The reopening strategy
in relation to the situation in Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark’s COVID-19 related reopening rules automatically apply to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Greenland can impose stricter requirements than the Danish rules but not more lenient ones.
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 nr. 29 of 16th July 2021 enters into force on 19 July 2021. This Executive Order is primarily clarifying entry rules. The Executive Order is valid through 31 August 2021.
- At the same time, the previous executive order, nr. 24 of 30 June 2021 is annulled.
- Executive Order nr. 31 of 23rd July 2021 enters into force on 24 July 2021 and is valid through 30 July 2021. This Executive Order is primarily clarifying precautions in public places and gatherings.
- Restrictions specifically pertaining to the Upernavik and Aasiaat districts are described in Executive Order nr. 32 of 28th July 2021, which enters into force on 28 July 2021 and is valid through 10 August 2021.
Who can enter Greenland?
- 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.
- Fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may travel to Greenland, however, there are restrictions for what partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may do in Greenland, starting 31 July. Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons must quarantine upon arrival to Greenland until receiving negative results on a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival, at the earliest. From 31 July, even after receiving negative test results, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may not be in cafes, restaurants and bars, and they may not participate in events. Fully vaccinated persons are not required to quarantine or re-test. They are allowed to be in public places and participate in arrangements.
- There will be limited flight capacity for a period of time and you can purchase tickets with Air Greenland, Icelandair or Norlandair.
- Be aware that the reopening of Greenland can be reversed at any time depending on the national and global spread of COVID-19.
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What must I do to travel to Greenland?
- You must do the following in order to enter Denmark or Iceland to transit to Greenland:
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- Everyone has to fill out the Personal Location form (SUMUT). The confirmation receipt must be shown to the appropriate personnel prior to departure to Greenland.
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- All travellers (2 years of age and older) travelling to Greenland must have a negative PCR-test (taken maximum 48 hours prior to departure), taken in a Nordic country.
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- 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
- EU and Schengen countries are classified as green, yellow and red.
- Countries outside the EU and Schengen are classified yellow, orange and red.
- Here you can see if you need to be tested or stay in isolation when entering Denmark.
- Here you can find travel and transit rules when travelling via Iceland.
- Upon arrival to Greenland, partially vaccinated (one injection out of two) travellers to Greenland, as well as non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older, 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. From 31 July, even after receiving negative test results, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may not be in cafes, restaurants and bars, and they may not participate in events.
- If you are fully vaccinated it is not required to quarantine or get re-tested. In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated right after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland you are not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after the last vaccine shot.
- You can not quarantine anywhere. You can only be quarantined in so-called ‘open places’.
- Before you can travel to a so-called ‘Vulnerable Place’, you must quarantine and receive a negative test result upon re-testing in an ‘Open Place’ without showing Covid-19 symptoms. Fully-vaccinated persons can travel directly to both Open Places and Vulnerable 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.
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Is there a requirement for quarantine or re-test upon arrival?
- Yes, in some cases.
- All partially vaccinated travellers, as well as non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older, 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.
- All fully-vaccinated travellers are exempted from the quarantine and re-test requirements. In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated right after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland you are not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after the last vaccine shot.
- One cannot quarantine just anywhere. One can only quarantine in “Open Places”. You must travel there directly and may not take overnight stays elsewhere until you have completed your quarantine.
- Before one can travel further to a non-open place, known as a “Vulnerable Place”, one must have quarantined and received a negative retest result in an Open Place without showing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully-vaccinated persons can travel directly to both Open Places and Vulnerable 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.
What are Open Places and what are Vulnerable Places?
- Greenland’s inhabited places are separated into “Open Places” and “Vulnerable Places”.
- Fully-vaccinated persons can travel directly to both Open Places and Vulnerable 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.
- Open Places are those one can undergo quarantine in. They are, from north to south: Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, Qasigiannguit, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Narsarsuaq, Narsaq and Qaqortoq.
- Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortoormiit og Nerlerit Inaat are now on the list of Open Places.
- Vulnerable Places are those one CANNOT travel to without:
- Either being fully vaccinated,
- Or, for partially vaccinated persons and non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older, having undergone quarantine in an Open Place AND getting re-tested in an Open Place. A negative test result must be able to be shown before travelling onward to a Vulnerable Place.
- OR, for partially vaccinated persons and non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older, having undergone quarantine in an Open Place for at least 14 days and showing no Covid-19 symptoms.
