greenland travel warnings

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Is Greenland Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Greenland is the largest island in the world, which is a Danish dependent territory with the lowest population density and the smallest capital.

The culture of the country has a lot in common with Greenlandin Inuit tradition and a lot of people still go ice-fishing and participate in dog sled races.

As a result, it became a tourist attraction that in recent years, has established increasing trends.

• Warnings & Dangers in Greenland

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Overall Greenland is considered to be a safe destination if you will be using your common sense and be very attentive.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Greenland has no rail networks as well as no roads from city to city, meaning that in summer the boat is used for traveling, while in winter the dog sheld, which are considered relatively safe.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets can be met quite often there as it became in recent years a popular touristic destination and from this perspective, it is recommended to keep a close look at your belongings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are not natural disasters that can somehow affect you while traveling.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are few cases of mugging that have been registered and these rarely involve tourists as the crime level is considered low, as well as violent acts.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There is still always a chance of getting into this kind of unpleasant situation as everywhere in the world, so it is advisable to follow the indications of the public authorities.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are registered scam cases, but it is well-known that these can be easily avoided by using common sense and trying not to get easily influenced.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are more than welcome in the country and it is considered to be a safe place from this point, but it is recommended to wisely choose your accommodation.

• So... How Safe Is Greenland Really?

Even if there are really few crime or violence cases registered, it is recommended to always use your common sense and you will for sure will not get into trouble.

As the tourism industry is growing it is even becoming from year to year safer for tourists to travel.

It is also considered to be so safe due to the fact that there are no dangerous areas that one should know about and should avoid as much as possible, the key solution is to always be around locals.

This is due to the fact that in this way you will be able to avoid some meetings with wild animals that can somehow harm you and if the case they know for sure how to react.

It is still believed to be a harsher and colder version of Iceland, as it is not dangerous from the perspective of natural disasters as Iceland it is, but from the point that it has more polar bears and fewer points of escape that can put your life into danger.

It is really advisable if one wants to see the beauty of the island and enjoy their time in safety to take a guide, who will be able to show around the beauty.

• How Does Greenland Compare?
• Useful Information

It depends on the nationality whether you need a visa or not, but all the required information is clearly provided by the web-site of the public authorities.

The official currency is the so-called Greenlandic krone.

Greenland has in the north-central zone arctic climate where the average temperature of the warmest months is considered to be close to freezing and in the south-central zone subarctic the hottest registered temperature is a little bit above freezing.

As it is a really big island, there are 14 airports one can have flights from.

Travel Insurance

As it is always recommended to have travel insurance while traveling, no matter the destination Greenland is not an exception.

Greenland Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature
• Where to Next?

2 Reviews on Greenland

Excellent, very safe from Covid 19. Just like in Plague Inc

One to visit

From whale watching to seeing the Northern Lights, Greenland over delivered. Wife booked a surprise trip with me being a bit reluctant at first and then, as I googled things to do there, being completely over the moon. I didn’t feel unsafe at all, everything was perfectly organized. The locals were the cherry on top, culturally diverse and so cheerful and pleasant.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Greenland Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Greenland

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Entry details & exceptions

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Can I travel to Greenland from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greenland.

Can I travel to Greenland if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Greenland without restrictions.

Can I travel to Greenland without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Greenland without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Greenland?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Greenland.

Can I travel to Greenland without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Greenland?

Mask usage in Greenland is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Greenland?

Restaurants in Greenland are open. Bars in Greenland are .

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Greenland (Denmark) Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Greenland (Denmark).

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Greenland.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Greenland is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Greenland, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Greenland is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Greenland include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Greenland’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Greenland, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Greenland (Denmark) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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U.S. urges Americans to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland over COVID-19 concerns

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Trump nyc hush money trial to resume with banker's testimony.

Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial is set to resume in New York on Tuesday with testimony from a banker familiar with accounts involved in the former U.S. president's alleged scheme to influence the 2016 election by covering up a sex scandal.

Another popular European destination added to State Department's 'do not travel' list due to COVID

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising all U.S. travelers to avoid Italy , Greenland and Mauritius, regardless of vaccination status. 

