COVID-19: Information for exchange and guest students
Last updated: 18 January 2021
IMPORTANT: Being a student enrolled at the University of Copenhagen is not recognized as a “worthy purpose” for entering Denmark, and thus students will be refused entry. However, students with a valid residence permit are allowed to enter Denmark.
- The campus areas are currently closed until further notice.
- Please consult the Danish authorities joint website for COVID-19 information. The guidelines from the Danish Authorities will continue to change. This website will be updated regularly, but it is your own responsibility to get the newest information from the link above.
Exchange/guest students starting the spring 2021 semester
Last updated: 18 November 2020
The campuses at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) have reopened but with restrictions. UCPH follows the national guidelines to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff and to offer a positive exchange experience. Our faculties and departments have planned a blended learning approach, combining both online and in-person teaching for the spring semester. You will receive more details about this from your departments before the start of the semester.
Please note that even though courses may include online teaching, it is not possible to take the entire semester as an online exchange.
Courses aimed at exchange/guest students
Every semester, we offer a number of courses aimed specifically at exchange/guest students (e.g. Danish Culture Courses). We are able to offer these courses because there are a large number of students interested in taking the courses. Due to the measures in place around the world and the changeable nature of the situation, we expect fewer students to start in the spring 2021 semester. Therefore, please note that if one of these courses only has a small number of students registered, it may be necessary to cancel the course. If this is the case, we will of course help you to find alternative courses.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
We are working hard to plan a good orientation programme for you. Before the start of the semester, we will be sending more information to your UCPH e-mail about the orientation and mentor programs.
Last updated: January 5 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
From 1 January 2021, all UK citizens students staying in Denmark for more than 90 days are required to have a valid visa/residence permit. Shortly after you have been accepted, we will send you the visa/residence permit application form (known as an ST1 form) to your UCPH e-mail address.
For more information about the requirements for entering Denmark, UK citizens should see the section below entitled: Requirements for entering Denmark: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (visa-free countries).
Last updated: January 5 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
What documentation do I need when entering Denmark?
New requirements for testing are now in place, which states that persons residing in high-risk countries or quarantine countries outside the EU must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry at the Danish border. The test requirement is in place for both travelers residing in high-risk countries in the EU and for travelers with residence in quarantine countries outside the EU, Schengen Area and The United Kingdom.
Almost all countries are categorized as a high-risk country at the moment. Very few students will be exempt from presenting a negative COVID-test. Please check your country’s status here:
https://coronasmitte.dk/en/entry-into-denmark/is-my-country-open-or-banned
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: January 5 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
Residence permit (ST1)
All citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries are required to obtain a residence permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, i.e. the Danish immigration services (called SIRI for short).
Where do I get an ST1 form?
UCPH will send your residence permit application form (ST1) to your UCPH e-mail address. Please check your UCPH e-mail account regularly.
Check that the offices processing residence permits (ST1) in your country are open
Due to the measures taken in response to COVID-19, the offices for processing residence permits are closed in many countries; however, for those with a worthy purpose for entering Denmark (being admitted as a student is considered a worthy purpose), it may still be possible to apply.
Since a valid residence permit is critical for entering Denmark, we strongly urge you to check that the offices for processing a residence permit application are open in your country and that they will be able to process your residence permit application in time for you to travel to Denmark. You can find an overview of the Danish missions that can process the application here:
https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/where-to-apply/
What if I am not able to submit my ST1 form?
If you are not able to submit your ST1 form and receive a valid resident permit, then it will unfortunately not be possible to travel to Denmark and start your semester. If this is the case, please let us know at INT-admission@adm.ku.dk.
What documentation do I need when entering Denmark?
New requirements for testing are now in place, which states that persons residing in high-risk countries or quarantine countries outside the EU must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry at the Danish border. The test requirement is in place for both travelers residing in high-risk countries in the EU and for travelers with residence in quarantine countries outside the EU, Schengen Area and Great Britain.
Almost all countries are categorized as a high-risk country at the moment. Very few students will be exempt from presenting a negative COVID-test. Please check your country’s status here:
https://coronasmitte.dk/en/entry-into-denmark/is-my-country-open-or-banned
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: January 5 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
Residence permit (ST1)
All citizens of non-EU/EEA countries are required to obtain a residence permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, i.e. the Danish immigration services (called SIRI for short).
If you are not able to obtain your visa before you arrive, you can still enter Denmark with a passport from a visa-free country. With your confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January), you will be able to prove that you are enrolled as a student at UCPH.
Once in Denmark, you must complete your ST1 application and have your biometrics taken at a local centre shortly after arrival.
Where do I get an ST1 form?
UCPH will send your residence permit application form (ST1) to your UCPH e-mail address. Please check your UCPH e-mail account regularly.
