When it comes to exploring the beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Denmark, obtaining a Schengen visa is a crucial first step for many travelers. Denmark, a member of the Schengen Area, offers an array of opportunities for tourists and visitors from around the world. In this article, we will guide you through the process of acquiring a Denmark Schengen Visa, covering the various types of visas available and providing essential information on how to apply.
Understanding the Schengen Area
Before diving into the specifics of Denmark’s Schengen Visa, it’s important to comprehend the Schengen Area itself. The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished internal borders and allow for seamless travel within the region. Denmark is one of these member countries, which means that a Schengen Visa issued by Denmark permits you to travel not only within Denmark but also across all other Schengen member states.
Types of Schengen Visas for Denmark
Denmark offers various types of Schengen visas to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. Understanding the right type of visa for your purpose is crucial. Here are the main types of Schengen visas for Denmark:
- Tourist Schengen Visa: This is suitable for travelers planning to explore Denmark’s tourist attractions, such as the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, the historic streets of Copenhagen, and the picturesque countryside. Learn more about the Tourist Schengen Visa here.
- Visitor Schengen Visa: If you intend to visit family or friends, attend conferences, or engage in other non-touristic activities in Denmark, the Visitor Schengen Visa is the right choice. Find detailed information on the Visitor Schengen Visa here.
Now, let’s explore the application process for obtaining your Denmark Schengen Visa.
How to Apply for a Denmark Schengen Visa
- Collect the Required Documents: To start the application process, gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation in Denmark. Get a complete list of required documents here.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately and honestly. Be prepared to provide details about your travel plans, financial status, and purpose of your visit to Denmark.
- Schedule an Appointment: If you live in Australia, book through VFS Global, as Danish missions in Australia do not process Schengen visas. Elsewhere, contact the Danish mission or its visa centre in your country of residence to book an appointment. Make sure to do this well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times may vary.
- Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your appointment at the visa centre or mission. Be sure to bring all your documents, including the application form and supporting materials.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee, which is non-refundable, during your visa appointment.
- Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, the consulate will review your documents and make a decision. The processing time may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well ahead of your intended travel date.
- Collect Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive a Denmark Schengen Visa affixed to your passport. Make sure to double-check all the details on the visa to ensure they are correct.
Acquiring a Denmark Schengen Visa is the key to unlocking the wonders of this Scandinavian gem. Whether you plan to explore its rich history, indulge in its culinary delights, or simply soak in its breathtaking landscapes, Denmark has something to offer every traveler. By following the steps outlined in this guide and choosing the right type of Schengen visa for your purpose, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable memories in Denmark and throughout the Schengen Area.
Learn more about Schengen Visa Types here.
Now, it’s time to start planning your Danish adventure, armed with the knowledge of how to obtain your Denmark Schengen Visa. Safe travels!
Denmark at a glance
Denmark is known for Copenhagen, Viking history and easy links to Sweden and Germany. Here are the key facts for travellers from Australia.
| Schengen member since | 2001 |
| Currency | Danish krone (DKK), not the euro |
| EU membership | EU member since 1973 |
| Official language | Danish |
| Short stays | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area |
| Where residents of Australia apply | VFS Global; applications decided by the Danish Embassy in Bangkok |
| Working holiday for Australians | Yes, for Australians aged 18 to 35 |
Information checked October 2026. Rules and arrangements change, so confirm with the Danish authorities or the mission handling your application before you travel.
Travelling to Denmark on an Australian passport
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Denmark for tourism, family visits or short business trips. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and that limit covers the whole Schengen Area, not Denmark alone. Days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the same total, so check your dates with the Schengen visa calculator before you book.
Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external Schengen borders. The first time you arrive, border officers record your passport details, facial image and fingerprints. The system then logs every entry and exit and counts your days automatically, replacing passport stamps.