The agency on Monday boosted the three countries to its level 4 “very high” coronavirus  advisory list, saying travelers should avoid these destinations or, if they “must” travel, make sure they are fully vaccinated beforehand. 

There are 84 destinations labeled as having “very high” COVID risk as of this week, including other popular European countries like France , Germany  and the United Kingdom. The CDC looks at a number of factors to determine a country’s risk level, including case counts and testing data.

The State Department concurrently added Italy and Mauritius to its own level 4 travel advisory  on Monday, warning "do not travel" to these destinations. 

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Italy is experiencing another COVID-19 wave, with more than 112,000 cases reported the week of Dec. 6, a 13% increase from the week prior, according to the World Health Organization. 

The country has tightened COVID restrictions in recent weeks, banning travel from eight African countries to curb the spread of omicron and excluding unvaccinated people  who have not recovered from the virus from indoor restaurants, theaters and museums.  

Other changes to the CDC's travel health notices include:

• Malaysia dropped from level 4 to level 3.
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• Equatorial Guinea dropped from level 2 to level 1.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

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Greenland Wants You to Visit. But Not All at Once.

The Arctic island, renowned for its glaciers and fjords, is expanding airports and hotels to energize its economy, even as it tries to avoid the pitfalls of overtourism.

By Gabriel Leigh

“The weather decides”: It could almost be the motto of Greenland. Visitors drawn to this North Atlantic island to see its powder blue glaciers, iceberg-clogged fjords and breathtakingly stark landscapes quickly learn to respect the elements, and they’re sometimes rewarded for it.

One cold December day, I was waiting for a delayed flight in Kangerlussuaq , a former U.S. military base just above the Arctic Circle, when a friendly Air Greenland pilot named Stale asked if I’d like to join him on a drive to the harbor to “pick up some musk ox heads.” The offer seemed very Greenlandic, so how could I refuse?

By early afternoon, it was already getting dark. We hopped into a pickup truck and headed down a long, icy road. At the water’s edge, Stale picked up a musk ox skull — they are kept as trophies, and the horns can be valuable for carving and toolmaking. Then we drove up a snow-covered mountain. The full moon illuminated the fjord below. Next to it, the town looked like a lunar base: a small pocket of human activity nestled in a seemingly infinite void.

I had arrived in Kangerlussuaq earlier that day aboard Air Greenland’s first brand-new jet, an A330neo fresh from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. The airport in Kangerlussuaq is one of few in Greenland with runways long enough to accommodate large jets. From there, travelers must switch to smaller turboprops to continue onward, including to the capital, Nuuk — where I was eventually headed — or Ilulissat , a town whose icy fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site. When the Airbus jet, also carrying the prime minister of Greenland, landed, hundreds of people waving red-and-white Greenlandic flags greeted us.

Kangerlussuaq

The new jet is part of a plan to invigorate the island’s tourism industry. Greenland, which is part of Denmark but has autonomy over most domestic affairs, is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation, building new runways and terminals in Nuuk and Ilulissat. If all goes according to the government’s plan, large jets could bring international visitors directly to these towns by 2024.

The 35-year-old prime minister, Mute B. Egede, who supports eventual independence from Denmark, sees tourism as a way to build economic self-sufficiency. The government has banned all oil exploration and has been cautious about expanding mining despite the potential for profits: It blocked the development of one rare-earth mining project over fears about uranium contamination.

“We need to have more growth,” Mr. Egede told me before the flight departed. “Right now most of our money comes from fisheries. We need some other income possibilities, and tourism is one of the key potentials for future growth in Greenland.”

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is roughly three times the size of Texas but has only about 57,000 residents. In the first three quarters of 2022, it attracted just under 55,000 visitors, according to Visit Greenland, the national tourism authority, and nearly 37,000 of them came from Denmark. Only 2,430 Americans visited Greenland in that period. Direct flights from the United States could mean a big influx.

The chief executive of Air Greenland, Jacob Nitter Sorensen, told me last year that the airline has North America in its sights, with New York as a top destination. That would put Nuuk just a four-hour hop away from the U.S. East Coast, meaning Americans would no longer need to backtrack from Copenhagen. (Nearly all flights to Greenland currently pass through the Danish capital.)

