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 1 of 4 January 2021 (link in Danish) regarding travelling to and in Greenland is valid from 5 January 2021 through 30 April 2021. This Executive Order is an extension of the previous executive order.
At the same time, the previous executive order, nr 45 of 1 December 2020, regarding travelling to and in Greenland is now annulled.
Who can enter Greenland?
Between 1 January and 28 February, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless one is a critical worker and one’s travel is approved by the Corona Secretariat.
When Greenland opens again for travel, Greenland will likely follow the Kingdom of Denmark’s guidelines for incoming travel, as follows:
- Any person living outside Denmark, Greenland or the Faroe Islands must have a worthy purpose for travel in order to enter.
What must I do to travel to Greenland?
Between 1 January and 28 February, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless one is a critical worker and one’s travel is approved by the Corona Secretariat.
You must do the following in order to enter Denmark to transit to Greenland:
- Fill out the Personal Location form (SUMUT). The confirmation receipt must be shown to the appropriate personnel prior to departure to Greenland.
- Get a COVID-19 virus test maximum 5 days (120 hours) prior to departure to Greenland. A negative test result must be shown to appropriate personnel prior to departure to Greenland.
- Note that you must also follow entry requirements for the transit hub. All travelers that first land in Denmark via airplane must show documentation of negative COVID-19 test results from a test taken maximum 24 hours prior to boarding the airplane to Denmark.
- Upon arrival, travellers to Greenland must go into 14 days quarantine if you are not re-tested in Greenland or go into quarantine until receipt of a negative re-test result, which can be first conducted on day 5 after arrival.
- Show proof of a worthy purpose for travel
Is there a requirement for quarantine or re-test upon arrival?
- Yes.
- 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, is again a requirement upon arrival to Greenland.
- One cannot quarantine just anywhere. One can only quarantine in 10 towns and 2 settlements, known as “Open Places”.
- Before one can travel further to a non-open place, known as a “Vulnerable Place”, one must have quarantined and received a negative re-test result in an Open Place without showing COVID-19 symptoms.
What are Open Places and what are Vulnerable Places?
Greenland’s inhabited places are separated into “Open Places” and “Vulnerable Places”.
Open Places are those one can undergo quarantine in. They include: Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq and Sisimiut.
Vulnerable Places are those one CANNOT travel to without first:
– Having undergone quarantine in an Open Place on the 5th day after arrival. A negative test result must be able to be shown before travelling onward to a Vulnerable Place.
– OR 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 list.
All passengers travelling to Greenland have to travel directly to one of the “Open Places ” on the west coast, undergo quarantine and await a negative re-test result before being allowed to go to vulnerable places such as settlements or the east coast.
Where can I travel from?
– There are currently routes from Copenhagen to Greenland. However, between 1 January and 28 February, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless one is a critical worker and one’s travel is approved by the Corona Secretariat. All travelers on flights out of Greenland to Denmark will not be affected.
– All flights between Iceland and Greenland stop from the 9th of November, 2020 until the end of February 2021.
– See the options at airicelandconnect.com and airgreenland.com.
May I transit in Denmark or Iceland?
Yes. In Denmark:
- You can travel through Denmark (transit) if you have a worthy purpose outside Denmark, or if you are going on holiday outside the Kingdom of Denmark (Denmark, Greenland and Faroe Islands). See more here.
- Between 1 January and 28 February, all entry to Greenland is closed, unless one is a critical worker and one’s travel is approved by the Corona Secretariat. All travelers on flights out of Greenland to Denmark will not be affected.
- From the 9th of November, 2020 until the end of February 2021, all flights between Iceland and Greenland stop.
Should I wear a mask?
All individuals over 12 years old as well as aircraft personnel must with few exceptions wear a mask or visor now. This applies:
- During the entire travel period from “door-to-door”, e.g. in airports, in-flight and during transit and transportation to one’s overnight accommodation in Greenland.
- 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 during transportation to, from and in a test center in Greenland.
- 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.
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.
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 to Greenland – regardless of age – must be able to show negative test results from a maximum 5 day old (120 hours) COVID-19 test, during check-in at an international airport.
- All travelers that first land in Denmark via airplane must show documentation of negative COVID-19 test results from a test taken maximum 24 hours prior to boarding the airplane to Denmark.
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 most 5 days (120 hours) at a hospital or health center in a Nordic country prior to departure to Greenland. Check Test procedure in Denmark on nun.gl for more information.
If one wants to be tested in any other country, the test center must be pre-approved by writing to corona.iaan@nanoq.gl.
– In the application the following should be included: Name and address of the applicant. Name, address and home page for the test centre.
– Be aware: It should be a clinic where one is tested in person (PCR test). It should not be a test where one can get their test equipment delivered and one performs the test by oneself, and thereafter sends it to the laboratory.
– The document that is delivered by the test centre should show a negative test result in English – or alternatively German.
– Non-Danish citizens can not be tested at public Danish test centers, but can be tested against payment at the Aleris-Hamlet private hospitals and Airport Doctor at Copenhagen Airport. Read more about this in the section ‘Summary of latest changes’.
What is COVID-19 Pas (Passport)?
COVID-19 Pas 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 Pas 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 5 days (120 hours) prior to departure to Greenland.
COVID-19 Pas can be downloaded at www.sundhed.dk by using NemID.