The next change is ETIAS, an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers such as Australians. It is expected to start in late 2026, will cost EUR 20 (free if you are under 18 or over 70) and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. It is not required yet, and there will be a transition period after launch.
- Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area and have been issued within the last 10 years.
- Border officers can ask about your accommodation, return or onward ticket and funds, so keep these handy.
- Some Schengen countries have reintroduced temporary checks at internal borders, so carry your passport when you cross between countries.
- Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but are outside the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not cover them, and their own entry rules apply.
- Copenhagen is linked to Malmö in Sweden by the Øresund Bridge. Both countries are in Schengen, but temporary checks have operated on this route at times.
Who needs a Danish Schengen visa and where to apply
You need a Schengen visa if your passport is from a country that is not visa-exempt. This often applies to people who live in Australia on a temporary or permanent visa but hold, for example, an Indian, Chinese, Filipino or Vietnamese passport. Apply to Denmark if it is your main destination (where you will spend the most days) or, if your days are split evenly, if it is the first Schengen country you will enter.
Residents of Australia: Danish Schengen visa applications from Australia are lodged through the external service provider VFS Global and decided by the Danish Embassy in Bangkok. The Danish Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney do not process Schengen visa cases or answer visa enquiries.
- Lodge your application no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before you travel. Earlier is better in the European summer and around Christmas.
- The standard decision time is 15 calendar days, which can be extended to 45 days in individual cases.
- Missions in Australia commonly ask for proof of your Australian visa status, such as a recent VEVO record, along with the usual documents: passport, photo, travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, itinerary, accommodation and proof of funds.
- Fingerprints are taken at your appointment unless they were recorded for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months.
See our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa and the different Schengen visa types.
Danish Schengen visa fees
| Adults and children 12 and over | EUR 90 |
| Children 6 to 11 | EUR 45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Service provider fee | VFS Global service fee (extra) |
| National (type D) long-stay visa | Set by Denmark; usually higher than the Schengen fee |
These Schengen fees have applied since 11 June 2024 and are usually charged in Australian dollars at the current exchange rate. Some nationalities with EU visa facilitation agreements pay less. The fee is not refunded if your application is refused.
Staying longer: working holidays, study and work in Denmark
The 90-day rule only covers short visits. For longer stays you need a national visa or permit from Denmark itself.
Denmark and Australia have a working holiday arrangement for Australians aged 18 to 35 (you can apply until you turn 36). You apply online and attend one in-person biometrics appointment. Processing normally takes about three months, so apply well ahead, and confirm the current conditions with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
Danish visa FAQs
Do Australians need a visa to visit Denmark?
No, not for short stays. Australian passport holders can visit Denmark and the rest of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your fingerprints and photo are recorded in the Entry/Exit System on arrival, and ETIAS is expected to be required after it launches in late 2026.
Does the 90 days apply to Denmark only?
No. The 90 days in any 180-day period is shared across all 29 Schengen countries. Time in non-Schengen countries such as Cyprus, Ireland or the United Kingdom does not count towards it.
Can I apply for a Danish visa at the Danish Embassy in Canberra?
No. The Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney do not process Schengen visa applications. Applications from Australia go through VFS Global and are decided by the Danish Embassy in Bangkok.
Does a Schengen visa cover Greenland or the Faroe Islands?
No. Both are outside the Schengen Area. If you need a visa, it must be specifically valid for Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
Who handles Iceland visas in Australia?
Iceland Schengen visas are lodged through VFS Global in Sydney, the only place in Australia to lodge one. See our Iceland visa guide.
How long does the Danish working holiday visa take?
Allow around three months. You apply online and then attend an appointment to give your biometrics.
More Schengen guides
- ETIAS: what Australians need to know
- Schengen 90/180 day calculator
- Tourist Schengen visa and business Schengen visa
- Sweden visa guide
- Norway visa guide
- Germany visa guide
VisaEnvoy does not provide Schengen visa services. This page is general information only. For advice on your application, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.