But a sudden surge of tourists could strain Greenland’s limited infrastructure, and challenge what makes the island special. Visitors come to experience its remoteness. Fly down the west coast and you’ll pass countless fjords and glaciers crowded only with birds and reindeer. You’re more likely to spot wildlife like humpback whales, narwhals, polar bears and musk oxen than to see a tour bus. Some locals worry about becoming the next Iceland, which has struggled to cope with hordes of tourists and rising prices as that island’s popularity has exploded in the last decade.

For now, those fears seem distant. Tourists are rare, and the weather still makes the rules. When I finally got to Nuuk, I had planned to go on a snowshoe trek in the mountains outside town and take a boat trip to see the fjords. I had also booked a special dinner of traditional Greenlandic cuisine — a menu that might have included food like reindeer, whale, musk ox, and Arctic herbs and berries. But lack of snow put a stop to the trek, high winds canceled the boat trip, and the dinner was called off because there weren’t enough other customers.

But at least one plan seemed to remain intact. I had booked a night in a “glass igloo” at the edge of town and was looking forward to the private hot tub and sauna — with views of the nearby bay and mountains — on its deck.

When I arrived in a taxi from the airport a few hours late, I found the place shut. It was frigid, the paths slick and treacherous. As the taxi sped away, I tried to call the hostel. Nobody answered.

Then, just as I was gearing up for the long walk up the icy hill to find a main street and hopefully another place to stay, a car pulled up, and Gerth Poulsen, a co-owner of the igloo, got out. Mr. Poulsen showed me around, turned on the hot tub, handed me a pack of peanuts and a Greenlandic beer, and drove back into the night, leaving me alone in my glass igloo. With panoramic views of the rugged landscape, it felt a bit like camping, but with a very effective heating system.

The island’s tourist infrastructure remains somewhat limited, but officials hope to change that by the time the new runways and terminals open next year. “There’s a great pressure to have more destinations ready when it comes to hotels, restaurants and experiences,” said Anne Nivika Grodem, the chief executive of Visit Greenland. “And it must be based on our values, to ensure a sustainable development.” With jet travel a major contributor to global warming, a destination famous for its ice and snow will have to strike a difficult balance.

Greenland is still a place where “the weather decides” can be a liberating mantra — once we accept that we’re powerless to do anything about the weather, we can give up control. And when we do, anything can happen.

For me, a delayed flight turned into an expedition onto a mountain. And then in Nuuk, with my packed schedule of outings wiped clean, I was free to wander, ducking into a pub that seemed straight out of old Denmark, dining on a plate of surprisingly affordable giant snow crab legs, and visiting the national museum to learn how Indigenous Greenlanders thrived in the harsh conditions a thousand years ago, long before the kind of heat I had in that igloo.

It wasn’t exactly the Greenlandic experience I’d planned, but it was the kind of adventure that endures.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

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Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

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Greenland (North America)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Rabies; Tetanus.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Malaria not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

• 38 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Greenland Travel Advice and Travel Advisories

Greenland travel vaccines and advice.

Greenland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Canada. Far removed from your average holiday destination, most of the country’s settlements are located on the coast, as the center of Greenland is pure ice. Its striking glacial beauty makes it a unique country. Most of the activities available are ice or snow themed; glacier hiking, skiing, ice rock climbing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Wildlife enthusiasts will be treated to the sighting of many animals, including snowy owls, polar bears, white-tailed eagles and humpback whales. History lovers should make sure to visit Nordic ruins from the Viking settlement. Discover the Greenlandic culture with its blend of Inuit and Scandinavian influences by experiencing a live concert or spending the evening in a cozy pub listening to local musicians.

Recommended travel vaccinations for Greenland

Recommended medication for travelling to greenland, current weather in greenland, medical care in greenland.

Greenland has limited but adequate public healthcare facilities. Pharmacies and doctors are mainly clustered in Nuuk. Before travelling, you should always purchase good quality medical insurance including medical repatriation, and you should travel with a well-stocked medical kit and any prescriptions you may need. Each district has a health care center which caters for routine health problems.  Queen Ingrid’s Hospital  is the central hospital in Greenland and provides emergency and specialist services.

