COVID-19 in Greenland
Greenland has very few cases of COVID-19 to date. This is because the government of Greenland has had a strict entry strategy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
To make it easier to get an overview, Frequently Asked Questions are divided into sections where each section represents a specific area. The answers apply regardless of which transport method one uses, unless otherwise specified.
Section 1:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
Which law is valid now?
Executive Order 2 of 4 January 2022 and Executive Order 3 of 4 January 2022 regarding access to public places in Greenland and travel to and within Greenland, respectively. Both valid from 5 January 2022 through 5 April 2022.
Executive Order 4 of 10 January 2022 on a ban on keeping open (places that serve food and/or drinks) between 22 and 05. Valid from 11 January 2022 through 25 January 2022.
Who can enter Greenland?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Children 11 years of age and younger are exempt, however unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must show a negative test result from a PCR test taken maximum 48 hours prior to travel, in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom. And they must quarantine and re-test upon arrival to Greenland. This is valid through 5 April 2022.
- Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel follow the same exemptions as fully vaccinated persons. Additionally, they are exempt from the pre-test rule. Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 must be able to show proof of a positive PCR test result that is at least 14 days old, but no more than 12 weeks old, at the time of travel.
- Incoming travel for persons residing outside the Kingdom of Denmark is determined by Denmark’s incoming travel rules, f.ex. about a worthy purpose of entry and the risk categorization of countries, etc. Find them here and read more about the specific rules for transit here. If your questions about transit in Denmark are not answered in the links above please contact the Danish Police’s corona hotline at + 45 70 20 60 44.
- Be aware that the reopening of Greenland can be reversed at any time depending on the national and global spread of COVID-19.
What must I do to travel to Greenland?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Children 11 years of age and younger are exempt, however unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must show a negative test result from a PCR test taken maximum 48 hours prior to travel, in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom. And they must quarantine and re-test upon arrival to Greenland. This is valid through 5 April 2022.
- You must do the following in order to enter Denmark or Iceland to transit to Greenland:
- All travellers (2 years of age and older, that have not previously been infected with COVID-19 between 14 days and 12 weeks prior to travel) travelling to Greenland must show a negative PCR-test result, from a test taken a maximum of 48 hours prior to departure to Greenland. The test must be performed at a hospital or health clinic, etc. in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom..
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- Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel are exempt from the pre-test rule. Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 must be able to show proof of a positive PCR test result that is at least 14 days old, but no more than 12 weeks old, at the time of travel.
- If you, within 1 week prior to departure, have been informed that you have been exposed to infection due to close contact with an infected person, you must be pre-tested twice – 4 days after the contact and again another 2 days later
- Be aware that different entry rules apply depending on which country you have residence in, which country you are entering Denmark from, and whether you are fully vaccinated. The Danish categorization of countries and the following entry rules can be found here
- If you are fully vaccinated it is not required to quarantine or get re-tested upon arrival to Greenland. In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland the same definition for fully vaccinated applies.
- Fully-vaccinated persons can travel directly to all places without having to quarantine or re-test in Greenland. One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
- Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age through 11 years of age must go into 14 days quarantine, or stay in quarantine until receipt of a negative PCR re-test result, which can be first conducted on day 5 after arrival.
I am travelling with non-vaccinated children, what must I do?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age.
- Children 2 years of age through 11 years of age that are not vaccinated, or only partially-vaccinated, must either quarantine for 14 days or quarantine until receiving negative results on a PCR re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival, at the earliest. This is valid regardless of their parent’s or parents’ vaccination status.
- This means, essentially, that the entire family must remain in one place until the child’s 14-day quarantine is complete, or until the child receives negative results on a PCR re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland, at the earliest.
- NOTE! For domestic travel within Greenland, unvaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must be able to show negative PCR or antigen test results from a test administered at a health centre, max 48 hours prior to travel. The health system in Greenland is under particularly great pressure in January 2022 (and potentially February), and therefore the health system in Greenland will only prioritise COVID-19 testing for seriously ill persons and for persons needing testing in connection with travel. One is recommended to book a test well in advance, as it can be difficult to get through via telephone.
Are there restrictions about access to public places?
