Greenland Travel Advisory: Why The U.S. And Canada Disagree On Safety And Risks

Saturday, July 12, 2025

A diplomatic dispute between the United States and Canada over travel advisories has recently centered on Greenland, which is frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful and hospitable places on earth. The United States has raised its advice to a Level 2 alert, advising travelers to “exercise increased caution” owing to environmental risks and insufficient emergency services, while Canada advises visitors to take the usual precautions when visiting this magnificent country. The contradictory recommendations have sparked debate about how safety concerns influence consumers’ decisions to travel abroad as Greenland’s tourism industry booms.

Canada’s Perspective on Greenland: A Call for Caution, Not Alarm

The Canadian government’s advisory for Greenland is relatively relaxed. As of July 2, 2023, Canada has issued a Level 1 advisory for Greenland, simply urging travelers to exercise normal precautions. The advisory highlights Greenland’s stunning natural beauty and booming cruise tourism industry, with 2023 setting a new record with 76,477 cruise passengers—a 64% increase compared to 2019.

Canada’s advisory primarily focuses on specific travel activities such as adventure tourism in Greenland’s rugged wilderness. Travelers who wish to engage in activities like glacier exploration are encouraged to obtain special permits from Greenland’s Ministry of Domestic Affairs, Nature, and Environment. Additionally, visitors are advised that the extreme weather conditions in Greenland, especially during winter, can pose safety risks, including avalanches and rapidly changing conditions.

Despite these challenges, the Canadian government’s advisory does not indicate a severe risk to tourists, instead recommending standard safety precautions like securing travel insurance and remaining prepared for weather changes, which are common in Greenland’s arctic environment. For those visiting the country’s capital, Nuuk, or its most famous attractions like the Ilulissat Icefjord, the risk of encountering serious problems remains low.

The U.S. Advisory: A Stricter Warning on Limited Emergency Services

On the other hand, the U.S. Department of State has issued a more severe advisory for Greenland, bumping its travel warning to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This advisory highlights not only the environmental hazards posed by Greenland’s extreme weather but also the limited emergency services available in remote areas. The U.S. government’s warning emphasizes that resources for search and rescue operations are scarce in certain regions, particularly in areas far from Greenland’s larger towns and settlements.

The U.S. advisory specifies that if an emergency arises, the response time could be delayed for days due to the country’s vast, uninhabited landscapes. With such a vast expanse of wilderness and few urban centers, Greenland’s infrastructure can make quick responses to accidents and health emergencies a challenge, especially in the more remote regions.

While the U.S. advisory does acknowledge Greenland’s beauty and appeal, it stresses the importance of careful planning for travelers. Tourists are encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance, and to travel with a professional guide or a reputable tour company. The U.S. Department of State also recommends that visitors enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on security messages and make it easier for U.S. authorities to locate them in case of an emergency.

Greenland’s Growing Tourism Industry: Embracing the Future

Despite these mixed travel advisories, Greenland remains an open and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world, including the United States. The country is eager to build on the surge in tourism seen in 2023, particularly from the cruise sector. The recent addition of a direct flight route between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey, is expected to further boost Greenland’s appeal to American travelers. The inaugural flight, launched in June 2023, marks the first-ever direct flight between Greenland and the U.S. by an American airline, making it easier for U.S. tourists to experience Greenland’s pristine landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique attractions.

Greenland’s tourism sector is particularly focused on showcasing its natural wonders. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains one of the country’s most visited attractions, with tourists flocking to witness the calving icebergs and breathtaking fjords. The Eqip Sermia Glacier offers another stunning location for visitors to explore.

As Greenland’s tourism numbers grow, it continues to balance the demands of economic development with environmental sustainability. The country’s government is actively working to develop its infrastructure to handle increasing tourism, while also ensuring that the land’s unique natural resources and cultures are preserved for future generations. Greenland’s tourism strategy includes a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and responsible tourism practices that invite visitors to connect with both the land and the people who call it home.

The Future of Greenland’s Tourism: Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Greenland is poised to continue its upward trajectory as a major travel destination. With its unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and growing infrastructure, the country is setting the stage for a tourism boom in the coming years. The Greenlandic government remains committed to developing the country’s tourism sector in a way that respects both the environment and the traditions of its indigenous communities.

As global travel trends change and the demand for off-the-beaten-path travel destinations increases, Greenland offers something quite unique: a combination of unspoiled landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to establish a closer bond with nature. Whether tourists follow the Canadian advice or consider the warning from the U.S. government, one thing is for sure: Greenland is a unique location that is prepared to receive anyone who decides to explore its expansive, untamed landscape.

(Source: Government of Canada, U.S. Department of State, Greenland Government)