Ambulances can be accessed by dialling  112 . Air ambulance is also possible, through companies such as  Norlandair.

Is Greenland Safe for Travel?

Do i need a visa to visit greenland.

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Only a  passport  is required to enter Greenland if you’re staying under 90 days. Your passport must be  valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure .

Please click  here  for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Greenland information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

• A legal problem
• A lost passport
• The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Consulate to Greenland (NUUK) Street Address: Tuapannguit 48, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland

Tel.:  (299) 31-1647  or  (299) 55-3289

Email:   [email protected]

Canadian Embassy to Denmark (COPENHAGEN) Street Address: Kristen Bernikowsgade 1, 1105 Copenhagen K., Denmark

Tel.:  45 33 48 32 00 Fax:  45 33-48-32-20

Please note that this is the website for the Canadian Embassy to Denmark.

Click here to access the embassy’s website

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Greenland travel blog — the fullest greenland travel guide for first-timers.

Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, the largest island in the world. With 80% of the area covered with ice, when it comes to Greenland, everyone thinks of giant glaciers. However, few people know that this island also possesses impressive natural scenery and an extremely long Inuit culture. So, is Greenland worth visiting, how to visit Greenland, what to do in Greenland and how to plan a budget trip to Greenland for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Greenland travel blog (Greenland blog) with the fullest Greenland travel guide (guide to Greenland, Greenland visitors guide, Greenland city guide, Greenland guide) from how to get to Greenland, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Greenland to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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However, few people know that the island also boasts spectacular natural beauty and an extremely rich Inuit culture. Explore the article below with us to have unique ideas for your trip!

Overview of Greenland (#greenland travel blog)

Greenland means “land of people” and in Danish means “green land”. Geographically it is an Arctic island nation linked to the North American continent and Canada, but politically and historically Greenland has close ties to Europe. This largest island in the world has an area of 2.166 million square kilometers but 80% of the area is ice, the rest is not covered with ice equivalent to the size of Sweden.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and can actually be thought of as an independent country. With a population of less than 60,000, it is the most populous country and the largest extra-continental island in the world. Icebergs and glaciers are perhaps the most famous features of this place. The wonderful shape of the thick icebergs makes many visitors enjoy coming here.

High mountains with beautiful cliffs, clear blue skies and fresh air are tourist attractions. Animals that thrive in the sea and on land such as seals, whales, polar bears and reindeer make the flora and fauna here extremely rich.

Greenland is even more famous after US President Donald Trump asked to buy this island from Denmark after realizing the great benefits and significance as well as the development potential of the beautiful ice island. Of course, the Danish government rejected this offer and claimed sovereignty over Greenland and asserted that the island of more than 2.1 million square kilometers is not for sale no matter how big the profits or numbers are that the US offers.

Before going to Greenland, visitors should prepare the Danish Krone, also denoted by Kr. This is the currency used in Greenland and 1 Krone is divided into 100 øre.

When is the best time to explore Greenland? (#greenland blog)

This island country has 3 tourist seasons: spring, summer and winter, but if you come here in spring, you will experience the snow festival in the capital Nuuk. In addition, this is also the time when the world’s toughest Arctic Circle Race is held in Sisimiut.

Summer from May to September, ice melts in fjords and large rivers. The highest temperature here does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius and the sky is clear. This is an opportunity for visitors to sail on the bay, enjoy boat excursions on the glaciers, visit the settlements and historic sites of Greenland.

If you are an adventurer, you should come here in winter, from November to February. At this time of year, you can admire the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and mysterious dark nights in the polar and enjoy the feeling of riding a sled, you can even go on a snowmobile excursion during the Polar Nights.

There will be 2 consecutive months without night (white night) (#greenland travel blog)

Visitors should note that when traveling to the island of Greenland, they will experience the feeling of 2 months without night if they come here at the right time from May 25 to July 27 every year. The reason is that this is the period with the longest day of the year as well as the festival season of this beautiful island. This is an opportunity for indigenous people to enjoy life, they lie in the sun and together create vibrant outdoor barbecues.

This time also has the warmest temperature of the year, visitors will experience a warm time in the sun and see the entire island in the most clear way instead of the white color of snow and ice in winter.

How to get to Greenland? (#greenland travel guide)

To buy air tickets at a good price, you should note on how to travel and book tickets 1-2 months in advance. Greenland’s visa regulations are similar to those of Scandinavia and parts of the Kingdom of Denmark. If you come from a country that requires a visa to enter Denmark, you will also need a visa to travel to Greenland. However, a visa valid for Denmark is not automatically valid for Greenland, so a separate visa application is required upon arrival in Greenland.

There are 3 ways to go from Vietnam to Greenland by plane, you can fly from Tan Son Nhat airport to the following 3 places:

• Ho Chi Minh City – Sisimiut: It takes about 27 hours and 11 minutes with the price from 702 – 1802 USD.
• Ho Chi Minh city – Ilulissat: It takes about 26 hours and 9 minutes with the price from 1102 – 2802 USD.
• Ho Chi Minh City – Nuuk: It takes about 27 hours 42 minutes with price from 1202 – 3002 USD.

The international airlines operating flights from Vietnam to Greenland are Thai Smile, Thai Vietjet Air, Qatar Airways, Air Greenland and Icelandair.

If you depart from other cities you can access Google Flights , Kayak or Skyscanner to find suitable routes and hunt cheap airfares.

Getting around Greenland

This place is located separately from the mainland, and there is no road or rail system connecting these areas. To move from the town center to the suburbs, people mainly use boats, sleds, dogsled or helicopters.

Where to stay? (#greenland travel blog)

Greenlanders often live in the capital Nuuk, so almost hotels are concentrated here. You can choose from modern, fully equipped 4-star hotels or if you want to experience contact with the lives of locals, you can choose to stay in a homestay. In the larger towns, you can check in with tourist offices to arrange accommodation for you at a Greenlandic family. In addition, you can also choose to stay in a hostel to save money for backpackers. Here are some hotels in Nuuk for your reference:

Aurora Hotel: 1.1 km from the city center. The hotel offers single, double and family rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and toiletries. ( Agoda , Booking )

Kang Apartments : 1.6 km from the city center, with sea views and free Wi-Fi. ( Agoda , Booking )

HHE Express: Located in the heart of Nuuk, the hotel has a modern design, clean and comfortable rooms, free private parking and a restaurant serving European dishes. ( Agoda , Booking )

Hotel Nuuk – Apartment Nanoq: It has received many very good reviews from travellers. This is the ideal place to stay for groups of friends or families, with a large kitchen space and relaxing spa bath. ( Agoda , Booking )

B&B Julia & Poul Lyberth: There are many interesting experiences with homestays with locals. Guests staying at this hotel give it a score of 9.4/10 for the convenience and friendliness of the host. ( Agoda , Booking )

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Nuka ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Icefiord ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Arctic Ilulissat ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel SOMA Nuuk ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hans Egede Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel SOMA Ilulissat ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Greenland on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Where to go and what to do in Greenland?

Greenland can really be seen as a separate world. The most famous feature is probably the icebergs and glaciers like giant white buoys against the deep blue sea. Greenland also has beautiful green mountains and wildflowers, fjords, steep cliffs in the against a crystal clear sky.

Animals here thrive both at sea and on land such as seals, whales, polar bears and reindeer The fresh air creates a beautiful and romantic world just waiting to be discovered.

Ilulissat Icefjord

This is the most visited area by tourists when coming to Greenland, in 2004 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Ilulissat Iceford is located in Disko Bay, home to huge glaciers. The ice sheets fractured off the glaciers and floated into coastal waters. If you are lucky you can witness this natural spectacle and can be watched from the mainland if the time is right.

Jakobshavn Glacier (#guide to greenland)

It is Greenland’s most visited site and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Ilulissat is located in Disko Bay, home to huge Jakobshavn Glacier. Icebergs break off glaciers and drift into coastal waters. If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness this natural wonder first-hand during your visit to Greenland.