- From 5 January 2022 through 5 April 2022 the following restrictions are in place regarding access to public places in certain towns and settlements (a list of these towns and settlements can be found here:
- Persons 12 years of age and older may not be in certain public places unless they can show documentation of one of the following: full vaccination, previous infection with COVID-19 or a negative test result (from either a PCR test or a quick test / antigen test) from a test taken maximum 48 hours prior to travel.
- The following public places are exempt: shops, post offices, airports, waiting areas for public transportation as well as service desks for public institutions.
- Public places may only allow 50% capacity, calculated based on their fire department permit. Alternatively, there may only be 1 person for every 4 square meters of space in the place.
- NOTE! Persons 12 years of age and older must wear a mask or visor in all public places and public transportation.
- NOTE! From 10 January through 25 January 2022, places throughout Greenland that serve food and/or beverages may not be open between 10 pm and 5 am.
Are there restrictions about access to public transport?
- Please refer to the question above “Are there restrictions about access to public places?”
- One is not required to wear a mask or visor when one is in their private cabin on a ferry.
- Upon entry to Greenland, all persons 12 years and older musk wear a mask or visor, including fully vaccinated persons and any personnel with contact to passengers, during the entire incoming travel period from “door-to-door”, e.g. in airports, in-flight and during transit and transportation (including taxi or bus) to one’s overnight accommodation in Greenland
Is there a requirement for quarantine or re-test upon arrival?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Children 2 years of age through 11 years of age are exempt, however quarantine and re-test rules apply. See below. This is valid through 5 April 2022.
- All fully-vaccinated persons are exempted from the quarantine and re-test requirements. In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland the same definition for fully vaccinated applies.
- Fully-vaccinated persons can travel directly to all places without having to quarantine or re-test in Greenland. One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
- Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must do a 14-day quarantine, or otherwise quarantine until receipt of negative test results from a COVID-19 re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland, at the earliest.
Where can I travel from?
- Air Greenland flies from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq and from Keflavik to Nuuk.
- Icelandair flies from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to several destinations in Greenland. See more at icelandair.com.
- Norlandair flies from Akureyri to Nerlerit Inaat. See more at norlandair.is.
- NOTE! For those travelling to Greenland via Iceland – or from Greenland to Iceland – people must familiarise themselves with the incoming travel restrictions of Iceland on this website.
- Travellers that must show a negative PCR or antigen test result (taken at a health centre) in order to travel to Iceland will be prioritised when booking tests in Greenland, even though the health system in Greenland is under particularly great pressure in January 2022 (and potentially February). One is recommended to book a test well in advance, as it can be difficult to get through via telephone.
May I transit in Denmark or Iceland?
- Yes. In Denmark:
- You can travel through Denmark (transit) if you live up to the Kingdom of Denmark entry rules. See more here. If you have questions about entering or transit through Denmark to Greenland, please contact the Danish Police Corona Hotline by phone +45 70 20 60 44.
- Yes, in Iceland:
- You must still meet the requirements for entry into The Kingdom of Denmark, even if you travel in transit via Iceland. Read more here.
- NOTE! For those travelling to Greenland via Iceland – or from Greenland to Iceland – people must familiarise themselves with the incoming travel restrictions of Iceland on this website.
- Travellers that must show a negative PCR or antigen test result (taken at a health center) in order to travel to Iceland will be prioritised when booking tests in Greenland, even though the health system in Greenland is under particularly great pressure in January 2022 (and potentially February). One is recommended to book a test well in advance, as it can be difficult to get through via telephone.
Should I wear a mask?
- NOTE! From 5 January 2022 through 5 April 2022, all persons 12 years of age and older must wear a mask or visor in public places and on public transportation in these towns and settlements. This is also valid for persons upon entry to Greenland, who must wear a mask or visor from door to door.
- All persons aged 12 and older, as well as cabin crew, must wear a mask or visor on board aircraft and ships in regular service. However, this does not apply to persons staying in a cabin or similar (e.g. on board the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry) where you are not in contact with passengers other than those you are traveling with.
- Upon entry to Greenland, all persons 12 years and older musk wear a mask or visor, including fully vaccinated persons and any personnel with contact to passengers, during the entire incoming travel period from “door-to-door”, e.g. in airports, in-flight and during transit and transportation (including taxi or bus) to one’s overnight accommodation in Greenland. Once arrived at the accommodation, usage of a mask or visor is only mandatory for partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons during their quarantine period.
