Denmark Visa Requirements And Application Process For Tourists

Once a popular Viking getaway, now an unforgettable tourist destination. Denmark is officially one of my top destinations! However, to experience its rich history, incredible culture, and picture-perfect towns, you might need a Denmark Schengen Visa.

Here's the catch:

Out of personal experience, I've learned that the visa application process is not as simple as other Schengen Visa applications. So, if you're planning to apply for your Denmark Schengen/Tourist Visa, I suggest you stick around.

In this post, I'll cover the Denmark Tourist Visa application, requirements, and potential problems you might run into.

Let's get right to it:

The Denmark Tourist Visa At First Glance

Before you can apply for your visa, there are a few things you need to consider. First, I'll briefly discuss key points about the Denmark Tourist Visa. Later, I'll cover the required documents and the exact steps you need to take when applying for the Denmark Tourist Visa.

• What Is The Denmark Tourist Visa?

• Who Needs A Denmark Tourist Visa?

• What Is The Processing Time For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

• When Can I Apply For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

• What Is The Denmark Tourist Visa Fee?

• Where Can I Apply For My Denmark Tourist Visa?

• What Are The Financial Requirements To Visit Denmark?

• Complete The Denmark Tourist Visa Application Form Online

• You Will Need An Invitation Letter From Denmark

What Is The Denmark Tourist Visa?

In more formal terms, the Denmark Tourist Visa is a travel authorization that allows you to visit the country for tourism purposes. So basically, you need this type of visa to visit Denmark for sightseeing, vacation, visiting relatives, etc. Other terms used for this type of visa include:

• The Denmark Schengen Visa

• The Short-Stay Visa

• The Short Term Visa

• The 90 Day Visa

Whatever you decide to call this visa, you should know that it only allows you to visit Denmark for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is commonly known as the 90/180 Schengen Rule.

A benefit of the Denmark Tourist Visa is that you can visit other European Countries within the Schengen Area. These Schengen Countries include:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

I should mention that this type of Denmark Visa only allows tourism purposes. You will not be able to work or permanently live in Denmark.

Quick Note: You must include your travel plans in your application if you intend to visit the other Schengen States. Be sure to add a complete travel itinerary as well as a cover letter (which indicates your travel plans) alongside your application.

Who Needs A Denmark Tourist Visa?

As I've come to learn, not all nationals need to apply for a Denmark Tourist/Schengen Visa when visiting the country. So before you start your application, you first need to determine if you need a visa to enter the country.

• US Citizens:

If you're a US citizen, you don't need to apply for a Denmark Tourist Visa. Instead, you enjoy visa-free travel to Denmark and the neighboring Schengen States for up to 90 days within every 180 days.

• US Green Card Holders:

In some cases, US Green Card Holders need to apply for a visa to enter Denmark. This all depends on your nationality. If your country of origin requires a visa to enter Denmark, you'll need to apply for the Denmark Tourist Visa. On the other hand, you don't need to apply for a visa if you enjoy visa-free travel.

• Third-world Nationals (non-EU countries):

Not all countries outside Europe enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel. Therefore, if you live in such a country, you must apply for a visa to enter Denmark. Here is a list of countries that need a visa to enter Denmark.

• Nationals from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area don't need to apply for a visa when visiting Denmark.

What Is The Processing Time For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

Once you've submitted your visa, the visa processing time is generally around 15 business days. However, it may take 30+ days for your visa to be processed in extreme cases. Reasons for a delayed processing time include:

• Missing documents

• An incomplete/unclear application form

• A sudden pandemic

• A demand for Denmark Schengen Visas

When Can I Apply For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

You can start your application as early as 6 months before your trip to Denmark. Personally, I recommend starting your application at least 2 months before traveling.

"Why"

To ensure that you have enough time to complete your visa application, wait for your visa to be processed, and correct any errors that may occur (like missing documents or an incomplete application).

What Is The Denmark Tourist Visa Fee?

• For adults: €80 (EUR)

• For children between the ages 6 - 12: €40 (EUR)

• For children under 6 years: Free

Where Can I Apply For My Denmark Tourist Visa?

