With a population of 55,847 on 1 January 2016, it is also the least densely populated country in the world. 80% of Greenland’s territory is covered by a sort of immense ice cap called the ice sheet which is a relicat of the glacial periods.
The interior of the island thus remains, until now and despite the melting of the ice, an immense desert of ice with climatic conditions often extreme. The climate of Greenland is globally arctic and cold, but varies greatly from region to region.
Exceptional natural phenomena, the midnight sun and the aurora borealis can be observed there.
Although Greenland is an integral part of Denmark, due to its autonomy, it is not a member of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Schengen area. As a result, restrictions on immigration exist except for citizens of the Nordic countries (Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Icelandic).
Flights to Greenland are expensive. Flights from abroad are almost exclusively from Iceland and Denmark. There are, however, some connections with the Faroe Islands or Nunavut in Canada. Some flights are only possible in certain seasons, typically in the summer.
No ferry crossing service exists anywhere from Canada or the rest of Europe.
Accommodation in Greenland is often expensive, luxury hotels exist in most tourist places. There are some cheaper options such as the hotels “Fisherman’s House (Sømandshjemmene) in Nuuk, Aasiaat and Ilulissat.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
GREENLAND – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency servicesDial 112 for emergency assistance.
