The Greenland Police has implemented two significant restrictions on cruise ships navigating in Greenlandic waters, effective immediately.
Crew members from visa-requiring countries are no longer allowed to disembark during the ship's visit to Greenland unless they possess a Greenlandic visa. Despite Denmark's agreement to abide by ILO Convention 108 and the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006, it has been determined by the police that these agreements do not apply to Greenland as they have not yet been incorporated into Greenlandic law. It is a clear break with the practice that has been in force for more than 30 years here in Greenland.
The Greenland Police has announced that any ship arriving from a non-Schengen country must first dock at a port with border control. It can be particularly challenging if you are coming from Svalbard to the National Park or from Canada to North Greenland. It is absolutely essential to check in at a port with border control prior to any visits to settlements or landings in natural areas. Non-compliance is strictly prohibited.
