Europe
Is Greenland safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Greenland safe?
Towns are safe and crime against visitors is rare. The real risks are cold, remote terrain, sea ice and weather that grounds flights for days.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2024-10-28.
- Homicide rate: 5.4 per 100,000 people (2016, UNODC via World Bank).
- Emergency numbers: Police 70 14 48.
- Solo women: Safe for solo women; use normal care at night, particularly around bars.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Weather can strand you for days; leave buffer days
- Polar bears in the north and east
- Hypothermia and getting lost far from help
Laws visitors break by accident
- Northeast Greenland National Park and some areas require a government permit.
- Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO site with special access rules.
Safety by place in Greenland
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Nuuk | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Greenland safe for tourists?
Towns are safe and crime against visitors is rare. The real risks are cold, remote terrain, sea ice and weather that grounds flights for days.
Is Greenland safe for solo female travelers?
Safe for solo women; use normal care at night, particularly around bars.
What is the emergency number in Greenland?
Police 70 14 48.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Visit Greenland: visa requirements
- Visit Greenland: currency and payment
- Visit Greenland: FAQ
- Greenland Police
- Tusass: Hello Greenland
- Greenland Ministry of Health: care for temporary visitors
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.