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 travellers to Greenland must undergo quarantine in an Open Place for 14 days without showing COVID-19 symptoms, or undergo quarantine until a negative result from a re-test taken after the 5th day upon arrival can be documented.
You may only travel to a Vulnerable Place hereafter.
Where can one be re-tested in Greenland - and is it free?
Upon arrival in Greenland you can be tested in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq and Sisimiut.
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 be tested at 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: Call and order tests well in advance, for example just after arriving in Greenland.
The test is free for everyone. See section 6 for contact information on healthcare units.
How long will it take before I receive the re-test result in Greenland?
It depends whether you are re-tested in Nuuk or another location.
Re-tests taken in Nuuk get quicker results, since there is a test laboratory in Nuuk.
Re-tests taken in any other location can be sent to Nuuk 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 until you receive a negative COVID-19 test result. You will be contacted by health authorities to arrange treatment. 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?
All COVID-19 tests administered in Greenland are done via the throat.
What if I cannot be re-tested on the 5th day, because I’m out in nature?
If your trip in nature takes longer than 14 days, and you do not show any COVID-19 symptoms, it is considered that you are free of COVID-19 and can freely travel to all destinations in Greenland.
If your trip in nature has a length of less than 14 days, you must upon arrival back in an Open Place, book a re-test and quarantine until you have received a negative re-test result.
You may only travel to a Vulnerable Place hereafter.
Section 4:
QUARANTINE
Do I have to quarantine upon arrival to Greenland?
Yes: You are considered in quarantine upon arrival to Greenland, including in Open Places.
- 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 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 or participate in gatherings and events, you must either get a negative result on a re-test taken on the 5th day after arrival or have been in Greenland for the 14 days immediately prior while showing no COVID-19 symptoms.
What should I do during quarantine?
Quarantine should limit contact with other people as much as possible, and you must bear a mask/visor during the quarantine period at any time you leave your overnight 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 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 alone in nature?
Yes (hereafter called a nature quarantine). For example, if you land in Kangerlussuaq and directly begin a hike towards Sisimiut – a trip that takes approx. 8 days – you can book a test in advance on the day, or the day after arriving at Sisimiut. Upon receipt of a negative test result, quarantine will cease. This applies no matter which (approved) destination.
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.
Can I hire a local guide while I am holding quarantine in nature?
Yes, if the tour is at least 4 days in length. There can be one – at most two – local guides with your travel group on a nature trip. The local guides should hold all social distancing principles during the trip.
It is recommended that the guide is tested after the trip, the the tour is less than 14 days.
If the tour is longer than 14 days, and noone in the group has COVID-19 symptoms, you can travel freely onwards in Greenland
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
– gladly wear a mask – also to signal that you are careful
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?
Yes. All rules regarding travel to Greenland still apply.
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 call in Greenland with your own vessel, it is recommended that you contact CORSEK@nanoq.gl for advice and guidance 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.
If you want to travel to an Open Place, and no Vulnerable Place, you can travel directly to your destination.
If you want to travel to a Vulnerable Place, you must first undergo quarantine in an Open Place and get re-tested there on the 5th day after arrival, and wait for negative test results prior to travelling onward.
See the definition of Open Places and Vulnerable Places in Section 1: Basic Knowledge.
Can I sail with Sarfaq Ittuk?
Only individuals who have either received a negative re-test result in Greenland, or have been in quarantine in an Open Place for 14 days without showing COVID-19 symptoms may use Sarfaq Ittuk as transport.
Do I have to be able to show a negative re-test in Greenland to be able to leave Greenland?
No.
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 |
89 22 11 |
89 22 11 |
aasshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Ilulissat |
94 32 11 |
94 32 11 |
ilushv@peqqik.gl |
|
Ittoqqortoormiit |
99 10 11 |
59 93 21 |
ittshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Kangaatsiaq |
89 43 00 |
89 22 11 |
N/A |
|
Kangerlussuaq |
86 88 12 |
86 42 11 |
N/A |
|
Maniitsoq |
81 32 11 |
81 32 11 |
manshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Nanortalik |
61 32 11 |
61 32 11 |
nanshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Narsaq |
66 12 11 |
66 12 11 |
narshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Narsarsuaq |
66 45 41 |
66 12 11 |
N/A |
|
Nuuk ** |
34 44 00 |
34 44 00 |
disshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Paamiut |
68 12 11 |
68 12 11 |
paashv@peqqik.gl |
|
Qaqortoq |
64 22 11 |
64 22 11 |
qaqshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Qasigiannguit |
91 12 11 |
89 22 11 |
qasshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Qeqertarsuaq |
92 12 11 |
89 22 11 |
qeqshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Qaanaaq |
97 10 11 |
94 32 11 |
qaashv@peqqik.gl |
|
Sisimiut |
86 42 11 |
86 42 11 |
sisshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Tasiilaq |
98 12 11 |
98 12 11 |
tasshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Upernavik |
96 12 11 |
96 12 11 |
upeshv@peqqik.gl |
|
Uummannaq |
95 12 11 |
95 12 11 |
uumshv@peqqik.gl |
** COVID-19 test analysis laboratory
Do I have to pay for hospitalisation in Greenland?
It depends on your residence.
– For non-residents of the Kingdom of Denmark, 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. In principle, they cannot leave Greenland until a negative test is available. 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?
Travellers that arrive in Greenland may not participate in gatherings, arrangements or events before it can be documented that they do not have COVID-19.
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.
