proof of financial means (approximately DKK 500/day); and cover letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary.
How long can I stay in Greenland?
Most visitors can stay in Greenland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to both visa holders and visa-free travelers. The 90-day count is separate from Schengen Area stays since Greenland is not part of Schengen. For longer stays (research projects, employment, study), you must apply for a residence permit through the Danish Immigration Service (Udlaendingestyrelsen). Work permits require employer sponsorship and are processed separately from tourist visas.
Can I extend my Greenland visa?
Extending a Greenland visa is generally difficult and only permitted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies, severe weather preventing departure, or documented force majeure situations. Regular tourists cannot extend their stay beyond 90 days. If you need to stay longer for research or work, you must apply for the appropriate long-stay permit before your current authorization expires. Contact the local police or Danish authorities in Greenland for emergency extension requests.
Can I work in Greenland with a tourist visa?
No, working in Greenland with a tourist visa or visa-free entry is prohibited. Any paid employment requires a proper work permit (arbejdstilladelse) issued by the Danish Immigration Service. EU/EEA citizens have easier access to work permits. Research activities may require separate scientific permits from the Greenland Research Council even if you have a valid visa. Volunteer work arrangements should be clarified with immigration authorities before travel.
How do I get to Greenland?
Greenland is only accessible by air or sea — there are no roads connecting it to other countries. By air: Most flights route through Copenhagen (Denmark) via Air Greenland, or Reykjavik (Iceland) via Icelandair/Air Iceland Connect. Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is the main international hub with connections to other Greenland towns. By sea: Expedition cruise ships visit during summer months (June-September). There is no regular ferry service from other countries. Plan your transit visas accordingly — you will pass through either the Schengen Area (Copenhagen) or Iceland.
What is the best time to visit Greenland?
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight north of the Arctic Circle, warmest temperatures (5-15°C), best for hiking, whale watching, and iceberg viewing. Peak season with highest prices and limited availability. Winter (November-March): Prime Northern Lights season, dog sledding, ice fishing, and traditional Inuit cultural experiences. Extremely cold (-10 to -30°C), limited daylight. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds, Northern Lights possible, frozen fjords beginning to thaw or freeze. April offers skiing; September has autumn colors.
Do I need special insurance for Greenland?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Greenland. Standard policies may not cover the unique risks of Arctic travel. Your insurance should include: minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage; emergency helicopter evacuation (medical facilities are limited and far apart); trip cancellation (weather frequently disrupts flights); and adventure activity coverage if participating in glacier hiking, kayaking, or dog sledding. Greenland's remote healthcare facilities mean evacuations can cost tens of thousands of euros. Verify your policy specifically covers Greenland.
What if my Greenland visa application is rejected?
Visa rejections for Greenland are uncommon with proper documentation. Common rejection reasons: confusion about Schengen vs. Greenland entry requirements, insufficient proof of funds for expensive Arctic travel, inadequate travel insurance without evacuation coverage, incomplete documentation, or weak ties to home country. If rejected, you receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within the specified timeframe or reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns. DoVisa's document review service helps identify potential issues before submission.
What currency is used in Greenland?
Greenland uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted in towns and hotels, but cash is essential for smaller settlements and remote areas. ATMs are available in Nuuk, Ilulissat, and other major towns but may be limited or unreliable. Budget expectations: Greenland is extremely expensive. Budget travelers should plan for DKK 1,500-2,000 per day (EUR 200-270). Mid-range: DKK 2,500-4,000/day. Organized tours and expeditions can cost DKK 15,000-50,000+ per person for multi-day experiences.
Do I need to print my Greenland visa?
Greenland visas are physical stickers placed in your passport — not electronic visas. You must visit a Danish embassy, consulate, or VFS Global application center to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and your passport. Once approved, the visa sticker is affixed to a blank passport page with Greenland endorsement noted. You cannot travel without the physical visa sticker in your passport. For visa-free travelers, no visa documentation is needed, but carry proof of accommodation, return flights, financial means, and travel insurance.
What are Greenland's entry requirements besides a visa?
Beyond visa requirements, Greenland requires: Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond departure date and 2 blank pages; Proof of accommodation for your stay; Return or onward travel tickets via Copenhagen or Reykjavik; Sufficient funds (approximately DKK 500/day); Comprehensive travel insurance with Arctic evacuation coverage. There are no specific vaccination requirements. Customs regulations limit duty-free imports. Strict environmental protections prohibit removing natural items (rocks, plants, artifacts) without permits.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Greenland?
Yes, Greenland is one of the world's premier destinations for Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing. The best season is September through early April when nights are dark enough. Peak viewing months are October, November, February, and March. South Greenland (Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk) offers the best combination of clear skies and aurora activity. Ilulissat and North Greenland also provide excellent viewing. Unlike coastal locations, Kangerlussuaq's inland position provides more stable, clear weather for aurora watching.
Is Greenland safe for tourists?
Yes, Greenland is generally very safe for tourists with extremely low crime rates. The main safety concerns are environmental: extreme cold, unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters (polar bears in remote areas), and challenging terrain. Safety recommendations: Always travel with appropriate gear and clothing; never venture onto glaciers or sea ice without experienced guides; carry emergency communication devices in remote areas; respect wildlife viewing distances; and inform someone of your travel plans. Tour operators provide essential safety equipment and guidance.
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