Uunartoq Hot Springs (#greenland guide)

Hot springs are found everywhere in Greenland, especially the Uunartoq area. This is uninhabited land and is home to the most hot springs. Three natural hot springs combine to form a small pool, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and admire the beautiful mountain peaks.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are often referred to as “the greatest light show on earth”. When visiting Greenland, any tourist wants to see this scene once, and it only happens during the winter months from November to March. You can see the Northern Lights in the east – Ittoqqortoormiit, south – Qaqortoq and west – Kangerlussuaq.

Ancient Eskimos

About 2 km from the town of Ilulissat is an ancient Eskimo settlement. The site was first excavated in the early 20th century and includes a number of preserved sites of the indigenous Arctic Eskimo culture. In an old abandoned village, tourists will have the opportunity to see firsthand objects created by the inhabitants who lived here more than 2000 years ago.

The capital city of Nuuk

The capital Nuuk is the administrative center of Greenland, where most of the island’s population is concentrated. Tourists often head to the National Museum of Greenland to admire its collection of hunting equipment, carvings, kayaks and Viking life.

It also regularly hosts geological and art exhibitions. The museum currently houses the 500-year-old mummies of women and children, and some of the facial tattoos are still clearly visible.

Viking Ruins

The Viking ruins are the ruins of Eric’s millennial Norse colonies located south of Greenland. A visit to the Viking ruins takes you on a fascinating journey back to the days of the hunter-gatherers of the Norse peoples. Several ruins are found in the area such as the Church of Hvalsey Fjord and Brattahlid.

Tasiilaq is the largest town in Eastern Greenland, but only 2,000 people live here. The town of Tasiilaq possesses an extremely beautiful natural setting, surrounded by soaring mountains and divided by a small river. Behind the town is the valley of flowers, a great place for tourists to take a scenic walk. In winter, ski trips or snowmobile tours are popular. Summer is popular again with hiking tours, mountain climbing, sea kayaking or helicopter watching glaciers.

Thule & Northwest Greenland

Thule was founded in 1910 by Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen and his friend Peter Freuchen. Rasmussen made several expeditions from Thule into the North Pole to learn about the Eskimo tribe. Today Thule is a popular cruise ship destination.

Whale watching

Topping the wish list of many tourists in Greenland is watching the real whales. Most of the ice in the fjords will melt in May, so June and July are usually the best months for whale watching along the coastline.

Tours usually depart from towns such as Qeqertarsuaq, Nuuk and Aasiaat and are offered by tour companies such as Diskoline and Greenland Adventures. Usually, tourists will see encounters between humpback whales, groupers and fin whales. Luckily, you can catch blue whales, killer whales (orca), guppies, belugas, sperm whales, and pilot whales.

Snowmobile tours and dog sled rides

Wildlife spotting is one of the must-try things to do in Greenland, and the best way to experience the country’s unique natural environment is by taking a sleigh excursion. Reindeer, polar bears and white-tailed eagles are just some of the beautiful creatures in this place.

The winter months are the best time for snowmobile or dog sled tours. You will discover wildlife such as reindeer, polar bear and white-tailed eagle.

In addition, you can also rent a snowmobile to experience it yourself. Naturally, winter is the best time for this type of travel. Some of the most popular areas to explore its flora and fauna are Disko Bay, Tasiusaq Fjord, Qaanaaq and Thule.

What to eat?

Greenlandic cuisine is little known but has recently begun to take on a more international influence. The dishes here are used local products such as reindeer and fish. In coastal fishing villages, fishing is the main source of income and daily food for the people.

Mattak is a popular snack in Greenland and a favorite of the indigenous people. Mattak refers to the skin and underlying fat layer of the whale. This dish is served raw or served with coarse salt. The way to eat mattak is like tasting wine, because people often enjoy the taste of it and then discard the crumbs.

Suaasat is a traditional Greenlandic soup. It is traditionally made from seal meat, but can also be substituted with whale, reindeer or seabird meat.

The soup usually consists of onions and potatoes and is simply seasoned with salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. The soup is usually thickened with rice or barley soaked in water overnight.

Dried whale meat

Dried whale is a popular snack for light lunches. Because the temperature on the island does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius, fresh food can be easily preserved as dry or salted food. Although Greenland does not allow commercial whaling, whale hunting is still possible in traditional communities, as this has been their practice for centuries. via.

