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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Greenland?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Greenland
Do I Need a Visa for Greenland?
What Is the Climate Like in Greenland?
How Safe Is Greenland?
Ilulissat Icefjord
What Should I Take to Greenland?
U.S. Embassy in Greenland
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, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Greenland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Greenland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travelers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Greenland
Prevent Bug Bites in Greenland
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Food and Water Safety in Greenland
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness in Greenland
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), results from oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medication. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance.
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?
Greenland is a pretty safe place to visit, but it’s important to take some precautions to stay safe.
The weather in Greenland can be cold, so make sure to wear warm clothes and waterproof gear to stay dry. There are also some wild animals like polar bears and muskoxen. If you go hiking or exploring in remote areas, bring things like bear spray to protect yourself.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Keep an eye on local news and weather reports, and follow any guidance from tour operators or local authorities. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings to stay safe. Don’t walk alone at night, keep your valuables secure, and ask for help if you need it.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and fun trip to Greenland!
Ilulissat Icefjord
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Ilulissat Icefjord is a pretty place in Greenland that many people like to visit. It’s a special place because you can see icebergs breaking off from a big glacier and floating into the water.
There are many things to do in Ilulissat Icefjord like hiking on trails, going on boat tours to see the icebergs up close and even dog sledding in the winter. In the winter, it’s also a great place to see the Northern Lights, which are colorful lights in the sky. People who visit Ilulissat Icefjord can also see and learn about the traditional Inuit culture.
There are some settlements nearby that visitors can visit to learn more. Ilulissat Icefjord is a cool place to visit and it’s something that people will remember for the rest of their lives.
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.”
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