Denmark

Quick Overview

Capital: Copenhagen
Population: 5.77 million
Official language: Danish
Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Emergency #: 112
Vaccinations required: No
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

Denmark: Travel Health Information

Denmark is well known for its natural beauty and cities, which are characterized by their unique and colourful buildings. There are also over 400 Danish islands to explore including Bornholm, Funen, and Lolland.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Denmark may differ from your home country. Denmark has both private and public health sectors that provide a high standard of care. In recent decades, Denmark faced a shortage of doctors, but the number of trained physicians is steadily increasing.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals in Denmark typically require upfront payment in cash or credit card, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Denmark.

Pharmacies and medications

Denmark generally has a pharmacy in every town, including rural areas. Privately-owned pharmacies are regulated to ensure adequate access to all. Prescriptions for medications must be obtained from a doctor and prescription drugs cannot be purchased without one. Pharmacists are trained and licensed and service is usually quick.

If you are travelling with medication, check with Denmark’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review Denmark’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Roads in Denmark are well maintained. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times, and helmets must be worn by motorcyclists. Cycling is extremely popular in Denmark for locals and tourists alike and although helmets are not required by law, you should wear one for safety.


  • Maria Olejaz, Annegrete Juul Nielsen Andreas Rudkjøbing, Hans Okkels Birk Allan Krasnik, Cristina Hernández-Quevedo. Health System Review: Denmark. World Health Organization. (2012).
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark. Travelling with medication to Denmark. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark.
  • Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Road safety and traffic data: Denmark. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) iLibrary. (2016).
  • Visit Copenhagen. Health Insurance. Visit Copenhagen.
  • Visit Denmark. Cycling in Denmark. Visit Denmark.
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