- Vulnerable Places include: all other year-round inhabited places not on the Open Places list.
Where can I travel from?
- Air Greenland flies from Copenhagen to Greenland.
- From July 1st flights will resume from Iceland (Reykjavik Domestic Airport). There will be 1 departure a week with 30 seats available flying to Nuuk.
- Norlandair resumes the route to Nerlerit Inaat from Akureyri Airport, according to the servicecontract – read more here
- See the options at icelandair.com, airgreenland.com and norlandair.is.
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.
- From July 1st flights will resume from Iceland (Reykjavik Domestic Airport). There will be 1 departure a week with 30 seats available flying to Nuuk.
- You can take a PCR test in Iceland by booking it on https://travel.covid.is/registration. You can expect an answer via email within 24 hours. The test costs €50.
- Norlandair resumes the route to Nerlerit Inaat from Akureyri Airport, according to the servicecontract – read more here
- See more here about travel to and transit via Iceland.
Should I wear a mask?
- All individuals 12 years and older, including fully vaccinated persons as well as any personnel with contact to passengers, must with few exceptions wear a mask or visor.
- This applies in all public transport, including aircraft, buses, boats and taxis, as well as on tourism excursions, during the entire trip, as well as in public places during the entire trip. From 31 July these restrictions only apply to the districts of Upernavik and Aasiaat, where they will be valid through 10 August.
- During the entire quarantine period (either until 14 days quarantine is completed or until receipt of a negative re-test result in Greenland) when leaving your overnight accommodation, including when outdoors if one is not able to keep 2 metres distance from others, for example on the street on the way to buy basic necessary items.
- When outdoors in nature, as long as there is a distance of over 2 metres from other people, one is exempt from wearing a mask or visor.
- 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.
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- 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?
- There is no vaccination requirement to travel to Greenland. However, there are restrictions for what partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may do in Greenland, starting 31 July. Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons must quarantine upon arrival to Greenland until receiving negative results on a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival, at the earliest. From 31 July, even after receiving negative test results, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may not be in cafes, restaurants and bars, and they may not participate in events. Fully vaccinated persons are not required to quarantine or re-test. They are allowed to be in public places and participate in arrangements.
- Only a vaccination pass with proof of full vaccination will exempt you from quarantine and re-test and give access to cafes, restaurants, bars and events.
- If you are only partially vaccinated, or if you are a non-vaccinated person 2 years of age and older, you must follow the rules for re-test (section 3) and quarantine (section 4).
- Starting July 24th, non-vaccinated persons will again be able to use public transportation to, from and in Greenland, on the condition that they follow the rules of quarantine and re-test for incoming travel, just as partially-vaccinated persons do.
- In Greenland, you are considered fully vaccinated right after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland you are not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after the last vaccine shot.
- You must be able to prove your vaccination status at all times.
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 in a Nordic country maximum 48 hours prior to check-in for the departure to Greenland as well as show confirmation receipt of a SUMUT personal locator form in the airport during check-in for departure to Greenland.
- You must wear a mask or visor in all public transport, including aircraft, buses, boats and taxis, as well as on tourism excursions, during the entire trip, as well as in public places during the entire trip. From 31 July these restrictions only apply to the districts of Upernavik and Aasiaat, where they will be valid through 10 August.
- You must be able to prove your vaccination status at all times.
When are you considered ‘fully vaccinated’?
- In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated just after the last vaccination shot (some vaccines only require 1 shot). NB: In Denmark and Iceland you are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last shot.
- In Greenland, you are not considered fully vaccinated with only one shot (for vaccines that require 2 shots) – even if you have previously been infected with COVID-19 and therefore have documentation for ‘immunity’.
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 age 18 and over, who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, 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.
- The test must state the name, date of birth and test result (COVID-19 virus test and not antibody test).
Who must be pre-tested?
- All travellers (2 years of age and older) travelling to Greenland must show a negative PCR-test (taken maximum 48 hours prior to departure), taken in a Nordic country.
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- 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, travellers must be able to show a negative result for a COVID-19 test, which must have been undertaken at a hospital or health center in a Nordic country at most 2 days (48 hours) prior to departure to Greenland. Check Test procedure in Denmark (danish only) on nun.gl for more information.
