United States entry requirements for Denmark passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 16, 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
Danish passport holders need an approved ESTA or a visa to travel to the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, apply for an ESTA online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the ESTA is the standard option for most Danish travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Copenhagen. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview. Processing takes 2–4 weeks on average, but wait times vary by season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in the US | Your Danish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. Unlike some countries, the US does not require 6 months beyond your departure date — just validity for the trip itself. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Show you can cover your stay — a recent bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit works. No fixed amount is required, but $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your 90-day ESTA limit even by a day can get you banned from the Visa Waiver Program. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
Apply for ESTA early
Even though approval is usually fast, apply at least 72 hours before departure. If your application is flagged for review, it can take longer. Don't wait until the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few security questions. Pay the fee (around $21 USD). Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Check in and board your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ESTA is valid. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. No visa stamp needed — it's all electronic.
3
Arrive at US immigration
At the airport (e.g., JFK, LAX, or Chicago O'Hare), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. You'll queue at a CBP officer booth. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the officer stamps your passport (or gives you an I-94W record), collect your checked bags from the carousel. Then proceed through customs — declare any food, alcohol, or goods over $800. You're free to enter.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical for Danish citizens)
Cost$160 USD (approx. 1,100 DKK)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$160 USD (approx. 1,100 DKK)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries during validity.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity2 years or until passport expires
Cost$21 USD (approx. 145 DKK)
For short business/pleasure travel without a visa. Must apply online before travel.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460–$1,500+ USD filing fees
For skilled professionals with a US job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery. Allows eventual green card path.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $160 visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000+ USD investment
For investors who create at least 10 US jobs. High capital requirement but leads to citizenship.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa
N/A
N/A
The US does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use B1/B2 or ESTA for short stays, but must not work for US employers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. 1,100 DKK) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Danish citizens. | $160 USD (approx. 1,100 DKK) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 2,550 DKK) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; fines are assessed at departure. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Danish citizens transiting the US generally need a visa or ESTA, even for airside transit, unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program under specific conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including Denmark) with an approved ESTA may transit for up to 90 days.
- Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program allows certain travelers to transit without visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside for less than 8 hours at select airports.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high, but risk exists with undercooked food.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications; long wait times.
Practical information for DK travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You can travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA. This allows stays up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ at least 72 hours before your flight.
Most approvals come within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply as soon as you book your flight. The fee is about $21 USD, payable by credit card. If denied, you'll need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US embassy in Copenhagen.
You cannot travel under the VWP. You'll need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US Embassy in Copenhagen. The visa interview wait time varies — check the embassy website. The visa costs $160 USD and is valid for up to 10 years.
No. The VWP does not allow extensions. You must leave the US before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in a ban from the program. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling.
Have your valid Danish passport (6+ months validity), printed or digital ESTA approval, return ticket, and first night's accommodation booking. Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds — a recent bank statement or credit card is fine. Travel insurance is not required but highly recommended.
No. ESTA is for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study (e.g., a language course under 18 hours per week). You cannot take paid employment or enrol in a full-time academic program. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Certain criminal convictions can make you ineligible for ESTA. You must answer honestly on the application. If you're unsure, check the US Customs and Border Protection website or consult the US Embassy. If denied, you can apply for a visa with a waiver of inadmissibility.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.