Finding where you need to apply can be quite tedious. Generally, you need to apply at the Embassy of Denmark or the Danish Consulate. However, in most cases, you'll need to apply at an authorized Application Center that handles Danish visa services.

The easiest way around this is to apply through Atlys. Atlys already knows where you need to apply. Additionally, Atlys will schedule a visa appointment for you.

If you're unsure where you need to apply, you can find the correct Danish Embassy/Consulate here.

What Are The Financial Requirements To Visit Denmark?

If you don't already know, you must meet certain financial requirements to visit Denmark. Basically, you need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your trip.

For a successful Denmark Tourist Visa application, you need to prove that you have a minimum of €67.24 per day (500 DKK). However, if you plan to stay in a hostel (or cheaper accommodation), the required amount is reduced to €47.07 (350 DKK).

Quick tip: If you pay for accommodation in advance, the minimum amount required will decrease even more.

Complete The Denmark Tourist Visa Application Form Online

Gone are the days when you had to fill in the application form with a pen or pencil. Instead, you can now complete the Denmark Tourist Visa application online.

Here's how it works:

• Register

• Fill in the application

• Pay the visa fee

• Print and sign cover letter: The cover letter will be generated after completing your visa application form. Additionally, you can find it under the "My application" menu.

Quick note: You may experience an error paying for your visa (I did). The issue is currently being addressed by authorities. For any inquiries, you can contact [email protected] with information regarding your payment. You can avoid this entire situation when applying through Atlys.

You Will Need An Invitation Letter From Denmark

Another Denmark Visa requirement is an invitation letter (if applicable).

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you'll need to submit an invitation letter from a host in Denmark. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has a specific invitation letter you'll need to submit.

But, there's a problem:

To access the correct invitation letter, you'll need to create a NemID. But, at the time of my writing this post, the NemID portal is not working - making it pretty tedious to create a NemID. Nonetheless, I'll add printable invitation letters you can use.

If you plan to visit a relative or friend (a private visit), you'll need to submit this invitation letter.

Quick note: Once you can create a NemID, it's best to get your invitation letter through the official website. Be mindful that the website will not be translated to English in some cases. Once again, I recommend getting your visa through Atlys, which will save you a lot of frustration.

If your trip to Denmark is for business purposes (Schengen Business Visa), you'll need to submit this invitation letter.

Quick note: Once you can create a NemID, you can get your invitation letter through the official website.

If the purpose of your trip is purely for tourism purposes, you don't need to submit an invitation letter.

What Are The Required Documents For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

For a successful Denmark Visa application, you'll need to submit the following required documents:

• A complete Schengen Visa application form (completed online).

• A valid passport or travel document. Your passport must be valid for 3 months after your trip and have 2 blank visa pages available.

• A recent passport photo.

• Copies of your passport and previous visas.

• Proof of residency if you're a citizen applying in another country(such as a US Green Card)

• A complete flight itinerary/Return flight ticket.

• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, etc.).

• Proof of financial means to support yourself (bank statements, payslips, etc.).

• Documents that prove your employment statement(employment contract, income tax returns, etc.).

• Proof of Medical/Health insurance that provides a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage.

• An invitation letter (if applicable)

• A cover letter that includes the purpose of your trip, travel details, and personal information. (This will be covered in the next section)

Quick note: For a more in-depth explanation of each required document, you can read Atlys's dedicated Schengen Visa requirement guide. Furthermore, consular authorities have the right to request additional documents.

What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements For Denmark?

I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with the exact covid restrictions and requirements. Because covid regulations change without notice, the information I provide might already be outdated. But don't worry, I've got you covered. To check the most recent Denmark covid restrictions and regulations, use Atlys' COVID-19 tool. Alternatively, you can learn more about the covid requirements on the government's website.

How To Apply For The Denmark Tourist Visa?

Finally, let's talk about the Denmark Tourist Visa application and the steps you need to take to get your visa. I've created 6 steps you can follow to successfully apply for your Denmark Tourist Visa.

