Beach Butter

Archive for July 3rd, 2010

Country Facts: Greenland is Denmark’s self-governing dependency.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport and visa regulations are the same for Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroes. A valid passport is necessary. United States citizen tourist and business individuals do not need visas for visits of up to 90 days. That period begins when entering any of the following nations which are part of the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Call the Royal Danish Embassy at 3200 Whitehaven Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, get in touch at (202) 234-4300.

Greenland Holidays:  Greenland has severalholidays that it celebrates throughout the year. If you’re thinking of going on a trip, look for a world holiday calendar that will help you plan your trip before you go. ConocoPhillips gives away business calendar that are a great resource when going on a trip around the world. The ConocoPhillips world holiday calendar has all the holidays around the world and it is a free gift to clients. If your business buys business calendar, then consider trying somethingnew and dissimilar for advertising to your customers. Because religious affiliations of people in Greenland differ across the country, it observes many Christian, Muslim, and non-religious holidays, but it also observes several othergovernment days that you need to recognize. Buy a world holiday calendar and you will know those holidays before you go traveling.

Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a mark in their passports upon initial entry to a country that belongs to Schengen, many borders do not have officers carrying out this function. If an American citizen wants to make sure that his or her entry is documented appropriately, it could be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Under local law, People without a stamp in their passports may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if they cannot do so.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Denmark remains largely free of terrorist events, however the country shares, with the rest of Western Europe, an increased threat of Islamic extremist groups. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Denmark’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. Americans are reminded to be vigilant with regard to their personal safety and to exercise caution.

Public demonstrations sometimes happen in Copenhagen and other Danish cities and are generally peaceful events. Prior police approval is necessary for public demonstrations, and police oversight is regularly provided to ensure sufficient security for participants and passers-by. Nonetheless, as with any large crowd comprised of diverse groups, situations could develop which could pose a threat to public safety. USA visitors are advised to avoid areas where public demonstrations are happening.

From time to time Copenhagen should happens to have protest activities from young people in their effort to defend their self-proclaimed rights to either property (club activity buildings) or other privileges provided by Danish public means. American citizens should be aware that participation in illegal demonstrations or street riots may result in immediate detention and long term bans on re-entering the country.

Up-to-date information on security and safety can also be secured by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States , or, for callers outside the USA and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers can be reached from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except United States of America federal holidays).

The Department of State advises American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while going abroad.

CRIME: The Faroes, Greenland, and Denmark all have very low violent crime rates, however, non-violent crimes of opportunity have increased over the last few years, especially in Copenhagen and other major Danish cities, where Tourists visiting can become aims at for pickpockets and sophisticated thieves. Criminals frequent cruise ship quays, train stations, and airports to take advantage of tired, luggage-burdened travelers. Thieves also thrive at popular tourist attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants. In hotel lobbies and breakfast areas, thieves take advantage of even a brief lapse in attention to snatch jackets, purses, and backpacks. Women’s purses placed either on the backs of chairs or on the floor are singled out for thieves. Due to the growing rate of crimes of opportunity, Embassy Copenhagen has experienced a high rise in passport thefts during the summer of 2007. Car and home break-ins are also on the rise.

Material FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The theft or loss abroad of a United States of America passport should be immediately reported to the local police and the nearest U.S.A. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while abroad, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S.A. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to call family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is entirely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Denmark has a program to give financial remuneration to victims who experience serious criminal injuries. According to existing regulations, the victim must report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Danish police routinely inform victims of serious crime of their rights to seek compensation. The relevant forms can be requested from the police or the Danish Victims; Compensation Board: Civilstyrelsen, Erstatningsnaevnet, Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen V, telephone: (45) 33-92- 3334; FAX: (45) 39-20-45-05; http://www.erstatningsnaevnet.dkEmail: erstatningsnaevnet@erstatningsnaevnet.dk. Claim processing time is a minimum of 4 weeks. There is no maximum award limit.