"Delving into Denmark Travel: Insights on EES and ETIAS Regulations"
Foreign Residents in EU Countries to Adhere to New Travel Requirements When Visiting Denmark
Starting from October 12, 2025, foreign residents in EU countries will face new travel requirements when visiting Denmark, as part of the European Union's Entry & Exit System (EES) and European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS).
Entry & Exit System (EES)
Non-EU nationals (including UK nationals) arriving in Denmark and other Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days) must undergo biometric registration at the border. This includes the collection of fingerprints and a facial image, which replaces manual passport stamping. Travelers do not need to take prior action before arrival, and there is no fee for EES registration. Border processing times may increase slightly due to biometric data capture.
European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS)
From late 2026, visa-exempt travelers (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia, Canada nationals) who do not hold an EU passport or Schengen visa must apply for ETIAS travel authorization before entering Denmark or any other Schengen country. The application is submitted online in advance, involves providing personal, biometric, immigration, and security information, and requires a nominal fee (typically €20). ETIAS authorization is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.
For foreign residents in EU countries, if they travel using their EU passports, ETIAS does not apply. However, if they are non-EU nationals residing in other EU countries traveling to Denmark, they must comply with ETIAS requirements if they are from a visa-exempt country and lack a Schengen visa.
Process Summary for Foreign Residents Traveling to Denmark
- For non-EU nationals visiting Denmark up to 90 days:
- Upon arrival, provide biometric data for EES.
- Before travel, apply online for ETIAS travel authorization if from a visa-exempt country without a Schengen visa.
- Hold a valid passport (valid at least three months beyond planned departure).
- Be prepared for identity verification and possible border checks.
- For EU citizens or dual nationals traveling on EU passports:
- ETIAS and EES biometric requirements do not apply.
- Residence status considerations:
- Residence permits do not replace passport or travel authorization requirements.
- Foreign residents traveling on non-EU passports must meet the above ETIAS and EES rules.
It's important to note that citizens of EU, EEA, or Schengen zone countries are exempt from EES requirements. Non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU country with a long-stay visa or a residency permit are not covered by EES and do not have to complete EES pre-registration.
The phased introduction of EES will continue until April 2026, and ETIAS is expected to start in the final quarter of 2026, but it won't be introduced until EES is fully up and running. Ports have the option to pause EES checks in the event of long queues. ETIAS is required for all tourists and visitors to the Schengen zone, even if they are only making a short trip.
These new systems aim to enhance border security, reduce identity fraud, and prevent overstays.
- For sports enthusiasts following the Euro 20XX tournament, they should be aware of the new EES and ETIAS requirements when traveling to Denmark, especially if they are from visa-exempt countries.
- Art collectors wishing to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark need to prepare for EES biometric data capture upon arrival and, if required, apply for ETIAS travel authorization if they are from a visa-exempt country without a Schengen visa.
- Lifestyle bloggers covering Copenhagen Fashion Week might face increased border processing times due to biometric data capture under the EES system.
- Political analysts visiting Denmark to cover general-news events should bear in mind that, from late 2026, they may need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization if they are from a visa-exempt country without a Schengen visa.