Check that the offices processing residence permits (ST1) in your country are open
Due to the measures taken in response to COVID-19, the offices for processing residence permits are closed in many countries; however, for those with a worthy purpose for entering Denmark (being admitted as a student is considered a worthy purpose), it may still be possible to apply.
We urge you to check that the offices for processing a residence permit application are open in your country and that they will be able to process your residence permit application in time for you to travel to Denmark. You can find an overview of the Danish missions that can process the application here:
https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/where-to-apply/
To enter Denmark, you will need the following:
- Negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry
- your letter of admission
- passport/ID
- a confirmation of enrolment (we will send this to you no later than 1 January)
If you have questions about entering Denmark, please contact the Danish Police’s Arrivals Hotline: +45 7020 6044 (weekdays from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm CEST).
If you are travelling through another country
If you are travelling through another country before entering Denmark, please make sure to check whether that country has any additional requirements.
Last updated: January 5 2021
Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police
We recommend all international incoming students to contact the Arrivals Hotline of the Danish Police, to make sure you can enter Denmark.
Telephone: +45 7020 6044
Hotline opening hours
Monday-Wednesday 08.00-16.00 (8 am - 4 pm)
Thursday 08.00-15.00 (8 am - 3 pm)
Friday 08.00-14.00 (8 am - 2 pm)
You can enter Denmark if you have a traineeship that is a mandatory element of your education programme in another country.
You need the following documentation:
- A letter of confirmation from your home institution stating that a traineeship in another country is a mandatory element of your education
- Traineeship Contract with your Danish traineeship workplace
- A negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours if you arrive from a high-risk country within the EU, Schengen area or UK or from a banned country outside the EU, Scheningen area or UK.
Self-isolation
When you arrive to Denmark from a country or region where the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all non-essential travel due to COVID-19, you are strongly advised to follow the guidelines on self-isolation.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has changed the recommendations for self-isolation from 14 days to 10 days after returning from your travel.
Read the FAQ for travellers by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Read the Danish Health Authority's guidelines on self-isolation
COVID-19 test
You may also book a time for a COVID-19 test. The test should be taken no earlier than four days after your return to Denmark. When you have the test result, and if it is negative, you are allowed back on campus.
Use your NemID to log into www.coronaprover.dk.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
Currently, the Danish authorities do not require students to self-quarantine when they arrive in Denmark. However, it is still important to follow the Danish Health Authority's guidelines (e.g. wash/sanitise your hands frequently; cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands; keep your distance). See here for an overview of the Danish authorities' health guidelines.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
Below we have provided information about staying safe when in Denmark and on the UCPH campus. However, it is still important to read the Danish Health Authorities' health guidelines and advice.
Social distancing
The Danish Health Authority recommends keeping at least a 1-metre distance between people in public spaces. However, they recommend keeping at least a 2-metre distance in situations where there might be an increased risk of droplet spread or where there are special considerations, such as:
- if you are anxious about your own or someone else’s respiratory symptoms (e.g. if you are on your way home from work and feel unwell or if you think someone else looks like they have a cold etc.).
- when visiting nursing homes, hospitals, persons at higher risk, etc.
- during activities involving heavy exhalation where droplets are formed and scattered further away from the person than during normal speech, such as singing, shouting, lectures, plays, physical exertion, etc.
- during activities in motion (e.g. roller coasters).
- when in confined spaces with limited space, poor ventilation, etc. – such as basements, narrow corridors/walkways, etc.
Housing
Follow the guidelines on Housing Foundation’s webpage: https://housingfoundation.dk/your-stay-arrival/.
Please remember that the situation continues to develop, and the Danish authorities are updating their guidelines regularly. For the latest information, please see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s website.
Last updated 18 Novemeber 2020
It is a requirement that you wear a medical face mask, when entering a Danish airport. If you do not have a face mask, you will be able to buy one when entering the airport. Please contact the relevant Danish airport if you have any questions. Read more here about CPH Airport.
As from 29 October 2020, all students and staff on campus must wear a face mask when they are in the University’s common areas. Teaching staff must wear a visor if they teach more than two classes a day. You can read more about the requirements at campus at the university intranet (requires login).
Please be aware that it is mandatory to wear facemasks in public places and transportation, shops, restaurants, cafés etc. in Denmark. You can read more about the general guidelines on the authorities' website.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
If you do NOT yet have a Danish health card/CPR number
On weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., call the nearest doctor’s office for an assessment of your symptoms. Do not show up without an appointment. Outside these hours, call the Zealand regional emergency medical service (+45 70 15 07 08). Do not go to a hospital or doctor's office without an appointment, since you may infect others in high-risk groups.
If you have a Danish health card/CPR number
Call your doctor for an assessment of your symptoms (your doctor’s telephone number is on your Danish health card). Do not show up without an appointment. Outside your doctor’s opening hours, you can call 1813. Do not go to a hospital or doctor's office without an appointment, since you may infect others in high-risk groups.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
Health insurance
When you arrive in Denmark, you need to register for your civil registration number (CPR number) and health card. Once you have done this, your healthcare will be covered by the Danish health insurance. However, until that point, and especially considering the current situation, it is especially important that you have adequate health insurance (e.g. private health insurance, the blue European Health Insurance Card).