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Children under 12 years of age are exempt. This is valid through 6 March 2022.
- Masks can be disposable masks or cloth masks that cover the nose and mouth, and which are attached with string, elastic, or the like behind the ears or behind the head and are snug around the face.
- A visor is a plastic screen that covers the nose and mouth, but does not close tightly around the face.
- This requirement on wearing a mask or visor does not include people who have reduced levels of consciousness, physical or mental impairment or anything else which might make one unable to wear a mask.
- Masks or visors can be completely or partially removed for special reasons:
- During short-term consumption of food and drink, if this is allowed according to the rules of order
- while taking medication
- During conversation with mouth-reading persons
- If the mask or visor gives breathing difficulties or choking sensations
- If the police need to identify an individual
- You have to acquire and pay for your mask yourself.
Can I travel to Greenland, if I have been vaccinated against COVID-19?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Children under 12 years of age are exempt. This is valid through 5 April 2022.
- Fully vaccinated persons are not required to quarantine or re-test. They are allowed to be in public places and participate in arrangements, however in certain towns and settlements they are still required to wear a mask or visor in public places and on public transportation such as buses and taxis. See the previous question above.
- Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel follow the same exemptions as fully vaccinated persons. Additionally, they are exempt from the pre-test rule. Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 must be able to show proof of a positive PCR test result that is at least 14 days old, but no more than 12 weeks old, at the time of travel.
- Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must go into 14 days quarantine, or stay in quarantine until receipt of a negative re-test result, which can be first conducted on day 5 after arrival, regardless of their parents’ vaccination status.
- In Greenland, you are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland the same definition for fully vaccinated applies.
- One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
Which restrictions must I undergo, if I am vaccinated against COVID-19?
- If you are fully vaccinated you have to be tested negative for COVID-19 with a PCR-test taken maximum 48 hours prior to check-in for the departure to Greenland. The test must be performed at a hospital or health clinic, etc. in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom.
- In certain towns and settlements fully vaccinated persons are still required to wear a mask or visor in public places and on public transportation such as busses and taxis. See the question above.
- All persons 12 years and older must wear a mask or visor during the entire incoming travel period from “door-to-door”, e.g. in airports, in-flight and during transit and transportation to one’s overnight accommodation in Greenland.
- One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
When are you considered ‘fully vaccinated’?
- In Greenland, you are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland the same definition for fully vaccinated applies.
- In Greenland, “partially vaccinated” (having received 1 shot for vaccines that require 2 shots) does not count as fully vaccinated.
- The following EMA-approved vaccines are applicable for incoming travel to Greenland:
- Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech)
- Spikevax (Moderna)
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
Does Greenland have a vaccination plan?
- As described here (Danish and Greenlandic only) on the Chief Medical Officer’s website, Greenland’s vaccination plan is: “By autumn 2021, all residents 12 years of age and over, will have been offered the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19”.
- Only Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines are used.
- Statistics regarding the number of Greenland residents that are partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated can be seen here (Danish and Greenlandic only).
Section 2:
Covid-19 TESTS
PRIOR TO TRAVEL TO GREENLAND
What is a COVID-19 test?
- A COVID-19 test is a test that reveals whether you are currently infected with the coronavirus. Be aware that it has to be a PCR/RNA virus test and that an antibody test is not approved for incoming travel to Greenland.
- The test must state your name, the test location, test date & time and test result (COVID-19 virus test and not antibody test).
Who must be pre-tested?
- All persons (2 years of age and older, that have not previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel) travelling to Greenland must show a negative PCR-test result, from a test taken maximum 48 hours prior to departure to Greenland. The test must be performed at a hospital or health clinic, etc. in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom.
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- Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel are exempt from the pre-test rule. Persons that have previously been infected with COVID-19 must be able to show proof of a positive PCR test result that is at least 14 days old, but no more than 12 weeks old, at the time of travel.
- If you, within 1 week prior to departure, have been informed that you have been exposed to infection due to close contact with an infected person, you must be pre-tested twice – 4 days after the contact and again another 2 days later.
Where to test before departure to Greenland?
