Pituffik

Valid transit and residence permits at the base are a necessity. You must have your transit and/or residence permit with you when checking in. Please read the rules and regulations, including further information about how to obtain the correct documents, below.

Transit or residence permit

Passengers flying to and from Qaanaaq via Pituffik Space Base or who are staying on the base must always bring a valid transit permit or residence permit with them. This applies even if your stay is only due to last a few minutes. A residence permit is required when staying for more than 24 hours.

It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain transit and residence permits and present it at check-in.

Passengers without transit or residence permit will be turned away and will not be able to board that flight. Furthermore, passengers without a valid transit or residence permit will be fined.

An executive order from 2006 controls movement into and out of defence establishments in Greenland. According to this order, everyone must carry a valid transit or residence permit when staying at Pituffik Space Base for longer or shorter periods.

How do I obtain transit/residence permit?
Citizens resident in Greenland (Danish citizens) have to apply to the High Commissioner of Greenland, IndaleeqqapAqq. 3, Nuuk
Tel.: +299 32 10 01, www.rigsombudsmanden.gl.
Citizens resident in Denmark or other countries have to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Asiatisk Plads 2, Copenhagen
Tel.: +45 33 92 01 70, www.um.dk

Exeptions

The following groups do not need a transit/residence permit:

  • Citizens with registered address in the former municipality of Qaanaaq
  • Members of NATO forces, and their families
  • Civilians posted by the USA with work-related business at the base, and their families
  • Representatives of Danish or Greenlandic authorities
  • Persons with special authorisation from the Danish government
  • Persons with special authorisation from the US government

DID YOU KNOW


The Cold War was the reason for Pituffik Space Base, which under codename Operation Blue Jay was established in extreme secrecy and was put into operation in 1952.

Prior to this, the local Greenlandic population was forced to move in a matter of days to Qaanaaq, which is around 130 km further north.
The US Air Force is responsible for the military side of the base’s activities, whilst Greenland Contractors is today responsible for everyday operations in the small community, which has its own airport, fire department, fitness centre, bowling hall, hotel and kitchens and accommodation for the employees.

FACTS


The Thule trading station from 1909 was situated here

Today it's an American base

Staying here requires a transit permit

The population in Dundas was moved to Qaanaaq in 1952-3

Northern Lights At Iceberg Near Uummannaq. Photo Erez Marom, Visit Greenland

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