Grilled beef is also a popular dish, prepared with all ingredients including tomato sauce, soy sauce and paprika.

Fruits and vegetables are ingredients that must be imported from other countries, so they are quite expensive.

Today, going to Greenland is not difficult because there is a lot of information available to tourists. In particular, the hospitality of the locals will make your trip easier. Prepare before you go, especially warm clothes and personal papers to make the trip the most complete.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Greenland you can refer to

• Sisimiut: Stars and Northern Lights UTV Tour
• Sisimiut: Winter Monster Sled Safari to the Backcountry
• Sisimiut: Dogsledding Discovery Experience
• Sisimiut: Winter Snowshoe Hike
• Sisimiut: Guided Backcountry Snowmobile Adventure

Read more Denmark guide here .

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Last verified: Tuesday, 30. April 2024 at 08:30 AM

Greenland Travel Advisory

• North America
• Northern America
• Greenland Travel Advice

Travelling Greenland is (relatively) safe

Local situation: 0.0 / 5.

Travelling Greenland is (relatively) safe. We didn't detected any travel advisories from any source at this moment.

Regional Situation: 0.0 / 5

This country shares no land border with any other country. Thus, the region score is identical to the country risk rating.

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Greenland

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Greenland. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Greenland.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Greenland

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Greenland.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Greenland from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 0.0 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: Canada

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greenland

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/greenland

Individual rating changes for Greenland

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Greenland. Most recent events first.

Changes from March 22nd 2020

The total rating for Greenland changed from 0.0 to 4.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Greenland with a rating of 4.0.

About Greenland

Greenland with its capital Nuuk (Godthåb) is a country in North America (Northern America), slightly more than three times the size of Texas (2,166,086 km²). The country is located Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada. The climate can be described as arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters. The landscape is flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast. With a population of less than a million citizens.

Greenlandic flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Greenland is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• including whaling and seal hunting
• preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life
• protection of the arctic environment

Natural hazzards

• continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Greenland. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• anorthosite
• fish processing
• Greenland halibut
• handicrafts
• mainly shrimp
• ruby mining
• small shipyards

Agriculture products

Greenlandic Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Greenland.

Export products

• fish products

Import products

• manufactured goods
• petroleum products
• transport equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for greenland.

Greenland is currently rated at 0,0 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 0 official sources. Travelling Greenland is (relatively) safe.

Is it safe to travel Greenland in 2024?

You are good to go, enjoy your trip to Greenland.

How many travel advisories do you know for Greenland?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 0 individual sources for Greenland.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Greenland?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Greenland. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Greenland.

What is the size of Greenland?

Greenland has a size of 2,166,086 km² or 836,330 mi² which is slightly more than three times the size of Texas.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Greenland.

If you want to embed Greenland travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Greenland safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Greenland?
• Are there security warnings for Greenland?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

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Foreign travel advice

Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Countries or territories

226 Countries or territories

Countries starting with A

• Afghanistan
• Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory
• Antigua and Barbuda

Countries starting with B

• Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso

Countries starting with C

• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Czech Republic

Countries starting with D

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic

Countries starting with E

• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea

Countries starting with F

• Falkland Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia

Countries starting with G

• Guinea-Bissau

Countries starting with H

Countries starting with i, countries starting with j, countries starting with k, countries starting with l.

• Liechtenstein

Countries starting with M

• Marshall Islands
• Myanmar (Burma)

Countries starting with N

• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia

Countries starting with O

Countries starting with p.

• The Occupied Palestinian Territories
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Pitcairn Island

Countries starting with Q

Countries starting with r, countries starting with s.

• São Tomé and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Martin and St Barthélemy
• St Pierre & Miquelon
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland

Countries starting with T

• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Countries starting with U

• United Arab Emirates

Countries starting with V

Countries starting with w.

• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Sahara

Countries starting with Y

Countries starting with z, get updates for all countries, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
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• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

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Greece Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, greece - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Greece.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.

If you decide to travel to Greece: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Greece.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

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