- Upon departure to Greenland, all persons (2 years of age and older that have not previously been infected with COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel but at most 12 weeks prior to travel) must be able to show a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 48 hours prior to departure to Greenland. The test must be performed at a hospital or health clinic, etc. in one of the Nordic countries, the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom.
- Test centres in Denmark:
- Falck Test centre in CPH airport , terminal 2 (opposite P4). The PCR-test costs DKK 1,250. Please ask for the current response time at the Falck test centre in Terminal 2. When no queue is present, the test result can be expected as soon as after approx. 50 minutes.
- Airport Doctor in Copenhagen Airport. The RT-PCR test costs DKK 1,500. Result within 2 hours.
- Find all publicly available and free test centers in Denmark here. Non-Danish citizens without NemID must register at covidresults.dk to gain access to the test result sent via email. Read about how to book tests without NemID here.
- In Iceland: you can take a PCR test by booking it here. You can expect an answer via email within 24 hours. The test costs 50 euro.
What is the COVID-19 Certificate?
- The COVID-19 Certificate is a confirmation that can be downloaded and/or printed as proof of negative test results, given by the Danish health authorities.
- It shows results for tests taken within the last 7 days.
- Note: COVID-19 Certificate shows test results that are up to 7 days old. However, in order to travel to Greenland test results must still be from a test taken maximum 2 days (48 hours) prior to departure to Greenland.
- COVID-19 Certificate can be downloaded at www.sundhed.dk by using NemID, for persons with a Danish CPR number.
- COVID-19 Certificate can be requested at covidresults.dk for persons without a Danish CPR number.
Who pays if I can’t make my flight due to a very late response to the pre-test result?
As a traveller, you carry the risk yourself including all unforeseen expenses associated with it. You should check if your travel insurance covers costs in such a situation.
Who pays if I am tested positive and cannot travel as planned?
As a traveller, you carry the risk yourself including all unforeseen expenses associated with it. You should check if your travel insurance covers costs in such a situation.
Section 3:
RE-TEST IN GREENLAND
Do I have to be re-tested in Greenland?
- If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to be re-tested in Greenland.
- Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must undergo quarantine for 14 days without showing COVID-19 symptoms, or undergo quarantine until receipt of a negative result from a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland, at the earliest.
Where can one be re-tested in Greenland - and is it free?
- In Greenland you can be re-tested in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq Sisimiut, Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. Re-testing is free of charge.
- In Nuuk: A new test centre in Nuuk has been set up for all persons who must re-test and do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
- It is located at Inussivik sports centre close to the city centre. The test centre is also open for ‘walk-in’. Minors may be accompanied by an adult. Read more here.
- You should only use this test centre if you do not show any COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 should contact the hospital in Nuuk (see Section 6)
- The contact number for the Test Centre is +299 34 40 20 (1pm – 2pm, Monday – Saturday)
- In all other places where one can be re-tested you have to book your own retest. Call and order tests well in advance, for example just after arriving in Greenland. See below for contact information on test centres:
| Location | 8am to 4pm | After 4pm | |
| Aasiaat | +299 89 22 11 | +299 89 22 11 | aasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Ilulissat ** | +299 94 32 11 | +299 94 32 11 | ilushv@peqqik.gl |
| Kangerlussuaq | +299 86 88 12 | +299 86 42 11 | N/A |
| Maniitsoq | +299 81 32 11 | +299 81 32 11 | manshv@peqqik.gl |
| Narsaq | +299 66 12 11 | +299 66 12 11 | narshv@peqqik.gl |
| Narsarsuaq | +299 66 45 41 | +299 66 12 11 | N/A |
| Nuuk ** | +299 34 44 00 | +299 34 44 00 | disshv@peqqik.gl |
| Paamiut | +299 68 12 11 | +299 68 12 11 | paashv@peqqik.gl |
| Qaqortoq ** | +299 64 22 11 | +299 64 22 11 | qaqshv@peqqik.gl |
| Qasigiannguit | +299 91 12 11 | +299 89 22 11 | qasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Qeqertarsuaq | +299 92 12 11 | +299 89 22 11 | qeqshv@peqqik.gl |
| Sisimiut ** | +299 86 42 11 | +299 86 42 11 | sisshv@peqqik.gl |
| Tasiilaq ** | +299 98 12 11 | +299 98 12 11 | tasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Ittoqqortoormiit | +299 99 10 11 | +299 59 93 21 | ittshv@peqqik.gl |
** COVID-19 test laboratory
How long will it take before I receive the re-test result in Greenland?
