visa type country
DK
transit visa

Denmark Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

A Denmark Transit Visa, often referred to as an Airport Transit Visa (ATV), is a specific permit required by certain nationalities to pass through the international transit area of Danish airports without entering the country's national territory. This is most common for travellers transiting through Copenhagen Airport while en route to a non-Schengen destination. It is important to note that an ATV does not allow you to exit the airport or stay in a hotel outside the terminal area. The necessity of this visa depends entirely on your nationality and any residency permits you may hold from other Western nations. If your journey involves changing airports within the Schengen area or leaving the international zone to re-check baggage, you will likely require a standard Category C Schengen Visa instead. Always verify current requirements with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest embassy, as rules are subject to change based on international security protocols.

Key highlights

  • Allows passage through Copenhagen Airport (CPH) international zone
  • Required for specific nationalities even for short layovers
  • Mandatory for transiting between two non-Schengen countries via DK
  • Standardised Schengen visa fees apply for all applicants
  • Biometric data collection required at an application centre
  • Proof of final destination visa is a critical requirement
  • Covers both single and double-entry transit journeys

Processing time

15 calendar days

Processing times may increase during peak summer holiday periods or if additional documentation is requested by the consulate.

Estimated cost

~$130

  • Schengen Visa Fee (Adults)€90 (approx. $98)
  • Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€45 (approx. $49)
  • Service Provider Fee (VFS Global)Varies by location

Requirements

  • Nationality must be on the list of countries requiring an Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
  • The journey must involve a transit through the international zone of a Danish airport
  • Possession of a valid passport with at least two blank pages
  • The traveller must not intend to enter the Danish national territory
  • Proof of onward travel to a country outside the Schengen Area
  • Applicants must have a valid visa for their final destination if required
  • Travel insurance must be valid for the duration of the transit period
  • No prior record of Schengen visa overstays or security alerts
  • Minors must provide a birth certificate and notarised parental consent if travelling alone
  • Application must be submitted in the applicant's country of residence

Documents you'll need

  • Original passport valid for at least 3 months after intended transit
  • Completed and signed Schengen Visa application form
  • Two recent passport-compliant photographs (35x45mm)
  • Confirmed flight tickets for the entire journey to the final destination
  • Valid visa or entry permit for the final destination country
  • Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
  • Proof of financial sufficiency for the duration of the airport stay

How to apply, step by step

  1. 1

    Check Eligibility

    Determine if your nationality requires an Airport Transit Visa for Denmark by checking the latest Schengen visa common list.

  2. 2

    Prepare Documentation

    Gather all necessary documents, including your onward flight itinerary, final destination visa, and medical insurance.

  3. 3

    Complete Online Application

    Complete the official Schengen visa application form (Type A) online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

  4. 4

    Schedule Appointment

    Book an appointment at the nearest Danish Embassy or, more commonly, a VFS Global application centre for biometric collection.

  5. 5

    Submit Biometrics & Fees

    Attend your appointment to submit documents, pay fees, and provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.

  6. 6

    Wait for Processing

    The consulate will review your application, which typically takes 15 days; you can track your status via the service provider's website.

  7. 7

    Passport Collection

    Collect your passport from the application centre or via courier once a decision has been reached.

Tips to avoid refusal

  • Ensure your flight is booked as a single ticket; self-transfer flights often require entering the country to collect bags.
  • Verify that your passport does not expire within three months of your transit date.
  • Carry a printed copy of your travel insurance certificate at all times.
  • Check if your transit involves moving between terminals that require passing through passport control.
  • Double-check that you have the correct visa for your final destination before applying for the transit visa.
  • Apply at least three weeks in advance to account for any unexpected administrative delays.

Frequently asked questions

Related visa guides

Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.