Does an American Need a Visa to Enter Denmark?

Do Americans need a visa for Denmark? The answer could be yes and no, depending on a variety of factors and circumstances. In this article, we’ll look into situations where US nationals can visit Denmark visa-free and when they’ll need to apply for a visa in order to enter Denmark. Let’s begin. 

When Does an American Not Need a Visa to Enter Denmark?

The rule of the thumb is that if you’re a US national, you don’t need a visa to enter Denmark. This is because Denmark, as part of the Schengen countries, is a party to the Schengen Borders Agreement. Under this Agreement, citizens of most countries in Europe and selected non-European countries may stay in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

The U.S. is among the visa-free countries under the Agreement, meaning that U.S. citizens don’t require a visa for entry into the Schengen Area. The summary of the story is that if you want to travel to Denmark or another Schengen country and you’re a US national, you don’t need a visa. 

Requirements for Entry into Denmark Without a Visa 

It’s clear that the visa requirement doesn’t apply to you because you’re a US citizen. But does this mean that you can stay in Denmark for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing to comply with any other rules? No. While you don’t need a visa to visit Denmark, you must adhere to the following stipulations for a peaceful visit:

• You must have a valid passport, and it must remain valid for at least three months after your intended date of departure. For this to be possible, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Denmark. 
• If you want to visit another Schengen country, you must take your passport book along with you. 
• Have enough money to cater for your needs throughout the duration of your trip. As a general rule, you must have between DKK 350-500 or $50-70 to spend each day. 
• You must not be an undesirable person in the Schengen Information System, or barred from entering Denmark by any court order, EU or UN, or national sanctions. 

Visa Requirement: When You Need to Apply for a Visa to Denmark 

The general rule is that if you’ll need to stay in the Kingdom of Denmark for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must apply for a visa. By implication, a US citizen must apply for a visa to be allowed entry at the border. 

Simply put, if you desire to work or study in Denmark or your travel plans will require you to stay in Denmark for a prolonged period, you won’t be entitled to visa-free travel. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need a residence permit and a student visa or work visa. The online portal for the Danish Immigration Service, Ny i Danmark, makes provisions for people who want to apply for a visa for any of the following purposes:

• Studying: If you need to complete your basic or higher education or PhD studies in Denmark, or have completed your studies and now need a job, you may apply for a visa. 
• Working: Denmark offers a variety of work visa application schemes, such as the fast track scheme, which speeds up the process and requires your employer to complete your application, and the pay limit scheme, which is based on how much you’ll earn when you start working in Denmark. You may apply for a visa if you’ve been offered an employment opportunity in Denmark or you want to look for work or start your own business in the country. 
• Seeking asylum: As a minor who went to Denmark unaccompanied by your parents or an adult who needs asylum in Denmark. 
• Family reunification: If your family member lives in Denmark and you want to join them here. 
• Au pair: If you’re a young US citizen who has agreed to stay with a Danish host family to learn Danish culture and customs, you’ll also need a visa. 
• Other instances where you’ll need a visa: These situations include when you’re looking for permanent residence, taking up internships, seeking humanitarian residence, or need to reside or work in Greenland or the Faroe Islands. 

Does an American Need ETIAS to Enter Denmark?

From mid-2025, US nationals will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for short stays in Denmark up to 90 days. This means that while you still won’t need a visa, you must have ETIAS in order to enter Denmark. Please note that you can’t apply for ETIAS at the border. You also don’t need to visit the Danish Embassy to apply, as you can complete the entire application process online. Here’s how to go about it:

• Go to the official ETIAS website. 
• Pay the application fee. It’s about $8, but it may be waived if you’re less than 18 years old or are over 70 years. 

Your application will be processed, and you’ll be notified of its approval or rejection. If your application is rejected, you’ll be told why. You may rectify the reason for its rejection or file an appeal for your application to be approved. 

Do Americans Need a Visa for Denmark? Final Thoughts 

U.S. passport holders do not currently require a visa to Denmark for short visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the ETIAS travel authorization will soon be required for short stays in Denmark and other countries within the Schengen Area. If you’ve stayed in another Schengen country, the total time spent across all Schengen nations, including Denmark, cannot exceed 90 days.

Travelers from certain countries who require a visa must apply online or through a Danish consulate. Applications should be submitted at least 15 days before travel, though earlier submission is recommended. The Danish government provides a Visa Code Handbook and other guidance on required travel documents and entry processes.

If you plan to remain in Denmark longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. The Danish Immigration Service offers resources for those new to Denmark. In complex legal matters like international parental child abduction, the government supports citizen victims. Official travel information is also available on government websites.

Steven Højlund

Editor in Chief, Ph.D.

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