Before you go to Denmark: what to know
Must know
- Use Danish kroner, not euros. The 1,000-krone banknote ceased to be legal tender in May 2025.
- Face-covering rules apply to visitors in public places; lawful exemptions include health reasons.
Entry and visas
Denmark follows Schengen short-stay rules: visa-exempt visitors share a 90-day allowance in any 180 days across the area. EES biometric registration takes place at external borders; it is not an online pre-arrival application. ETIAS is not operating; official diplomatic updates expect 2027, with no fixed launch date.
Passport validity: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
At the border you may be asked for
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.pl ↗, mzv.gov.cz ↗, consilium.europa.eu ↗, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗, commission.europa.eu ↗
Money
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — no data
- Cards are preferred by many businesses; confirm acceptance of your foreign card and any surcharge.
- Apple lists this country for Apple Pay with participating banks/cards; actual payment also depends on the merchant and card issuer.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitcopenhagen.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, visitdenmark.dk ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are prohibited.
- Clothing concealing the face in public is restricted, with defined exemptions.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check current drone registration and flight-zone requirements before flying.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Public religious dress is subject to the face-covering law.
Clothing: Business casual is common in professional settings; err on the formal side at a first meeting.
Etiquette
- Be punctual for appointments.
- Service is included in restaurant and taxi bills; extra tipping is optional.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: trade.gov ↗, visitdenmark.com ↗, gov.uk ↗
Climate
Maritime, changeable climate. Rain is possible all year; summer is warmer, autumn wetter and winter can bring frost and snow.
Month by month
- January: Jan: cold; frost or snow possible
- February: Feb: cold; frost or snow possible
- March: Mar: changeable; take wind and rain protection
- April: Apr: changeable; take wind and rain protection
- May: May: changeable; take wind and rain protection
- June: Jun: warmer; keep a rain layer
- July: Jul: warmer; keep a rain layer
- August: Aug: warmer; keep a rain layer
- September: Sep: rainy and overcast spells
- October: Oct: rainy and overcast spells
- November: Nov: rainy and overcast spells
- December: Dec: cold; frost or snow possible
Best season: June-August for warmer outdoor visits; take rain protection in all seasons.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitdenmark.com ↗, lifeindenmark.borger.dk ↗
What to pack
- Payment card and backup payment method
- Windproof rain jacket
- Suitable electrical adapter
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Relying on old 1,000-krone banknotes
Practical
Plugs: 230 V, 50 Hz; types C and K are common.
Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Traffic: drives on the right
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: lifeindenmark.borger.dk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.