We will write to you in January with more information about registering for a CPR number and health card.
Also, please note that home transport in case of an emergency is not covered by the Danish health insurance. If you would like this, you will need private health insurance that covers this.
Travel insurance
In addition to health insurance, students should seriously consider travel insurance. Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and delays. Travel insurance may also cover medical emergencies – please investigate this thoroughly.
It is also worth considering travel insurance that includes coverage of accommodation costs, for instance if you are called home or in case of an emergency.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
Housing Foundation Copenhagen (HFC) are currently sending invitations to students to apply for housing. If you are applying for housing via HFC, please make sure to read the booking manual on their website carefully.
As mentioned previously, HFC has introduced a cancellation policy for the spring 2021 semester for students unable to come either because a) their home university/UCPH cancels the exchange stay or b) their home country/Denmark impose travel restrictions. For more details, please read HFC’s special cancellation policy for spring 2021.
It is important to note that HFC’s cancellation policy does not apply if you yourself decide not to come or if the rental agreement has started. Please consider this carefully when booking accommodation.
Last updated: 18 November
Below are links to the Danish authorities and important information about, for example, travelling to Denmark, health guidelines, etc. Please remember to check these regularly.
The Danish Police: Requirements for entering Denmark and frequently asked questions. For an overview of open and banned countries, see the Danish Police's list here.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: Information on applying for a residence permit, visa-processing offices around the world, information on entering Denmark.
The Danish Health Authority: Information on the COVID-19 situation in Denmark and guidelines for how to stay safe.
Last updated: 18 November 2020
If you have any questions or concerns about the spring 2021 semester, please contact us at int-admission@adm.ku.dk.
Exchange/guest students at UCPH in the spring 2020 semester
Classes and physical activities are not taking place on campus. Instead, UCPH is seeking to support students in self-study and distance learning to continue their courses. Students must stay updated through the UCPH Corona site and through the online learning platform Absalon.
Exchange or guest students can follow UCPH courses through self-study and distance learning in the same way as other UCPH students.
Following consultation with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), the following applies to non-EU/EEA/Swiss exchange/guest students with a residence permit:
You can leave Denmark and still maintain your residence permit if you:
- Keep your Danish address
- Do not de-register from the CPR register
- Continue to be study active (online learning and/or self-study)
If these apply, you can be outside of Denmark for up to 6 months and still return, as long as your residence permit has not expired. It is also important that you have your residence card especially if you are a citizen of a country with a visa requirement when you return to Denmark. If you have yet to receive your residence card, you must apply for a re-entry permit in order to be able to return to Denmark.
If you leave Denmark and do not continue your studies, you will need to apply for a new residence permit (ST1) if you will be studying at UCPH next semester.
Extending your residence permit/visa
If you return within the 6 months before your residence permit expires, you can apply for an extension (ST3) if you need to extend your stay. Note that you must apply before your residence permit expires.
Exchange and guest students can apply for 4 residence permits in a row.
If you are travelling to another Schengen country, please note that a resident permit only grants you the right to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If you have any specific questions regarding your residence permit, please contact SIRI by telephone +45 72 14 20 02 – Line 2.
SIRI has created a Corona website, which they are updating continuously. Please be sure to check this website before proceeding.
Below we have listed some general guidelines that apply in normal circumstances.
If you are planning to return to Denmark but no longer have an address, then you have the following options for returning:
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens without a visa requirement
- If you are a citizen of a visa-free country (see SIRI’s list here), then under normal circumstances you will be able to enter Denmark for up to 90 days. However, please note that due to the current restrictions for travelling into Denmark, you should check with the Danish authorities for the most up-to-date advice regarding entry into Denmark.
- If your stay will be longer than 90 days, then you will need to apply for a new resident permit (ST1). Please contact us if this is the case at INT-admission@adm.ku.dk and we will help you with the process.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a visa requirement
- If you are a citizen of a country with a visa requirement (see SIRI’s list here) and need stay in Denmark for less than 90 days, then you need to apply for a visa. However, please note that due to the current restrictions for travelling into Denmark, you should check with the Danish authorities for the most up-to-date advice regarding entry into Denmark.
- If your stay will be longer than 90 days then you need to apply for a new residence permit (ST1). If you wish to do this, please contact us at INT-admission@adm.ku.dk and we will help you with the process.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you are under normal circumstances able to freely travel into Denmark. However, please note that due to the current restrictions for travelling into Denmark, you should check with the Danish authorities for the most up-to-date advice. If your stay is for longer than 90 days, you will need to register with the Danish authorities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at int-admission@adm.ku.dk.