- It depends whether you are re-tested in a place with a test laboratory or not.
- Re-tests taken in Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Tasiilaq and Qaqortoq get quicker results, since there are test laboratories in these towns.
- Re-tests taken in any other location than these must be sent to a test laboratory for analysis, and therefore additional waiting time can be expected.
What if I receive a positive re-test result in Greenland?
- Although a negative COVID-19 test result has been received before entering Greenland, there is still a risk of being infected and receiving a positive test result later. In the case you receive a positive test result, you will be put into isolation and contacted by the health authorities, who will guide you through the process.You must cover all the extra costs yourself in this connection incl. payment for hospitalisation (see also section 6).
How are tests administered in Greenland?
PCR tests are administered in the throat. Antigen (quick tests) are administered in the nose.
Section 4:
QUARANTINE
Do I have to quarantine upon arrival to Greenland?
- Only fully vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, also applicable to children 12 years of age through 17 years of age. Persons with residence in Greenland are exempt. Persons under 12 years of age are exempt. This is valid through 5 April 2022.
- If you are fully vaccinated you do not have to quarantine, nor do you have to be re-tested. You should be able to show proof of your vaccination status at any given time.
- Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age must undergo quarantine for 14 days, or undergo quarantine until receipt of a negative result from a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland, at the earliest.
- Read the next question regarding what one may – and may not – do during quarantine.
What should I do during quarantine?
- Quarantine should limit contact with other people as much as possible, and you must wear a mask/visor during the quarantine period at any time you leave your accommodation. There are exceptions for activities in nature, as long as you ensure there are more than 2 meters distance from other persons.
- You can:
- buy necessary groceries in non-peak hours (food and necessities)
- share accommodation with your family or others you travel with. However, maintain as much social distance as possible (even indoors)
- Go for a walk in nature on a day trip or multi-day hike.
- stay at a hotel or other accommodation, but avoid dining with the other guests in the restaurant / canteen (ie you have to eat in your room)
- get take-away delivered
- You can not:
-
- visit shops, offices, museums, restaurants, cafes, visit locals’ homes (eg for kaffemiks), cultural houses, cinemas, workshops, public institutions and the like
- take public transport such as buses and taxis – unless you are in transit from the airport, to the quarantine location or to get re-tested. It is recommended that in these situations you take a taxi where possible. Always wear a mask/visor and follow social distancing guidelines
- visit friends and family
- Participate in gatherings, arrangements or events, regardless of whether the arrangement is held outdoors or indoors, and regardless of whether the arrangement is public or private.
What general guidelines should I adhere to after quarantine?
- Minimise physically close contact with other people, i.e.:
- hold approx. 2 m distance if possible
- Maintain good hygiene, i.e.:
- cough and sneeze only in your sleeve or handkerchief
- wash hands frequently (especially after meals, toilet visits and after going out)
- use water and soap and bring hand sanitizer when you are out
- Stay home and call the health center, if you develop symptoms.
What is isolation?
- The term ‘isolation’ is used for persons who are tested positive for COVID-19, and for the persons who are suspected to have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results. These persons are not allowed to leave their accommodation until they receive a negative result.
- If a person conducting isolation lives with others under the same roof during the isolation period, that person must ensure that there is no contact with others. These other persons are also presumed to be in quarantine as long as the person is in isolation.
- More can be read on nun.gl
Who pays if I have to extend my stay due to being put into isolation?
As a traveller, you will have to pay all extra expenses for an extended stay due to being put into unexpected quarantine or isolation. You should therefore look into what your current travel insurance covers in such a situation.
Section 5:
TRANSPORT AND DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Can I arrive in Greenland on my own private vessel, or own plane?
- Yes, however, upon entry to Greenland, all persons 12 years and older musk wear a mask or visor, including fully vaccinated persons and any personnel with contact to passengers, during the entire incoming travel period from “door-to-door”, e.g. in airports, in-flight and during transit and transportation (including taxi or bus) to one’s overnight accommodation in Greenland.
