Denmark entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Denmark. You must apply at the Danish embassy or visa application centre before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Nigerians in 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Short-stay visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen C visa to enter Denmark. Apply at the Danish Immigration Service portal — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application at the VFS Global centre in Abuja or Lagos, and bring biometrics.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Schengen
Immigration officers at Copenhagen Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Airlines also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Denmark. The visa application requires this, and border officers may ask to see it.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. The Danish embassy may request this during the visa process.Recommended
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointment slots at the embassy and VFS centres are limited, especially during peak travel seasons (June–September, December). Book your appointment at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date.
Keep copies of everything
Make photocopies of your passport, visa, flight tickets, and insurance. Keep a digital copy on your phone and email a copy to yourself. If you lose your documents, this makes replacement much easier.

What happens at the border

1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmation, insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Go to the Danish embassy in Abuja or the VFS Global centre in Lagos. Appointments are booked online — slots fill up fast, so book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
3
Attend the appointment
Bring all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The whole process takes about 30–45 minutes.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15–30 days. You can track your application online. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker inside.
5
Travel and arrive in Denmark
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip — answer honestly and briefly.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For one-time visit; must leave Schengen area after stay.

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

Allows multiple visits; subject to visa officer discretion.

Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) for application

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

work visa
Danish Work Visa (Pay Limit Scheme)
Up to 4 years, renewable
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers with a job offer meeting salary threshold. Requires employer sponsorship and residence permit.
Apply
student visa
Danish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Duration of study program, up to 5 years
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students at accredited Danish institutions. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
Apply
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or close family of Danish residents/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 (~$87 USD)
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa Application Service FeePaid to visa application center (e.g., VFS Global).~€30 (~$33 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)Imposed for overstaying visa-free or visa period; maximum cap may apply.~€100 (~$109 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Nigeria passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Denmark en route to a third country, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
  • Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL) · Aalborg Airport (AAL)

Health & vaccines for Denmark

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Nigeria is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in rural/forested areas; vaccination recommended for extended stays.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and 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

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

For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.

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

Handles visa and residence matters; bring all original documents.

Practical information for NG 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 = 6.41 DKK
updated May 29
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 15–30 days. In busy periods (summer, Christmas) it can take longer. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel.
You fill out the application form online, but you must attend an in-person appointment at the embassy in Abuja or the VFS centre in Lagos to submit documents and give biometrics. There is no fully online e-visa for Nigerians.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 (about ₦70,000–₦80,000 depending on exchange rate). There may be additional service fees if you apply through VFS Global. Fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused.
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays (work, study, family reunion), you need a national visa (D-visa) or residence permit, which you apply for separately.
Yes, a Danish Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days. Just make sure Denmark is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Danish Immigration Service. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issue.
No, Denmark does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Nigeria. However, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines. Check with your doctor before travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.