Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered here some of the most common questions we receive, to assist you in planning your visit to the Disko Bay and Ilulissat.
From basic information about the location and weather, what to expect in regards to the terrain and climate, where to find maps and additional information about the places you want to visit, to other practical travel information, we hope this page provides you the answers you are looking for. If you need more specific answers about the process of booking your trip, please contact us.
Hotel Hvide Falk
Edvard Sivertsenip aqq. 18
Postbox 20
3952 Ilulissat
Greenland
Disclaimer: A the time this article was posted, all information provided was accurate according to our research. However, we hold no responsibility and cannot be held liable for any inconvenience caused by the use of this information. Please read through and use as a guideline, but make sure to consult with your local tour guide the specific details of your trip.
Visas and other practical info
If you are from EU, UK, US, Australia or Canada, you do not need a Visa. However, keep in mind that a Schengen visa, issued by a Danish mission and with the wording “Valid for Greenland” is required.
Also, everyone visiting Greenland requires a passport to travel, valid for at least three months beyond their length of stay.
Citizens from visa free countries do not need a visa.
Find out whether citizens of your country need a visa to enter the Schengen area.
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are free to enter, reside, study and work on the Faroe Islands and in Greenland.
Climate, weather, terrain and what to pack
Packing for the Disko Bay is all about layers. The inner layer of clothing should be focused on warming up your body, and the outer layers, on wind and weather protection. The dry air in Greenland makes cold temperatures not feel as cold as it would in other places of the planet, but of course, you must keep in mind when you are traveling and what type of trip you are embarking on.
Nutritional preferences, food & water
Is it safe to drink the water?
It is safe to drink tap water in all of Greenland, as well as the water from rivers and lakes (as long as it comes from a flowing river and is not still water). The purity of the water in Greenland is world renown, and many companies are even marketing the Greenland icecap rocks as luxury products.
What is the Greenlandic cuisine like?
It is traditionally based on fishing and hunting, meaning this is a meat-loving society. Marine mammals, game and fish are part of the general diet because of their high level of protein, with seafood being the main source due to its accessibility. Meat is usually boiled, dried, frozen, fermented, and sometimes eaten raw. Birds vary depending on the season, as well as vegetables and plants.
The national dish of Greenland is suaasat, a traditional Greenlandic soup, often made from seal, or from whale, reindeer, or seabirds.
What if I’m vegan / vegetarian, or have other health requirements?
Vegetarians who eat fish will enjoy the feast all year long, but those with other nutritional preferences or health requirements should keep in mind that vegetables (and food that isn’t from the sea), most of the time are imported. Most accessible vegetables are canned or frozen, but in bigger towns you will be able to find fresh produce, keeping in mind that due to cargo rates, it might be more expensive than usual.
Access to specific foods can vary depending on location and season, as well as where you are planning on staying. However, the tourist industry is well developed and ordering diet-based food in advance is a possibility.
Payments, currency, imports and exports
Currency:
Danish Krone (DKK). Notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000.
Coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and the smaller 25 øre and 50 øre (100 øre = 1kr).
Credit cards, Travelers cheques, cash and ATMs:
Major towns have ATMS. Credit cards are restricted to major towns and most hotels.
Cheques in major currencies may be exchanged, although it has been reported as difficult. You can avoid additional exchange rate fees by traveling wih cheques in US Dollars or Pounds.
Cash can be exchanged at banks in the major towns, which are usually open on weekdays from 9:30 – 15.
Banned imports and exports:
Narcotics, live animals (other than guide dogs) and pistols or automatic weapons. Permits are required for bringing rifles to Greenland. Whale tooth products cannot be exported.
Health and medications
GENERAL HEALTH:
Dressing appropriately for severe weather conditions and exercising caution during outdoor activities is advised to all travelers. Learning basic first aid and CPR before travel is highly recommended, especially to those who will be traveling to remote areas with limited access to assistance.
Research supplemental travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance, and consider taking additional prescription medicine in case of delays.
Greenland.com is the largest travel site owned by the Government of Greenland. On the site, you can find extensive information for travelers, tips on safe travel and other articles about the country’s adventures and opportunities for those visiting.
Vaccines: Routine vaccinations are recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis A and B shots are recommended for those who will be visiting villages, rural areas, or who will be exposed to blood or other body fluids. Rabies shots are recommended for those traveling outdoors or with occupational risks such as wildlife professionals and researchers.
Mosquito Repellent: Use of an appropriate insect repellent is recommended as a precaution against bug bites, ideally with 20% or more concentration of DEET, Picaridin, OLE, PMD or IR3535. It is recommended to use sunscreen first, mosquito repellent after.
MEDICINES:
The regulations that apply to the import of medicines between the Schengen countries also apply to Greenland.
Ordinary medicines such as headache pills, arthritis medication, cough mixture etc. for personal consumption can be freely brought into Greenland by travelers.
However, medicines containing euphoriants or other psychoactive drug which tends to induce euphoria, may only be brought in by travelers if a certificate is obtained in advance from the pharmacy that handles the prescription.
A prescription is required for each drug individually, and the certificate is valid for a maximum of 30 days. Certificates can also be obtained for drugs that have already been purchased.
The certificate is free, and you must take the original copy with you on your journey.