If rumors in Washington are becoming more and more insistent about a “an offer you can't refuse”Although the United States has made a "deal" to buy Greenland, the reality on the ground is still dictated by Copenhagen. Whatever the American strategists who dream of planting the star-spangled flag, Greenland remains, for the time being, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Before Greenland potentially became the “51st state”Here's how to get there in 2026. Spoiler: it's an administrative obstacle course, even for our American friends.
The “false” Schengen border
It's the golden rule that many forget: THE Greenland is NOT part of the Schengen area, nor the European Union.
Even if you transit via Copenhagen (Denmark) or Keflavik (Iceland), you technically leave administrative Europe when you land in Nuuk or Ilulissat.
Border controls are systematic. In 2026, with the prevailing tension, expect Greenland customs officials to be particularly zealous. They value their autonomy and make it known.
Visas and Passports: Who gets in (and how)?
Despite Uncle Sam's covetousness, formalities remain aligned with Danish law, with a few critical subtleties.
For EU and European Economic Area nationals
THE Passport is highly recommended, valid at least 3 months after the planned release date. Although technically a national identity card (CNI) can sometimes pass under Nordic agreements, airlines (Air Greenland often require a passport to avoid refoulement.
No visa required required for a tourist stay (up to 90 days).
For American citizens (USA)
That's where the irony comes in. You want to buy the island? You may want to. But for now, you're just another tourist, with a visa waiver for stays of less than 90 days.
Beware of accumulation The 90 days are cumulative with those spent in the Schengen area. If you spent 2 months in Paris before coming to Nuuk, you only have one month left in Greenland.
For nationalities requiring a visa (outside the EU/USA/Canada)
A “classic” Schengen visa for Denmark is not enough. Your visa must explicitly state: “Valid for Greenland” (Valid for Greenland). If the stamp is missing, you cannot board the plane.
Customs: A biological fortress
If the USA is interested in mining resources, Greenland customs is interested in your suitcase. Protection of the Arctic ecosystem is drastic.
Quotas are strict for alcohol and tobacco and import taxes are prohibitive. Any undeclared bottle in excess of the quota (generally 1L of spirits) will be taxed or confiscated.
Add to that a strict ban on imports of fresh meat, dairy products and eggs not originating in the EU/EEA (and even then, it's complicated).
Drones are highly regulated so as not to disturb wildlife or... military installations (Thule Air Base, now called Pituffik Air Base). In 2026, flying a drone near a sensitive area could land you in close quarters for questioning.
Speaking of wildlife: what about pets?
This is undoubtedly the most complex formality. Greenland fiercely protects its sled dogs against diseases (notably canine distemper and rabies).
Only in certain southern towns (such as Nuuk) is it possible to bring in dogs, but this involves an obstacle course: rabies vaccination, echinococcosis treatment, health certificate less than 10 days old, and prior authorization from the Danish veterinary authorities.
| Finally, a reminder for those thinking of paying in dollars in anticipation of annexation: It's always the Danish Crown (DKK). The US dollar is accepted in a few tourist stores in Nuuk, but at an unfavorable rate. Greenland is not in the free EU Roaming zone.. Check your packages, or the bill will be as high as the North Atlantic. |
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