- Travellers that travel from a non-Nordic country must arrange a PCR test during their transit to Greenland, either in Denmark or Iceland.
- In Denmark: Non-Danish citizens can be tested at the following clinics that provide written documentation of results:
- Falck Test centre in CPH airport , terminal 2 (opposite P4). The PCR-test costs DKK 1,050. You can expect the result within 6 hours if the test is conducted on weekdays before 7pm, or before 4.30pm during weekends. Book here.
- Airport Doctor in Copenhagen Airport. The PCR test costs DKK 1,800. Result within 3 hours.
- 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?
- All partially vaccinated travellers (as well as non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older) to Greenland must undergo quarantine in an Open Place 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.
- Fully vaccinated travellers are, as of July 1st, not required to quarantine or get re-tested. In Greenland you are considered fully vaccinated right after the last vaccine shot. NB: In Denmark and Iceland you are not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after the last vaccine shot. One must be able to show proof of their vaccination status at any given time.
Where can one be re-tested in Greenland - and is it free?
- Upon arrival 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.
- Passengers who fly from Denmark to Nuuk, will now automatically receive a time to be re-tested in the new test centre next to Brugseni. The appointment time will be given upon check-in at the airport and may not be adjusted.
- It will be located next to Brugseni in the town centre. The test centre is only open for booked appointments, and only patients may enter the centre. Minors may be accompanied by an adult.
- 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?
- If you are unable to be re-tested on the 5th day after arrival (for partially vaccinated persons and for non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older) due to wilderness quarantine, then you have to be re-tested when you arrive in an Open Place after your wilderness quarantine, unless you have been in nature for 14 days or more.
- You have to book your own re-test – you can find an overview of contact information for health care centres here.
How are tests administered in Greenland?
All COVID-19 tests administered in Greenland are done via the throat.
What if I cannot be re-tested on the mentioned days after arrival, because I’m out in nature?
- If you are unable to be re-tested on the 5th day after arrival (for partially vaccinated persons and for non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older) due to wilderness quarantine, then you have to be re-tested when you arrive in an Open Place after your wilderness quarantine, unless you have been in nature for 14 days or more.
- You have to book your own re-test – you can find an overview of contact information for health care centres here.
Section 4:
QUARANTINE
Do I have to quarantine upon arrival to Greenland?
- Yes, if you are only partially vaccinated (only received one injection out of two) or if you are not vaccinated.
- 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.
- If you are only partially vaccinated, or if you are a non-vaccinated person 2 years of age and older, you are considered in quarantine upon arrival to Greenland, including in Open Places. You must travel there directly and may not take overnight stays elsewhere until you have completed your quarantine.
- You may not be in public institutions or places, including shops. You may, however, shop for the basic necessary items and groceries as long as you avoid rush hour and use a mask or visor.
- You may not participate in gatherings, arrangements or other events. This is valid regardless of whether the event is held outdoors or indoors. This is valid regardless of whether the event is public or private.
- In order to be able to be in public places, you must either get a negative result on a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival (for partially vaccinated persons and for non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older), or have been in quarantine for 14 days while showing no COVID-19 symptoms.
- From 31 July, even after receiving negative test results, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may not be in cafes, restaurants and bars, and they may not participate in events.
What should I do during quarantine?
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- 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:
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- 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
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- You can not:
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- visit shops, offices, museums, restaurants, cafes, visit locals’ homes (eg for kaffemiks), cultural houses, cinemas, workshops 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
Can I quarantine while in nature?
- Yes, this type of quarantine is called a “wilderness quarantine”, which means that you travel to your end-destination (which must be an Open Place, as defined in section 1) and from there, directly to nature. During the short period of time in the Open Place where the wilderness quarantine begins, you are in quarantine and must conduct yourself accordingly (see section 4).
- For the entire duration of the wilderness quarantine, you (or your travel group, if applicable) may not interact with other persons in wilderness quarantine.
- If the wilderness quarantine lasts less than 14 days, you must arrive “back to civilization” in an Open Place in order to be re-tested. This is valid for partially vaccinated persons and for non-vaccinated persons 2 years of age and older.
- If the wilderness quarantine lasts between 1-4 days, and if you are partially vaccinated or a non-vaccinated person 2 years of age and older, you must remain in quarantine and wait until the 5th day after arrival to Greenland before you can be re-tested.
- Note: call to make a re-test appointment prior to starting the wilderness quarantine.
