Denmark entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Denmark in 2026. Apply at the Danish embassy or visa application center before you travel — no visa-on-arrival or e-visa exists. Processing takes 15–30 days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Danish embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application well before your planned departure. You'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in person.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Denmark. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Danish airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this at check-in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a signed letter from your host in Denmark. Immigration may ask to see where you're staying — a simple booking confirmation on your phone works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Be ready to show you have at least €45 per day of your stay (or a total covering your trip). A bank statement from the last 3 months or a credit card with sufficient limit is enough.Recommended
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Chinese passport holders. You must get a Schengen visa before flying. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the visa
Fill out the Schengen visa application form on the Danish embassy's website (or VFS Global if outsourced). Book an appointment at the nearest visa application center — slots fill up fast, so do this 4–6 weeks before your trip.
2
Attend the appointment
Go to the visa application center in person. Bring your printed application, passport, photos, and all supporting documents. They'll take your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). Pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults).
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30 days during peak season. You'll get a notification when your passport is ready for pickup or delivery.
4
Arrive in Denmark
At Copenhagen Airport or any other Danish entry point, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your itinerary — answer briefly and honestly.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For one-time entry; must exit Schengen area before visa expires.

Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with strong travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travelers.

Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) plus additional fees

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Danish Work Visa (Fast Track Scheme)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from an approved Danish company. Requires a valid employment contract and residence permit.
Apply
student visa
Danish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Danish educational institution. Must show proof of admission and financial support.
Apply
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For spouses, registered partners, or minor children of Danish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Visa Service Fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for application submission.~€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying Schengen visa; enforced strictly.~€100 per day (max €1,000)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Denmark

Transit visa required

Chinese passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Denmark, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU/EEA, or certain other countries.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, or Ireland
  • Holders of a valid visa from Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the USA (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL) · Aalborg Airport (AAL)

Health & vaccines for Denmark

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

Food and water safetyLow risk

Tap water is safe; food hygiene is high.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Copenhagen
Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
Ryesgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

For visa applications and inquiries; appointments recommended.

Aarhus
Aarhus Immigration Office
Søndergade 12, 8000 Aarhus C
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Handles residence permits and visa extensions.

Practical information for CN travellers

Country basics
CapitalCopenhagen
LanguageDanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDanish krone (DKK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.43 DKK
updated May 21
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,F,KTypes C (Europlug), E (French), F (Schuko), and K (Danish) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Denmark.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 30 days during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
No. Chinese passport holders need a Schengen visa regardless of other visas. A US or UK visa does not exempt you.
The standard fee is €80 for adults (about 600 CNY). Children 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are subject to change — check the embassy website before paying.
Yes, you need bank statements from the last 3–6 months. The general guideline is around €100 per day of your stay. For a 10-day trip, that's about €1,000 (7,500 DKK).
Extensions are rarely granted and only for exceptional reasons (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future visa bans.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Danish Immigration Service. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to China.
No, for stays under 90 days as a tourist, no registration is required. If you stay longer (e.g., for work or study), you need a residence permit — not a tourist visa.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.