Do you need a passport to travel from Denmark to Germany?
Passport rules south of the border
Short answer
Yes, as a Danish citizen you must always carry a valid passport when you travel outside the Nordic countries, and that includes Schengen countries such as Germany. A driving licence is not a travel document in the EU and can be refused as proof of identity. Germany has notified controls on its land border with Denmark for 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027. Denmark also checks its land and sea border with Germany, so you can be stopped in both directions.
Why
- Germany is outside the Nordic passport exemption.
- Both countries run checks at the border.
- A driving licence does not prove nationality.
Details
Your passport must be valid on the day you travel, also when you come back to Denmark.
Tip
Check the expiry date before a day trip to the border shops, since an expired passport is not enough.
What may differ
The German and Danish border control periods are set for a limited time and may be extended or ended.
Common misconception
A Danish driving licence is enough for a short trip to Germany.
What actually happens
Danish citizens must carry a valid passport in Germany.
People also ask
- Is there border control at Padborg?
- Can I use an expired passport in Germany?
- Do children need a passport for Germany?
Sources
- borger.dk: When you travel with a passportChecked at:
- Your Europe: Travel documents for EU nationalsChecked at:
- European Commission: Temporary reintroduction of border controlChecked at:
- Danish Police: Border controlChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Entry and customs rules can change, so check the Danish Immigration Service, the Danish police and the Danish Customs Agency before you travel.
Planning and budgetRelated questions
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Do you pay customs on gifts sent to Denmark from outside the EU?
A gift sent by a private person from outside the EU is free of duty and VAT if it is worth EUR 45 or less.
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Can you bring medicine into Denmark?
Yes, from 1 January 2026 you may bring medicine into Denmark for personal use from any country, if it was sold legally in the country where you bought it.
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Can you bring meat and milk into Denmark from outside the EU?
No, travellers coming from a country outside the EU may not bring any meat or dairy products, which includes sausages, cheese and milk.
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Do you have to declare cash over EUR 10,000 when entering or leaving Denmark?
Yes, if you carry cash or other liquid assets worth EUR 10,000 (about 75,000 kr.) or more, you must declare them to Toldstyrelsen when you enter or leave Denmark.