Denmark entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can visit Denmark without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business trips, and family visits. From 2026, you only need your passport and a return ticket to enter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Denmark. Denmark does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but some airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Danish airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Danish border officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you can cover your expenses — roughly 500 DKK per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up if you're flagged for a random check. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Denmark is part of the Schengen area. Your 90-day allowance applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Denmark. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that counts toward your 90 days.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Denmark, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Danish border control
At Copenhagen Airport or any other entry point, join the queue for non-EU/EEA passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. If asked, state the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business). You may also be asked for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and concisely.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. This stamp determines your 90-day allowance. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for any onward travel.
4
Exit Denmark before 90 days
You must leave Denmark (and the entire Schengen area) before 90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays or if visa-free entry is not available; apply at Danish embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Convenient for frequent travelers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€160 (~$174 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Danish Work Visa (Pay Limit Scheme)
Up to 4 years, renewable
~€160 (~$174 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers with a job offer meeting salary threshold (currently ~€70,000/year). Fast-track processing available.
Apply student visa
Danish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to the duration of the study program
~€160 (~$174 USD) application fee
For full-time students at approved Danish educational institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~€160 (~$174 USD) application fee
For spouses, registered partners, or minor children of Danish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; valid for up to 90 days. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same fee as single entry. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines and future entry bans. | ~€50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Denmark
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Danish airports, even if leaving the airside area for a connecting flight.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL) · Aalborg Airport (AAL)
Health & vaccines for Denmark
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially on Bornholm and in forests; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Copenhagen
Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
Ryesgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications; appointments recommended.
Aarhus
Danish Immigration Service (Aarhus office)
Søndergade 12, 8000 Aarhus C
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles applications and inquiries for residents in Jutland.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalCopenhagen
LanguageDanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDanish krone (DKK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.41 DKK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,F,KTypes C (Europlug), E (French), F (Schuko), and K (Danish) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Denmark.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is a rolling window — count back 180 days from your departure date to check you haven't already used up your allowance.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa before your 90 days expire.
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the Schengen area. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a return or onward ticket. It's best to have one booked before you travel.
No, it's not mandatory for visa-free entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Denmark can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
No, the visa-free stay does not permit work. You need a work permit or a residence permit for employment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.