Denmark
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
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Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Denmark are strict; driving any vehicle — including a bicycle — under the influence of drugs is a serious offense.
Long jail sentences — FCDO: up to 10 years — and heavy fines; applies even to small quantities and when transiting through airports.
§ US State Dept — DenmarkMedications
Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription — from 1 January 2026 Denmark applies new import rules: medicine containing narcotic substances (lists B–E) is limited to 30 days' personal supply, and antibiotics from outside the EU/EEA to 3 months' treatment.
§ Danish Medicines AgencyWeapons
Possession of weapons of any kind in Denmark — including pocketknives and pepper spray — may result in criminal penalties; carrying pointed or sharp weapons requires a police-issued certificate.
Criminal penalties.
§ US State Dept — DenmarkCustoms & Cash
Declare cash and other monetary instruments worth EUR 10,000 (about DKK 75,000) or more to the Danish Customs Agency whenever you enter or leave Denmark — the duty applies even if you are only in transit.
You risk being fined and having your valuables seized if you do not declare.
§ Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen)Driving
A valid US state driver's license is acceptable in Denmark for up to 90 days; you must be 18 to drive, and long-term residents must obtain a Danish license.
§ US State Dept — DenmarkDriving any vehicle — including a bicycle — under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a strictly enforced serious offense in Denmark.
License confiscation, immediate detention, high fines, and potentially lengthy jail sentences.
§ US State Dept — DenmarkDanish road rules differ from the US: right turns on a red light are illegal, headlights must be on at all times day and night, and handheld phone use while driving is banned.
Police fines for violations (US State Dept / Government of Canada).
§ US State Dept — DenmarkLGBTQ+ Safety
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in the Kingdom of Denmark.
§ US State Dept — DenmarkPublic Conduct
It is illegal to wear clothing that conceals your face in a public place in Denmark — the ban applies to visitors, with legal exemptions such as masks worn for health reasons.
Fine of about DKK 1,000, increasing for repeat offences (FCDO).
§ UK FCDO — Denmark