Published: August 13, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Denmark Travel Advisory and Denmark Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24, DK 2100 Copenhagen Ø.
Tel: +45-33-41-71-00, Post One: +45-33-41-74-00, RSO: +45-33-41-74-13
Hours: 0830-1700.
OSAC Country Chapter
Denmark hosts an active OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.
Denmark Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in the Kingdom of Denmark due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Copenhagen as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Denmark.
Pickpockets and purse-snatchers operate in areas frequented by tourists, on trains and buses, and at transit stations, including Copenhagen Central Station, Copenhagen Airport (CPH), and Quays. Do not place any bags containing valuables, such as your passport or credit cards, on the ground or on the back of a chair in public places, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Monitor your personal electronics, which are particularly attractive to thieves.
Total reported criminal offense statistics released by the Danish office of Statistics reflect a 1% increase in Denmark during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A 11.4% decrease in total reported criminal offenses is reported for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Danish law enforcement entities utilized a third initiative to stave off possible increases in crime trends named the “Stop and Frisk Zone” plan. This initiative identified numerous neighborhoods in Copenhagen, allowing Danish police to stop and frisk anyone within designated areas without probable cause. In early 2024, Copenhagen police identified 16 streets in Copenhagen and implemented this plan in response to a series of stabbings in the identified areas.
Visitors to the Free Town of Christiania, a “self-proclaimed” autonomous neighborhood in the Christianshavn section of Copenhagen, should exercise caution and avoid displaying cameras or taking photos. Christiania has long hosted one of the largest illegal hashish markets in Europe, and its narcotics activity has been linked to organized crime groups. Drug enforcement efforts have led to violent confrontations between police and Christiania residents, including a 2016 shooting that left a police officer injured and a suspect dead. Tourists have reported harassment for breaking Christiania’s strict no-photography policy.
Numerous gangs, such as the Hell’s Angels, Loyal to Familia, and the Comanches, are present in Denmark and cause continual problems for local law enforcement. The rival gangs often fight amongst themselves and battle for control of areas in Denmark, such as Christiania. The influence of Swedish gangs is beginning to be of concern, as well.
The use of “date rape” drugs, including GHB, continues to be an increasing concern in Copenhagen. Aarhus, a major city on the Jutland Peninsula, has noted an increase in biker gang violence between the Hell’s Angles and Bandidos MCs due to turf battles over the amphetamine trade. There have been reports of an increase in second-generation immigrant gang drug violence and killings associated with control of street turf in the Copenhagen Northwest area.
No areas of Denmark are off limits to U.S. Embassy staff. The Embassy advises all travelers to be cautious in the neighborhoods of Nørrebro and Christiania due to reported violent street crime and gang/narcotics activity. Local gang conflicts and demonstrations in Nørrebro and adjacent neighborhoods occasionally result in violence.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Denmark.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Copenhagen as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Denmark.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service currently assess the terrorist threat in Denmark as “significant,” meaning there is a known threat and capability, intent, and planning. The terrorist threat level ranges from “very significant,” meaning a specific threat and capability, intent, planning, and possibly initiation, to “minimal,” indicating there are no indications of any threat. The Center for Terror Analysis (CTA) assesses that terrorist attacks carried out by militant Islamists, right-wing and left-wing extremists, and anti-establishment extremists remain the primary threat to Denmark. Conflict in the Middle East remains a considerable mobilization flashpoint that can prompt terrorist attacks, particularly against Jewish and Israeli interests.
CTA assesses the most likely terrorist attack in Denmark is from a lone actor or small groups that target large public gatherings, authority targets, Jewish and Israeli targets, LGB targets, or/and targets associated with perceived insults to Islam.
CTA assesses that the terrorist threat from right-wing extremists in Denmark remains at the level of general, meaning there is a capability and/or intent and possibly planning. Young people radicalized and recruited in online forums continue to pose the main threat. In recent years, the number of Danish youth and minors radicalized online has grown, and the trend toward no formal leadership or organizational structure has made the threat more fragmented.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Copenhagen as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Denmark. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Denmark is a highly functional democracy and ranked #1 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for several consecutive years. Denmark also enjoys high rankings on equality between sexes as well as freedoms of religion, sexual orientation, and speech. The main human rights problem in Denmark concerns the treatment of irregular migrants (and those perceived as such) from outside Europe.
Protests & Demonstrations
Public demonstrations are common and sometimes result in violence. Typically, demonstrations number from a few dozen to a few hundred protestors and very rarely more than 1,000. In 2023, 2024, and 2025 the U.S. Embassy experienced numerous, peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Local law enforcement informs the embassy of any protests that may affect the Chancery. Police support is extremely well coordinated and appropriate to the size of the demonstration. Police are experienced, with effective riot control elements.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Denmark is generally free from anti-U.S. sentiment. It is common for Danes to wear shirts, hats, and jackets with logos and names of U.S. universities, sports teams, and companies without concern for backlash.
Law Enforcement
The National Police are the primary law enforcement authority in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, and are under the direction of the Justice Ministry. The National Police develop strategies, support work in the local police districts, and coordinate police operations on a national level.
Police Response
Danish law enforcement, public safety, and security services are professional, highly trained, well equipped, and effective. Denmark is well-known as a country with very little corruption. Most police officers are proficient in English. Response for non-violent crimes may be limited due to manpower shortages in the police force.
All individuals in Denmark must provide their name, address, and date of birth to the police if asked, and if necessary, proof of their identity. Individuals detained by the police should comply with instructions. Report any issue with unlawful detention, corruption, bribery, or harassment to the Embassy immediately, and request assistance.
The Danish Police are very proactive and responsive when dealing with violent criminal activity but are selective about responding to non-violent crimes. The Danish Police are the primary law enforcement responder in the event of an emergency.
Dial 112 for emergencies and life-threatening situations. Dial 114 for administrative situations (e.g., parking, non-life threating traffic accidents, disputes).
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Denmark, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Denmark.
Denmark is perceived as the least corrupt country in the world. The law provided criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implemented the law effectively. There were no reports of government corruption.
The constitution and law prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The government generally observed these requirements.
Cybersecurity
As one of the most digitized countries in the world, cyberattacks launched by foreign states and criminals are still among the most serious threats to Danish national security. The threat of cybercrime and cyber espionage is directed at both Danish private companies and public authorities, both of which continuously experience cyberattacks. In June 2024, the Danish Centre for Cybersecurity (CFCS) raised the threat level for destructive cyber-attacks from low to medium, based on Russia’s increased willingness to use hybrid tactics against NATO member states.
CFCS assesses the threat of cyber espionage and cybercrime as very high. Organizations with access to information on Danish foreign and security police are potential targets of cyber espionage. Ransomware attacks and extortion threats also remain a primary threat to private companies and citizens.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the importation and usage of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