Can I have a guide along for quarantine in nature?
Yes. If you or your travel group has a guide along for wilderness quarantine, the guide must remain in quarantine upon arrival to an Open Place. The guide must wait for the traveller’s, or travel group’s, test results before the guide can end quarantine.
What should I do if during a nature quarantine I need a SAR rescue?
If a Search and Rescue (SAR) is required, you can contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) on VHF radio channel 16 when at sea, or use the built-in emergency call function in a GPS unit such as Garmin, Spot or the like. If there happens to be a mobile connection, call the Police on +299 70 14 48 when on land. Inform that you are quarantining in nature and have not been tested yet.
What general guidelines should I adhere to after quarantine?
- Minimise physically close contact with other people, ie:
- hold approx. 2 m distance if possible
- cough and sneeze only in your sleeve or scarf
- wash hands frequently (especially after meals, toilet visits and after going out)
- use water and soap and bring hand sanitizer when you are out
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
Can I arrive in Greenland on my own private vessel, or own plane?
- Private aircraft and charter aircraft may only arrive to Greenland if they have a worthy purpose.
- If you want to sail in Greenlandic waters in your own private vessel, you must have been at sea for the 14 days immediately prior to arrival to Greenland without having been in any non-Greenlandic harbour AND without having taken passengers onboard in any way.
- If you want to sail in Greenlandic waters in your own private vessel, you must send an electronic Maritime Declaration of Health form along with confirmation of a SUMUT form for every person onboard to the local harbour agent maximum 24 hours prior to arrival, for every harbour. The vessel must remain outside the harbour until the documents are approved by the harbour agent.
- If you wish to arrive to Greenland with your own private vessel or plane, it is recommended that you contact CORSEK@nanoq.gl for advice well in advance.
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?
- It depends on where you will travel to – an Open Place or a Vulnerable Place and whether you are fully-vaccinated.
- Fully-vaccinated persons may travel directly to both Open Places and Vulnerable Places upon arrival to Greenland without having to quarantine or be re-tested. One must be able to show proof of vaccination status at any given time.
- For those who are partially vaccinated or not vaccinated, the following rules apply:
- If you want to travel to an Open Place, and no Vulnerable Place, you can travel directly to your destination to undergo quarantine.
- If you want to travel to a Vulnerable Place, you must first undergo quarantine in an Open Place and get re-tested and wait for negative test results prior to travelling onward. You are eligible for re-test starting the 5th day after arrival to Greenland.
- If private or chartered transportation in Greenland like sailing or flying is part of your journey to start a wilderness quarantine – like a camp, hunting ground, hut, river, etc. – this has to be conducted in continuation of your arrival to Greenland. It means that you cannot interrupt your direct travel to this place to for example stay in a hotel since this will enforce quarantine.
- See the definition of Open Places and Vulnerable Places in Section 1: Basic Knowledge.
Can I sail with Sarfaq Ittuk?
- Sarfaq Ittuk is considered a Vulnerable Place.
- For fully vaccinated persons, one may sail with Sarfaq Ittuk without having to quarantine or re-test first. One must be able to show proof of vaccination status at any given time.
- For partially vaccinated persons, and for non-vaccinated persons, one may only sail with Sarfaq Ittuk if:
- One has been in quarantine in an Open Place for 14 days without showing COVID-19 symptoms, or
- One has been in quarantine in an Open Place and has received a negative test result from a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival to Greenland.
- One must be able to show proof of vaccination status at any given time.
Do I have to be able to show a negative re-test in Greenland to be able to leave Greenland?
- If you have not been re-tested and a wilderness quarantine is less than 14 days in length, yes, one must show proof of a negative re-test result upon departure from Greenland.
- If a wilderness quarantine is longer than 14 days in length, or if one has completed the quarantine period, or if one is fully-vaccinated, there is no requirement to show proof of a negative re-test result upon departure from Greenland.
Can I hire a local operator for transport to a wilderness quarantine area?
Yes. Masks or visors must be used, and distance must be maintained to the captain and any other personnel in transit to wilderness quarantine.
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 only partially vaccinated, or if you are not vaccinated, you are not allowed to participate in events until you have been symptom-free for 14 days after arriving in Greenland.
- From 31 July, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons may not participate in events.
- If you are fully vaccinated you may participate in events upon arrival to Greenland.
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
