Denmark Lists 38 Countries for Visa Access
Denmark has published a Group 1 list of 38 countries whose citizens can apply for tourist visas without a host.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Immigration
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Denmark has published a list of 38 countries in Group 1, whose citizens are eligible to apply for tourist-related visas without a host as a starting point. The classification reflects the government's assessment of the immigration risk posed by each country's nationals.
Why it matters
Group 1 status is tied to perceived immigration risk, meaning applicants from countries outside the list are generally required to present an invitation or proof of a host to obtain a Schengen visa. The list affects travelers from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Denmark's government classifies countries into groups based on perceived immigration risk, with 38 countries placed in Group 1. The source does not detail the specific criteria applied to each country or whether the list will be revised.
The players
Government of Denmark
Denmark's national government, which classifies countries into visa groups based on perceived immigration risk and publishes the Group 1 list.
The details
Group 1 includes countries whose citizens present a very limited risk of illegal immigration to Denmark or another Schengen country. Listed nations include Angola, Bahrain, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, China, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Oman, Namibia, Fiji, and Tanzania.
Timeline
• November 2, 2026: Denmark's Group 1 visa list was published.
Big Picture
Denmark's Group 1 classification operates within the Schengen visa framework, which requires most non-Group 1 applicants to present an invitation or proof of a host. The list therefore shapes which travelers can apply for tourist visas directly.
Travelers from Group 1 countries can apply for tourist visas to Denmark without needing a host. Applicants from other countries should expect to provide an invitation or proof of a host.
The takeaway
Travelers planning visits to Denmark or the wider Schengen Area should check whether their country appears on the Group 1 list before applying, since the classification determines whether a host invitation is required.
What happens next
Denmark's new work permit scheme begins accepting applications on January 1, 2027, for workers from 16 eligible countries with a minimum annual salary of DKK 322,000.
Further reading
Explore related coverage in our Immigration section.
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