Is Denmark One of the Schengen Countries?
You may not care about Schengen countries until it’s time for you to travel to one of them, and you hear that if you’re a national of a Schengen country, you won’t need a visa for a short-term stay in any country in the Schengen Area.
That said, is Denmark Schengen or non-Schengen? The answer to this question may seem inconsequential, but it plays a huge role in the entry requirements that anyone new to Denmark must satisfy. In this article, you’ll discover if Denmark is Schengen and why that should matter to you.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area isn’t one particular geographical region but a group of countries that have agreed to reduce the barriers to entry and exit into and from their territories. Basically, these countries agreed that if a citizen of a country in the Area wants to travel to another country in the Area, the said citizen can visit the said country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing a visa.
Before a national of a Schengen state will need a visa to enter another Schengen state, they must be intending to surpass the 90-day visa-free limit. In such situations, they must apply for a residence permit or any other such travel document that’ll grant them the right to stay in the destination country beyond the 90-day limit.
Of the 29 Schengen nations in the Schengen Area, 25 are EU countries while 4 are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Here’s the list of all Schengen states in the EU:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain, and
- Sweden.
Meanwhile, the EFTA states in the Area are:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway and
- Switzerland
Bulgaria and Romania, the newest members, became fully part of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025.
Since Denmark Is Schengen, What Are the Entry Requirements for Non-Danes Coming to Denmark?
We’ve already established that Denmark is in the Schengen Area. How will this affect non-Danes who want to travel to Denmark? We’ll explain that below.
A Citizen of a Schengen Country Doesn’t Need a Short Term Visa to Denmark
As a citizen of any of the 28 other Schengen countries, you’re exempt from the visa requirement for entry into the Schengen Area, provided that the total length of time you’ll spend on your itinerary won’t exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days. By implication, you won’t require a visa to enter Denmark as long as you’re from a Schengen country and you’re planning to stay in Denmark for no more than 90 days within a 180-day window.
When you travel out of Denmark to a different Schengen state, any time you spend in that state will also count towards your 90-day limit. A word of caution, though: Schengen countries reserve the right to enforce internal border controls. For you, this means that Danish officials may stop you at designated checkpoints and instruct you to show your passport or other valid means of identification. It’s a good idea to carry one whenever you visit Denmark.
Long-term Stays
Every non-Dane, except those from EU/EEA and Nordic countries and Swiss nationals, needs a visa for a long-term stay in Denmark. Within the context of our discussion, a “long-term stay” doesn’t mean forever. Any stay in the Schengen Area exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period is considered a long-term stay and requires a visa or residence permit.
The 180-day period is rolling, meaning it’s continuously calculated backward from the current date. To determine your remaining allowance, from your intended date of entry or exit, count backward 180 days. Add up all the days you’ve spent in the Schengen Area during that period. Ensure the total does not exceed 90 days.
Example:
Trip sequence:
- First visit: 20 days
- Second visit: 30 days
- Third visit: 50 days
Total: 20 + 30 + 50 = 100 days
In this scenario, within a rolling 180-day window, you’ve stayed 100 days, which exceeds the allowed 90 days. Therefore, this would be considered a long-term stay, and you’d need the appropriate visa or permit.
Different rules apply to people from EU and EEA countries, nations in the Nordic regions, and the Swiss.
All Schengen countries but Ireland and Cyprus are also EU and EEA members. Three additional countries, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, are in the EEA but not in the EU. Meanwhile, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are in the Nordic region.
What to Do If the Visa Requirement Applies to You
By now, you’ll have been sure of whether or not you’ll need a visa for a stay in Denmark. If you can’t enter Denmark without a visa, here’s a summary of your next steps:
Determine the Type of Visa Needed
- Short-term stay: If your visit is within the 90-day limit in a 180-day period, you should apply for a short-term Schengen visa.
- Long-term stay: For stays exceeding 90 days, a residence permit or long-stay visa is necessary.
Check Visa Requirements for the Faroe Islands and Greenland
The Faroe Islands and Greenland are not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, a standard Schengen visa does not grant entry to these regions. If you plan to visit, ensure you apply for a visa for the Faroe Islands and/or Greenland.
Gather Necessary Documents
As an applicant, you need to provide:
- A valid passport that must remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.
- A completed online application form, which is accessible via the ApplyVisa portal.
- Proof of travel medical insurance covering the whole visit.
- A recent bank statement that’s no older than 1 month from the day you apply.
- A passport and other travel documents specified by Danish embassies.
Schedule an Appointment
Make an appointment at a Danish embassy or consulate to submit your application and record your biometrics.
Attend the Appointment
- Submit all required documents.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
- Pay the visa fee.
Await Processing
Processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
For comprehensive information and to access the online application, visit the ApplyVisa portal.
Is Denmark Schengen? Final Thoughts
Denmark has been a part of the Schengen Area since March 25, 2001. Until Denmark leaves the Area—which isn’t likely to happen—or further developments are introduced, citizens of all Schengen states can enter Denmark without a visa and stay here for up to 90 days within 180 days. EU/EEA, Nordic, and Swiss nationals don’t need visas for long- or short-term entry into Denmark but will have to fulfill other entry requirements that may vary depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.
