Travel Vaccines and Advice for Greenland
Travelers coming to Greenland will see how remote and colorful this country is. The scenery and nature of Greenland will draw you into this country. Greenland has the world’s smallest population with a blend of Inuit and Danish people. There’s so much to see and do when you stay in Greenland.
If you’re interested in the history of Greenland, this country has so many museums to explore. The Paamiut Museum, the Greenland National Museum and the Tele-Museum are just a few.
If you’re interested in the natural features of Greenland, visit the Southern Fjords and IIulissat Kangerlua. These natural wonders will make you want to capture these sites on camera.
Greenland offers visitors the wonder of nature and its history. It’s a must-visit.
Do I Need Vaccines for Greenland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Greenland. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greenland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Greenland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Greenland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Due to the country’s location and climate, few infections are present in Greenland. But, travelers’ diarrhea is still a risk. Be sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit with you to prevent any unwanted symptoms.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Greenland?
A visa is not needed for stays under 90 days in Greenland. Passports must have at least six months validity.
Greenland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Greenland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Greenland and U.S. State Department
Greenland is not a part of the EU’s Schengen Agreement. Resident and work permits are not valid for people who plan to travel to Schengen countries.
What Is the Climate Like in Greenland?
Greenland’s weather changes between regions. This country experiences great differences in temperature over the seasons.
- Arctic Temperatures — Summer temperatures are in the 50’s. The air quality is the best in the world because of the country’s location to the high north. Southern regions can reach the 60’s in June, July, or August.
- Coastal and Inland Climate — The sea affects the climate on land and the coastline. During the summer it is warm and dry on the land nearby the ice sheet. The weather is likely to change in all parts of the country. It can differ from fjord to fjord and from one valley to the next.
- Low Humidity — The air is dry for the most part in Greenland. The low humidity results in the temperatures not being as cold as you might think it would be. You do need to drink more water as a result of the dry air. The low humidity also allows travelers to see more than you are use to seeing. When you see mountain crests, they may appear to be close but in reality it is further away. Hikers need to keep this in mind.
How Safe Is Greenland?
When you travel to Greenland, you should be aware of your surroundings and be safe. You should also be aware of the media because it’s important to know what’s going on in the country you are visiting. You should also let the authorities know about suspicious activity. Avoid demonstrations, and large public gatherings.
Crime is low for the most part in Greenland. But, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared if something should happen while you are in this country. Pick-pocketing and purse snatching can occur. Keep a close eye on your valuables while traveling.
The Northern Lights: Aurora Borealis
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
If you’re interested in experiencing one of Greenland’s most beautiful wonders, you should see the Northern Lights. It is known as the ‘biggest light show on earth,’ and it’s an opportunity of a lifetime you can’t miss.
The best time to see the aurora borealis is in the wintertime. You can probably see the Northern lights in November and March. December through February are the best months to go because the night sky is clearer.
What Should I Take to Greenland?
Before you make your way to Greenland, there are some things you need to pack to be ready to travel.
- Travel Documents — You will need a passport that is at least six months beyond the time you plan to stay in Greenland. You don’t need a visa unless you plan to stay for more than 90 days.
- Winter Clothing — During the cold weather, dress in layers. Temperatures can be perilously cold, it’s important to make sure you’re protected. This is true in summer as well.
- Sunglasses — Snowy environments and high concentration of UV light makes these a must.
- Bug Spray — While mosquitoes are rare in winter, they thrive in summer months. Make sure to have some repellent with you.
U.S. Embassy in Greenland
Greenland does not have an embassy serving the area. As a part of Denmark, the embassy in Copenhagen serves the area:
U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24
2100 København Ø
Phone: (+45) 33 41 71 00
Fax: (+45) 35 43 02 23
Visit the Embassy to Denmark website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Greenland
“Excellent information on what health concerns I should be aware of traveling in Greenland. No scare tactic just what a person should keep in mind traveling. The nurse took her time and went over needed information and late repeated key points. She provide shots but before hand explained why the need for the shots. A very pleasant experience and if one listens, reads and follow advice their trip should be very enjoyable.”
“I scheduled an appointment with Passport Health to learn about the recommended vaccinations and travel advice for my upcoming trips to Greenland and India. They were very knowledgeable, appointment was on time, and convenient.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Greenland?
Do I Need a Visa for Greenland?
What Is the Climate Like in Greenland?
How Safe Is Greenland?
The Northern Lights: Aurora Borealis
What Should I Take to Greenland?
U.S. Embassy in Greenland
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