What should I be aware of if I want to travel domestically in Greenland with a child / children who have not been fully vaccinated?
- Fully vaccinated persons and children under the age of 2 are not obliged to present a negative Covid-19 test when travelling from one place in Greenland to another place in Greenland.
- NOTE! The health system in Greenland is under particularly great pressure in January 2022 (and potentially February), and therefore there is not enough capacity for everyone to be tested. The health system in Greenland will, however, prioritise COVID-19 testing for seriously ill persons and for persons needing testing in connection with travel (f.ex. unvaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age). One is recommended to book a test well in advance, as it can be difficult to get through via telephone.
I have booked a cruise trip in Greenland. Can I still come?
- In order to be able to sail in Greenlandic waters, passenger vessels must have been at sea for the 14 days prior to arrival to Greenland without having been in a non-Greenlandic harbour AND without having taken passengers onboard in any way.
- Contact the cruise line or your travel agent for further information regarding your voyage.
Can I travel directly to my final destination?
Yes. Towns and settlements in Greenland are no longer characterized as being ‘Open’ or ‘Vulnerable’ places.
Can I sail with Sarfaq Ittuk?
- Yes. All persons aged 2 years and older travelling domestically in Greenland from one town or settlement to another must be able to show proof of either full vaccination or a negative test result from a PCR test or antigen test taken maximum 48 hours prior to travel. Note: there may be highly limited access to antigen tests. This is valid in the whole country, however, as it is not always possible to receive test results within 48 hours, there may be temporary leniency with this rule. Please check corona.nun.gl for the most up to date additional information.
- NOTE! The health system in Greenland is under particularly great pressure in January 2022 (and potentially February), and therefore there is not enough capacity for everyone to be tested. The health system in Greenland will, however, prioritise COVID-19 testing for seriously ill persons and for persons needing testing in connection with travel (f.ex. unvaccinated children 2 years of age through 11 years of age). One is recommended to book a test well in advance, as it can be difficult to get through via telephone.
- Everyone aged 12 years and older must wear a mask or visor while in areas where the public has access. It is not required to wear a mask or visor when in one’s cabin or similar area, where one only has contact with those in their travel party.
Section 6:
DEVELOPMENT OF SYMPTOMS IN GREENLAND
What if - even after negative testing in Greenland - I get sickness symptoms and need to call a hospital?
You should call the local health center or hospital, and go into isolation (fully avoid contact with others) and follow the health care provider’s instructions regarding the subsequent course of treatment. Contact the near health unit in Greenland at the following numbers:
| Location | 8am to 4pm | After 4pm | |
| Aasiaat | +299 89 22 11 | +299 89 22 11 | aasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Ilulissat ** | +299 94 32 11 | +299 94 32 11 | ilushv@peqqik.gl |
| Ittoqqortoormiit | +299 99 10 11 | +299 59 93 21 | ittshv@peqqik.gl |
| Kangerlussuaq | +299 86 88 12 | +299 86 42 11 | N/A |
| Kangaatsiaq | +299 89 43 00 | +299 89 22 11 | N/A |
| Maniitsoq | +299 81 32 11 | +299 81 32 11 | manshv@peqqik.gl |
| Nanortalik | +299 61 32 11 | +299 61 32 11 | nanshv@peqqik.gl |
| Narsaq | +299 66 12 11 | +299 66 12 11 | narshv@peqqik.gl |
| Narsarsuaq | +299 66 45 41 | +299 66 12 11 | N/A |
| Nuuk ** | +299 34 44 00 | +299 34 44 00 | disshv@peqqik.gl |
| Paamiut | +299 68 12 11 | +299 68 12 11 | paashv@peqqik.gl |
| Qaqortoq ** | +299 64 22 11 | +299 64 22 11 | qaqshv@peqqik.gl |
| Qasigiannguit | +299 91 12 11 | +299 89 22 11 | qasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Qeqertarsuaq | +299 92 12 11 | +299 89 22 11 | qeqshv@peqqik.gl |
| Qaanaaq | +299 97 10 11 | +299 94 32 11 | qaashv@peqqik.gl |
| Sisimiut ** | +299 86 42 11 | +299 86 42 11 | sisshv@peqqik.gl |
| Tasiilaq | +299 98 12 11 | +299 98 12 11 | tasshv@peqqik.gl |
| Upernavik | +299 96 12 11 | +299 96 12 11 | upeshv@peqqik.gl |
| Ummannaq | +299 95 12 11 | +299 95 12 11 | uumshv@peqqik.gl |
** COVID-19 test laboratory
Do I have to pay for hospitalisation in Greenland?
