Rules & Regulations

Certified polar bear tours in Greenland are government-approved, locally operated expeditions that allow tourists to observe polar bears from a safe distance under strict safety and conservation rules. Polar bears are a strictly protected species in Greenland, and all tourism activities involving them are regulated by law. To protect both people and wildlife, only authorised guides or companies holding a polar bear sightseeing license may legally offer polar bear tours, which are paid tourism without hunting polar bears. If you encounter a polar bear outside a licensed tour, you must not approach it and should leave the area immediately.

The regulation also applies to cruise ships, expedition vessels, yachts, sailing boats, and any other vessels conducting tourism-related activities. Polar bear sightseeing is permitted only when conducted in cooperation with a local operator holding a valid permit.

This badge highlights licensed local operators in East Greenland that are allowed to offer polar bear sightseeing tours to tourists. With those, you have a chance of spotting polar bears in their natural habitat as an exclusive experience in Greenland.

To view an overview of scheduled cruise ship arrivals across Greenland, please consult the Visit Greenland Cruise Call List, which provides up-to-date information on planned cruise calls by port and vessel.

The Sermersooq Cruise Manual provides essential guidance for cruise operators planning visits to East Greenland, including Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. The manual outlines key operational information such as, port and landing procedures, coordination with local authorities and communities, environmental and wildlife considerations, infrastructure, logistics, and local services. It supports safe, well-coordinated, responsible cruise operations and ensures visits align with local conditions and community capacity.

According to regulations issued by the Danish Maritime Authority, passenger vessels carrying more than 250 passengers must take on a certified pilot when navigating Greenlandic waters, including both inner waters and territorial waters up to 3 nautical miles from the coast. A vessel may be allowed to sail without a pilot if the captain can document sufficient experience and qualifications navigating the specific Greenlandic waters concerned.

Ships operating in Greenlandic waters must comply with the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), which sets mandatory safety and environmental standards for vessels navigating in Arctic and Antarctic waters.

More information is available from the International Maritime Organization

Entry requirements for Greenland vary by nationality. While some visitors may enter visa-free for short stays, others must obtain a visa from the Danish authorities.

Greenland is not part of the Schengen Area, meaning that a standard Schengen visa for Denmark or other Schengen countries is not automatically valid for travel to Greenland. Travellers who require a visa must apply for one to Greenland.

For detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirements and the application process, please consult the official guidance from New to Denmark

Access to Northeast Greenland National Park is regulated to protect its fragile Arctic environment. All visitors, including expedition cruise ships, private vessels, researchers, and independent travellers, must obtain a permit from the Government of Greenland before entering the park. Visitors must follow strict regulations regarding wildlife protection, environmental impact, safety preparation, and the protection of cultural heritage sites. There are only a few exemptions for local operators. 

Further information about regulations and the permit application process can be found through the Government of Greenland: ExpeditionsGreenland.gl

In certain areas of Greenland, the government may grant a tourism concession, giving a local operator the exclusive right to provide tourism services within a specific area. Tourism concessions are intended to support the development of local tourism products. When a concession has been granted, the concession holder is the only operator allowed to conduct commercial tourism activities and services for visitors in that area. The concession does not restrict traditional or recreational use of the area. Local residents may still access the area for activities such as hunting, fishing, and other non-commercial recreation. Tourism concession holders are also required to report annually on the development and results of their tourism activities.

In certain areas of Greenland, the government may grant a tourism concession, giving a local operator the exclusive right to provide tourism services within a specific area. Tourism concessions are intended to support the development of local tourism products. When a concession has been granted, the concession holder is the only operator allowed to conduct commercial tourism activities and services for visitors in that area. The concession does not restrict traditional or recreational use of the area. Local residents may still access the area for activities such as hunting, fishing, and other non-commercial recreation. Tourism concession holders are also required to report annually on the development and results of their tourism activities.

An accommodation tax is applied to paid overnight stays in tourist accommodation, such as hotels, guesthouses, lodges, hostels, rental apartments, or campsites. The tax is paid by visitors staying overnight and collected by the accommodation provider. The Greenland Tax Authority requires accommodation providers to submit quarterly reports. The purpose of the accommodation tax is to ensure that tourism contributes to local infrastructure, visitor management, and tourism development, helping communities manage and benefit from increasing visitor numbers. The accommodation tax does not apply to residents of Greenland, to additional overnight stays caused by cancelled transport, to stays longer than 21 consecutive nights in the same place, or to private accommodation where no payment is made. According to the law, municipalities may use the revenue only for tourism development at the local or regional level, including initiatives that help manage or mitigate potential impacts of increased tourism.

Companies offering commercial tourism activities in Greenland are required to obtain a tourism licence. The licence confirms that a tour operator meets national requirements for local ownership, safety planning, and responsible tourism operations. To obtain a licence, the operator must be registered and taxable in Greenland, and at least two-thirds of the company must be owned and controlled by people residing and paying tax in Greenland. Operators must also have a written safety plan and appropriate liability insurance. For tourists, a tourism licence is therefore a sign that the operator operates locally, adheres to safety requirements, and complies with Greenland’s standards for sustainable tourism development.