Current Notifications
October 20, U.S. State Department issues worldwide caution notification
The U.S. State Department issued a Worldwide Caution notification today due to increased tensions around the world. It did not single out a specific event or region.
You do not need to take any extra precautions, though you are reminded to continue following best practices for staying safe in Copenhagen and review what to do in case of an emergency. We remind you of the importance of registering your independent travel with DIS and the US Department of State’s STEP, or your embassy’s similar program, to be sure to receive the most up to date notices of the situation on the ground in each location you plan to visit.
DIS will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated should recommendations change. Neither the U.S. embassy nor local officials have issued an alert. Please contact the DIS Care Team or emergency phone, should you need any support.
To keep updated with local news, we recommend the following sites:
- The Local – Denmark’s news in English
- DR – Danish public radio (articles can be translated into English)
September 25, Update to August 29 notification regarding ‘Visitation Zones’
Copenhagen police have extended the duration of the visitation zones. They were originally set to expire on September 12, but will now run until 6:00 PM on October 9. There continues to be no additional threat to the general public.
You can find more information in English through The Local DK, or translate this article by Danish public broadcaster DR.
August 29, Copenhagen Police Establish Two ‘Visitation Zones’
Following a shooting in Christiana on August 26, Copenhagen police have established two visitation zones in Copenhagen, which will last until Tuesday, September 12 at 6:00 PM. Gun violence is very rare in Denmark, so police have responded swiftly.
You can find maps showing the two visitation zones, one in the area of Christiania and a portion of Amager and another throughout the neighborhood of Nørrebro, in this article from Danish public radio, DR. According to Danish law, police can stop and search individuals in a visitation zone without the usually-required probable cause.
At this time, there is no need to avoid the visitation zones or adjust any plans to travel freely around Copenhagen. Police do not believe that there is a threat to the general public, as the violence has been targeted at specific individuals involved in the drug trade, including on Christiania’s Pusher Street. However, you should comply with all instructions if you happen to be stopped by a local police officer.
DIS will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated if necessary.
Please contact the DIS Care Team or emergency phone, should you need any support.
August 18, Danish Security Update
Following recent Quran burnings in Europe, including in Copenhagen this summer, Danish authorities have cautioned of possible retaliatory attacks and have tightened border security.
The US Embassy in Denmark advises US citizens, generally, to:
- avoid demonstrations,
- be aware of your surroundings
- monitor local media for updates
DIS continues to carefully monitor the situation in line with our emergency response and contingency plan. We want to remind you that our Care Team is available to support you with any concerns you have. You may contact them by email at care@dis.dk or by making an appointment through the DIS Navigate app.
Resources for your semester
Staying healthy while abroad
Please stay home if you are sick and coordinate with your faculty ASAP and preferably before missing class for the absence to be excused. You will need to keep up with course requirements while out sick if your health allows.
There are no Danish masking, testing or isolation requirements related to COVID-19. Thus, if you suspect you have COVID-19 or test positive, you are advised simply to stay home. There is no need to move out of your housing or to isolate.
If you have any questions about your health or accessing the Danish health system, please email care@dis.dk. Please email acadsupp@dis.dk for academic support needs. If you have after-hour emergency needs, call the DIS emergency phone at (+45) 30 67 10 00.
Bias information and education
DIS takes bias incidents and discrimination very seriously, so we developed a tool for you to inform us about bias-related incidents involving you or another DIS student, whether at DIS or in the public.
View more information on the DIS Website: