Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Greenland due to COVID-19. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
None (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); +(45) 3341-7100; EMER: +(45) 3341-7400; US Embassy Copenhagen, Dag Hammarskjöld's Ale 24, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
299
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greenland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, COVID-19, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters
Currency (Code)
Danish kroner (DKK)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E, F, K
Major Languages
Greenlandic (West Greenlandic or Kalaallisut is the official language), Danish, English
Major Religions
Evangelical Lutheran, traditional Inuit spiritual beliefs
Time Difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note: Greenland has four time zones
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ilulissat Icefjord & Jakobshavn Glacier; Ilulissat Museum; Nuuk Art Museum; Kangerdlugssup Glacier; Qagortoq
Major Sports
Soccer, track and field, handball, skiing
Cultural Practices
While eating in Greenland, it is customary to keep one's hands visible even when resting. So wrists are often laid on the table.
Tipping Guidelines
All prices include tips and gratuity, but you may round up for good service.
Souvenirs
Bone, antler, or soapstone carvings; gemstones including tugtupite; bead and pendant necklaces; beauty products; leather goods; local berry, meat, and fish items
Traditional Cuisine
Suaasat — a soup made from seal, whale, reindeer, or seabirds, often including onions and potatoes, and seasoned with salt and pepper or bay leaf; the soup is often thickened with rice or by soaking barley in the water overnight
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, September 22, 2023
