Why Greenland doesn’t have its own passport

Many nations have beautiful passport features that depict scenes that are significant to the country – some even have hidden features that illuminate under certain lighting.

But, despite the fact it’s the largest island in the world (for the record, Australia isn’t considered an island but rather a continental land mass, otherwise it would have taken the top spot), Greenland isn’t actually its own country and doesn’t have its own passport as a result. 

While Greenland does have autonomy to the extent it has its own parliament and language, it’s still technically a Danish independent territory.

And while it does have recognised borders, it doesn’t have sovereignty, which means it cannot technically be called a country. 

When a citizen of Greenland applies for a passport, they will be issued a Danish one, with the option of having Greenland printed on the front.  

While it may not be on the top of your bucket list, Greenland is actually a fascinating place to visit.

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Greenland’s tourism official divides Greenland into six different regions for travellers to choose their ideal holiday: 

1. East Greenland

Drum Dancer, Kulusuk, East Greenland Kulusuk is a remote village of 300 inhabitants, only 2hrs away by plane from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. Making that journey can feel like time travel… from a cosmopolitan, vibrant city to a local seal hunting community. Shot on assignment for @icelandicmountainguides . . . . . #inuit #Greenland #EastGreenland #Kulusuk #airicelandconnect #adventuretravel #travel #portrait

A post shared by Lukasz Warzecha (@lukaszwarzecha) on Sep 6, 2017 at 11:30am PDT

East Greenland is an isolated place with a unique culture. The locals’ day-to-day is rooted in myth and legend. The people here have strong hunting roots and their bone and rock carvings are highly coveted. It’s a wonderful place to see the northern lights and be inspired by the impressive mountain ranges. 

2. South Greenland

A post shared by Katherine (@kgrigglet) on Aug 29, 2017 at 4:15pm PDT

At the very tip of the south is South Greenland, which truly lives up to the name of the island. Agriculture blooms here and there are many farms that produce vegetables. Wildflowers scatter the landscape and lush green pastures cover hills and river banks. It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the country and it’s a great place to discover historic Nordic settlements, go kayaking, fishing, or take a dip in the hot springs. 

3. Capital region

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In the south-western corner of the island is the capital region where visitors can enjoy perhaps an unexpected urban city vibe. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is an Arctic metropolis that feels like a small town where travellers can go shopping, whale watching, dine in gourmet restaurants or cosy takeaway stores. 

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4. Destination Arctic Circle

A post shared by First in Service (@firstinservice) on Sep 5, 2017 at 3:21pm PDT

This part of the island is home to the country’s second-largest town, Sisimiut, and international airport Kangerlussuaq. Destination Arctic Circle is for travellers who want to experience a little bit of everything, from dog sledding to skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing and kayaking. 

5. North Greenland

A post shared by Artiko North (@artikonorth) on Jan 6, 2017 at 9:04pm PST

If you’ve ever heard about places in the world’s far north where the sun is still shining at midnight, this is the place. Along the coastline of North Greenland are small communities that subsist on hunting and fishing. Hiking trails are spattered with volcanic rocks and the region is known for its diversity in landscapes and wildlife – especially in Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay where all the ritzy hotels are. 

6. National Park

A post shared by Quark Expeditions (@quarkexpeditions) on May 2, 2017 at 10:03am PDT

Occupying 972,000 square kilometres, about one-third of the island in the north-east corner, is a wild landscape, home to about 40 people and thousands of Arctic animals. Vast, remote and one of the last truly wild places on earth, there are only a couple of tour companies that will take you through this amazing part of the island.