Denmark entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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

Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Denmark in 2026. Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a short-stay Schengen visa through the Danish embassy or consulate. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen visa to enter Denmark. Apply at the Danish embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application at the official portal: nyidanmark.dk.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Denmark. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for Schengen entry
Immigration at Copenhagen Airport will ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Saudi Arabia or a ticket to a third country. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a signed invitation letter from a host in Denmark ready to show.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Officers can ask for bank statements or cash to prove you have enough money for the trip. A general guideline is around 500 DKK per day — have a recent statement or credit card available.Recommended
Visa required — start early
Saudi passport holders cannot enter Denmark without a pre-approved visa. The application process takes 2-4 weeks on average, but can stretch to 45 days. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
Denmark is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries, but you must apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time. If you're visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the one you enter first.

What happens at the border

1
Determine where to apply
If Denmark is your main destination (longest stay), apply at the Danish embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia. If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you enter first. The Danish embassy in Riyadh handles most applications.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment online through VFS Global or the Danish embassy's booking system. Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer. Book as soon as you have your travel dates.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals and return your passport later.
4
Attend the visa interview
Show up at the embassy or VFS centre at your appointment time. You'll submit your documents, pay the fee, and possibly answer a few questions about your trip. The interview is usually brief — they just want to confirm your plans are genuine.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak periods or if additional checks are needed. You'll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside — either by courier or by picking it up.
Download Denmark Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard tourist visa; must apply in advance.

Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple visits; same fee as single entry.

Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

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

work visa
Danish Work Visa (Residence and Work Permit)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Denmark. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Danish Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to the duration of the study program
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Danish educational institution. Must show proof of acceptance and financial support.
Apply
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For spouses, registered partners, or minor children of a Danish resident. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple stays within 90/180 rule.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; may lead to ban.€100 (~$109 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

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

No transit visa needed

Saudi Arabian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Danish airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCopenhagen Airport (CPH) · Billund Airport (BLL) · Aalborg Airport (AAL)

Health & vaccines for Denmark

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare in tourists; risk in wooded areas of Bornholm and some rural regions.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in forests and grasslands; 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

Handles visa applications and residence permits; appointments required.

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

For visa and residence permit inquiries; limited walk-in hours.

Practical information for SA 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

The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 (approx. 670 DKK) for adults. Children aged 6-12 pay €45, and children under 6 are free. Fees are paid at the time of application in Saudi riyals at the current exchange rate. There may be an additional service fee if you apply through VFS Global.
A short-stay Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is valid for all 27 Schengen countries, not just Denmark. You cannot extend it beyond 90 days unless you have exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency).
Yes, if you are a legal resident in Saudi Arabia (e.g., on an Iqama), you can apply at the Danish embassy in Riyadh. You'll need to provide your residence permit and proof of legal stay. Non-residents must apply in their home country.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or doubts about returning. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the Danish Immigration Service. Re-applying with stronger documents is also an option.
Yes, border control may ask for proof of onward or return travel. Keep a printed or digital copy of your flight booking. If you're flying into Copenhagen Airport, immigration officers do check this occasionally.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Denmark allows you to travel freely within all Schengen countries (e.g., Germany, France, Sweden) for up to 90 days. Just make sure Denmark is your main destination or first point of entry.
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your trip. During peak seasons (May-September), processing can take longer, so apply even earlier.

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.