• 1. Collect The Required Documents For Your Application

• 2. Complete The Online Application Form

• 3. Schedule A Visa Appointment

• 4. Attend Your Visa Appointment

• 5. Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

• 6. Collect Your Denmark Tourist Visa

1. Collect The Required Documents For Your Application

First things first. Collect the required documents for your visa application. Of course, you can do this later, but collecting your documents before starting the application will help you better understand the visa process.

Remember to make copies of all the required documents in case you misplace something.

2. Complete The Online Application Form

Ok, now for the Schengen Visa application form. As you probably guessed, you'll need to complete the application form online.

The first step is to head over to the official website, register, and log in to your account. Once you've completed this, you'll need to read through the T&C's and continue with your application.

The required information is pretty basic, and you should have no problem filling it out. However, I just want to point out a few things:

• Where to submit:

One of the first questions you'll be asked is, "Where are you submitting the application." Once you click the drop-down menu, you'll find a list of application centers available. Be sure to choose the correct center.

For example, in my case, I choose to submit my application at the Washington DC Visa Application Center (VFS).

• US Green Card Holders:

So, suppose you're currently residing in another country with a residence permit (like a US Green Card). In that case, you must provide details regarding your Residence Permit.

• Your invitation letter (if applicable):

Remember I mentioned that you may need an invitation letter when traveling to Denmark? This is where you can submit the invitation ID. Once you create an online invitation letter (when it finally works), you'll be able to upload it here. For now, you'll need to submit a printed invitation letter alongside your other required documents.

• Pay for your visa:

Once you've completed your Schengen Visa application form, you'll be redirected to a secure payment portal. However, as mentioned, the payment system can cause some errors. So just be mindful of this.

• Cover letter:

Basically, the cover letter proves the purpose of your trip. In addition, it includes information regarding your trip, accommodation, flight dates, and so on. This is a mandatory requirement for the Denmark Tourist Visa.

The cover letter is generated at the end of the application process and printed from there. Alternatively, you can access the letter via the 'My applications' menu.

Quick note: In most cases, Schengen Visa applications get denied due to mistakes made during the application process. I recommend researching the most common mistakes you should avoid when applying for the Schengen Visa.

3. Schedule A Visa Appointment

Your visa application will not be processed if Embassy/Consulate authorities have not received your cover letter, required documents, and biometric information.

To submit these and all of the above, you'll need to schedule a visa appointment. Additionally, you must schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center you specified in your online application.

Using the same example as before, I scheduled my visa appointment at the Washington DC Visa Application Center.

There are a few ways you can go about booking your Schengen Visa appointment:

• Book your appointment using Atlys's appointment tool at the top of this page.

• Contact the Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center via email or phone call.

• Use the online appointment tool found on most Visa Application Center's websites.

One more thing:

The first available appointment slot might not fit your schedule. For example: Suppose you want to schedule an appointment for the 1st of January. Likely, there won't be any appointment slots available. The next best slot might only be available on the 6th of January.

4. Attend Your Visa Appointment

As the title suggests, you need to attend your visa appointment. Once you arrive for your appointment, you'll attend a short in-person interview with an Embassy/Consulate staff member.

You'll submit your Schengen Visa Application alongside all your required documents during the interview. Moreover, the staff member will ask you a few questions about the purpose of your trip. If you're stressed, don't be. I'm sure you'll ace your next Schengen Visa interview.

Afterward, your biometric information will be collected. This consists of your digital photograph and fingerprints. This will not be required if you've visited the Schengen Area in the past 59 months.

5. Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

The hard part is done. Now all you need to do is wait for your visa to be processed. As mentioned, this can take anywhere between 15 - 30 business days.

Once your visa has been processed, authorities will notify you via email, SMS, or phone call (depending on your preferred contact method).

6. Collect Your Denmark Tourist Visa

After your visa has been approved, it's time to celebrate!

Oh, and you should head over to the Visa Application Center to collect your passport. Attached to it, you'll find your new Denmark Tourist Visa.

Quick note: It's possible to add prepaid return shipping labels alongside your other documents. After your visa is approved, authorities will return your passport via mail (only if this service is available).

Your New Adventure In Denmark Awaits

After a tiresome visa application, you can finally sit back and relax. The only thing left is to plan your next adventure in Denmark.