Travel advice for Greenland

Exercise increased caution in Greenland because extreme weather and limited emergency services create environmental hazards, and U.S. consular services are extremely limited. Vast remote areas have scarce search-and-rescue resources; efforts could take several days to reach an incident.

Normal precautions apply, as the security situation is good, but travellers should monitor local conditions and follow local instructions. Avoid solo travel to remote areas because infrastructure is limited, carry a travel medicine kit, and consider extra medical and evacuation insurance. Serious illness or injury must be treated in Denmark or Iceland. Be prepared for Arctic weather, earthquakes and tsunamis, and note that local sexual conduct and consent laws differ.

Crime is low in Greenland; exercise normal security precautions and secure all belongings. No roads connect towns. Changing weather can delay transport, limit emergency responses in remote areas, disrupt cruises and cause extra costs. Adventure tourism and climbing may be hazardous because of avalanches, so use proper equipment, have insurance for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, and obtain the permit for glaciers, mountains or the national park in northeast Greenland.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Greenland.

Normal precautions are advised. The political situation is stable and crime is low, but isolated violence or gun crime can occur, while extreme weather and very limited search and rescue create risks outside populated areas. Use reputable licensed operators and avoid unlicensed boat tours. Healthcare is more limited outside major cities, serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Iceland or Denmark, and changing weather can disrupt flights.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Greenland, as no special risks are indicated. Prepare for extreme cold, heavy snow and storms, which can cause frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn and eye damage. Using, possessing or selling drugs, including soft drugs, can lead to prison or heavy fines. Medical care is limited, so obtain insurance; serious cases may require transfer to Nuuk or Denmark, and seek embassy help in Copenhagen in emergencies.

Exercise usual precautions when travelling to Greenland. Because weather and temperatures are unpredictable and distances are great, take particular care in winter; avoid solo travel outside inhabited places in all seasons. Hikers in uninhabited areas may encounter polar bears, and camping is prohibited near homes and in protected areas such as Taseralik and Sermermiut.