- It depends on your residence.
- For persons who reside outside of the Kingdom of Denmark, you should expect to have to pay for any treatments or hospitalisations. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy additional travel insurance that covers this situation – if it is not already included in your travel or health insurance.
- Residents of the Kingdom of Denmark are covered with their Yellow Health card in most cases, however it is recommended that you check in which circumstances you are not covered with the Health Authorities. It is recommended that you buy travel or health insurance.
- For information about temporary residency and health coverage check the peqqik website.
If I get sick with COVID-19 while in Greenland then what happens?
- A person who, after arriving in Greenland, begins to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms should call the nearest health unit as soon as possible, isolate themselves from others and await instructions on the further course of treatment. The traveller must pay for all the extra expenses related to the (possibly) extended stay himself or through his travel insurance.
- If it turns out to be COVID-19 and intensive treatment is needed, you may have to be evacuated to the national hospital, Rigshospitalet, in Copenhagen. A concrete assessment will determine whether you have to pay the extra costs in connection with the evacuation.
Section 7:
DIVERSE QUESTIONS
Can I participate in local events?
- If you are fully vaccinated, you may participate in events on arrival in Greenland. However, you must be aware of the certain restrictions for mask or visor usage in towns and settlements where there has been untraceable infection within the past 14 days. In these places, everyone aged 12 and older must wear a mask or visor in public transportation such as buses and taxis as well as in premises where the public has access. You can find an updated list of these places here.
- NOTE! Persons who have previously been infected with Covid-19 and who can present documentation of a positive PCR test result for Covid-19, that is at least 14 days old, but no more than 12 weeks old, are covered by the same rules as fully vaccinated.
- If you are a partially vaccinated or non-vaccinated child 2 years of age through 11 years of age, you are not allowed to participate in events until you either have been symptom-free for 14 days after arriving in Greenland, or have received a negative re-test result from a PCR test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland, at the earliest.
- One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
I have a question that is not answered here - who should I contact?
- If you are a private individual you can write to Visit Greenland via corona@visitgreenland.com.
- If you are a tourist operator seeking exemptions you can contact corsek@nanoq.gl.
- If you have questions about transit in Denmark to Greenland, please contact the Danish Police’s Corona Hotline by phone +45 70 20 60 44
Greenland’s
health authorities
If you feel unwell while you are in Greenland with COVID-19 symptoms, you must contact the health service by telephone so that they are prepared for your arrival. This way they will clear the waiting room or make sure that there is a facility where you can enter directly to avoid spreading the infection. You can find out more about hospitals and other relevant information in our FAQS.
Health Insurance
The Greenland Ministry of Health advises that you take a comprehensive health travel insurance policy that covers all aspects of ill health, including sudden onset of disease emergencies, hospital admission, therapy, medication, dental care and home transportation. Please ensure that your insurance policy also covers ambulance transportation from sparsely populated or desolate areas in Greenland. For more information you can refer to guidelines by Greenland’s Ministry of Health.
If you plan to travel to Greenland in the near future, please talk to your insurer specifically about coverage and risks related to COVID-19 in the case you are put into quarantine or fall sick.
Greenland
and the health system
Please note that Greenland is a remote country with a limited health system. In the major towns there are small hospitals, and in the settlements there are nursing clinics. It is recommended that you are fit and able-bodied to travel in Greenland. It can be a costly and timely affair to transport you to a hospital in Greenland if you become seriously ill.
Transport information
For more information about your flight options to Greenland please check information here:
If you are travelling to Greenland via cruise, please check with your cruise operator for updated information. You can also find an updated cruise call list here. If you would like to enter Greenland with your own private boat, ship or aircraft you must contact corona.iaan@nanoq.gl for permission.
