Greenland is the world's largest island, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark that belongs to neither the EU nor the Schengen area. Almost all of it lies under ice all year, and its towns are not linked by any road. Visitors base themselves in Nuuk, the capital, in Ilulissat and around Disko Bay, in the south or in Tasiilaq on the east coast. Greenland is not covered by Roam Like at Home, so a European SIM roams here on its operator's own terms, and in the backcountry you should not rely on mobile coverage.
Key facts for Greenland
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: 112
- Embassies: none; British consular help comes from Copenhagen, and Canada has a consulate in Nuuk
Flying in and entry rules
The only way in is by plane, unless you arrive on a cruise ship or a chartered boat: there are no ferries from Iceland, Denmark or Canada. Greenland has six international airports, Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Kulusuk and Nerlerit Inaat, with year-round flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk taking about 4 hours, routes from Keflavík in Iceland, and seasonal direct flights between Newark and Nuuk from June to September. If you do not need a visa for Denmark, you do not need one for Greenland; if you do, you need a separate permit valid for Greenland, as it sits outside the Schengen area. British visitors do not need a visa for tourism. Bringing whale products from Greenland into the UK or the EU is illegal.
Between towns: planes, boats and dogsleds
There are no roads or railways between towns, so you travel by air or sea, or by ski, snowmobile or dogsled. Arctic weather regularly delays or cancels flights and sailings, so carry enough money for unplanned nights, and book accommodation ahead, because when travel is disrupted there may be no rooms left. Cruise passengers should know that bad weather can change itineraries without notice and that rescue for ships in trouble may be very limited.
Permits, ice and cold
Exploring glaciers, mountains or the National Park in north-east Greenland requires a special permit from the Government of Greenland, and special rules apply in the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate is extreme, especially in winter, with heavy snowfall and storms, avalanches are a risk, and the dry, windy interior exposes you to frostbite and to strong sun even when the air feels cool. Weather can change fast, even in summer, and most of the country is so remote that emergency services may not reach you. The UK Foreign Office adds that consular help in the Arctic is unlikely to be available in person and that it cannot organise rescues, so take out insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. In July and August, mosquitoes can be fierce.
Cash, prices and local etiquette
The currency is the Danish krone. Cash machines exist only in certain towns, among them Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Qaqortoq and Tasiilaq, so bring krone in cash for small towns and settlements, where the local shop often doubles as post office and bank. There is no VAT, yet prices are similar to or higher than in northern Europe, and they are not for haggling. Ask before you photograph people. In North Greenland, sled dogs are working animals, not pets, and should never be approached, and if you are invited into a home, take your shoes off.
Healthcare
Towns have hospitals and settlements have nursing clinics, but supply chains are limited, so bring enough prescription medicine for the whole trip. You will not be refused treatment, but an EHIC or the UK's GHIC will not cover the cost unless you live in Denmark or another Nordic country. Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greenland.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before you fly connects on arrival in Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq. The Greenland plans run on 3G; an Americas plan also covers Greenland together with Canada and the United States, and a World plan together with Denmark and Iceland, which suits a trip routed through Copenhagen or Keflavík. Beyond the towns, carry a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon on any expedition. Keep your home SIM for bank codes, with data roaming off.
Consular protection: who to call in Greenland
- Call 112 for emergency help.
- There are no embassies in Greenland. British nationals are covered by the British Embassy in Copenhagen, and Canadians by the Consulate of Canada in Nuuk and the Embassy of Canada in Copenhagen; other visitors rely on their embassy accredited to Denmark.
- Save in the Telcomia app the details of the mission that covers Greenland for your passport before you leave Copenhagen or Keflavík.
- Greenlandic is the official language, and Danish is widely used.
Questions travellers ask about Greenland
Will my EU SIM work in Greenland?
Only on roaming at your operator's own rates, because Greenland is outside Roam Like at Home.
Can I drive from one town to another?
No. There are no roads between towns, so you fly or go by boat, or in winter by snowmobile or dogsled.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in Greenland?
It depends on the plan; the Greenland plans run on 3G.
Do I need a permit to explore?
Yes, for expeditions to glaciers, mountains or the National Park in north-east Greenland, which require a special permit.
The short version
Check whether your visa covers Greenland, install the eSIM before flying, build spare days into your plans, carry Danish krone for the settlements, pack enough medicine, get insurance with helicopter rescue, apply for permits before any expedition, and save 112.
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