sweden tourist visa documents

Visit Sweden up to 90 days during 180 days – apply for a visa

If you are a citizen in a country outside the EU and want to visit Sweden for a maximum of 90 days, you may need to apply for a visa. A visa is only valid for your stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a period of 180 days.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU and you want to visit Sweden (and the other Schengen countries), you may need to apply for a visa. A visa is a permit to enter a country and stay there up to 90 days.

Whether you need a visa depends on what country you are from or if you have a residence permit in another Schengen country or if you are permanently living in an EU country.

If you have a valid residence permit issued by another Schengen country, you do not need to apply for an entry visa to visit Sweden up to 90 days.

Read more about what applies if you are permanently living in another EU country

The visa is most often valid for entry into all Schengen countries. In exceptional cases the visa may only be valid for entering Sweden and/or some Schengen countries.

Read more about what applies if you do not need a visa to travel to Sweden

If you want to visit Sweden for more than 90 days you need to apply for a visitor’s residence permit.

Apply for a visitor’s residence permit

Before you apply for a visa

Requirements for receiving a visa to visit relatives and friends.

In order to be granted a visa to visit relatives and friends you must

• have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the visa has expired, was issued in the last ten years and has at least two empty pages
• be able to describe the purpose of your visit

• have an individual medical travel insurance that covers all costs that may arise in connection with emergency medical treatment, urgent medical care or transportation to your home country for medical reasons (the insurance must cover costs of at least 30,000 EUR and be valid for all Schengen countries)
• have money to support yourself and for the return trip home (Sweden also requires you to have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden, which can also be paid for by the person who has invited you)
• show that you intend to leave Sweden and the Schengen area on the last day before the visa expires
• a photograph that is in passport format and taken with you facing the camera and which is not older than six months (only if you do not appear in person to apply for a visa)
• other documents that the embassy may require.

Remember that it is important that you verify what applies in your particular case. You can find more information on the embassy’s website.

If you are going to submit your application to another Schengen country's embassy or consulate-general, you should contact them in advance. It is that country’s embassy or consulate-general that assesses and makes a decision on your application.

Requi­re­ments for receiving a visa for busi­ness or a confe­rence

In order to be receive a visa for business or a conference you must

• have an invitation from the company or the person that is arranging the conference
• have money to support yourself and for the return trip home (Sweden also requires you to have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden, which can also be paid for by the company that has invited you)
• a photograph that is in passport format and taken with you facing the camera and which is not older than six months

Requi­re­ments for receiving a tourist visa

In order to receive a tourist visa you must

Requi­re­ments for receiving a visa for medical treat­ment

In order to receive a visa for medical treatment you must

• be able to describe the purpose of your visit by showing a medical certificate from Sweden that shows when you will receive your treatment and what it entails
• show a medical certificate from the country you are living in that shows that you are not able to receive the treatment there
• show proof that you have deposited money in Sweden for the planned treatment and any medical care that might follow from it
• have money to support yourself and for the return trip home (Sweden also requires you to have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden, if you are not hospitalised/living where you are receiving your treatment)
• other documents that the embassy may require

Requi­re­ments for receiving a visa for visi­ting Sweden for reli­gious purposes

In order to receive a visa for visiting Sweden for religious purposes you must

• have an invitation from a religious organisation/assembly

Requirements for receiving a visa for studies, research or as a doctoral exchange student

In order to receive a visa for studies, research or as a doctoral exchange student you must

• have an invitation or proof of acceptance from a university in Sweden
• have a certificate from your university abroad if you are already registered at a university
• have money to support yourself and for the return trip home (Sweden also requires you to have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden)

Requirements for receiving a visa for volunteer work or an internship

In order to receive a visa for volunteer work or an intern ship you must

• have an invitation from the internship/volunteer organisation
• you must apply for a visa before you travel to the Schengen area
• that you must apply no earlier than six months before you travel
• submit your application early
• it is the final destination of your trip that determines at which Schengen embassy you should apply (if another Schengen country other than Sweden is your final destination you must apply for a visa at that country’s embassy)
• a visa is valid for a visit and it is only in exceptional cases that you can work while you have a visa ( Read more on the page Exceptions from the work permit requirement ).

In certain countries, another Schengen country might represent Sweden. There are countries where Sweden has no representation, in other words has no embassy or consulate-general and is not represented by another country. If that is the case, you must check what applies to your area when it comes to visa applications.

If you are submitting your application to another Schengen country authority abroad, you need to contact them in advance. The reason for that is because that country’s requirements for documents apply. The documents should also be translated into that country’s language.

This is how you apply for a visa

Most people who are applying for a visa need to do it through an external service provider. You can visit your embassy’s website to find out if your embassy has an agreement with an external service provider.

If your embassy does not have an agreement with an external service provider and you are applying for a visa through the Swedish embassy in Tehran (Iran) you can apply through our e-service.

If you are unable to apply through an external service provider or through our e-services, you can apply by handing in a form directly to your embassy.

Apply for a visa through an external service provider

Find out if you need to apply for a visa through an external service provider by visiting your embassy’s website. There you can find more information about to apply.

When you apply through an external service provider you will be asked to give your fingerprint and application at the same time

Apply for a visa through e-service – applies to three embas­sies

If you are applying at this embassy you can submit your application online:

You can attach appendices in the e-service. A complete application with attached appendices will make the processing of your application easier. Before you begin the e-service you should remember to prepare the appendices in digital format (scanned) so that you can attach them to your application.

Please notice that if you have not been active in your application (added or edited information) for 72 hours, your application will be removed. Every time you edit your application you start a new 72-hour span, but in total you can only save your application for 14 days. If you have not submitted your application within 14 days, it will be removed.

Apply for a visa through an embassy

If your embassy does not have an agreement with an external service provider or if it does not offer an e-service, you must apply directly at the embassy. Keep in mind that it is important that you check to make sure what applies in your case. You can find more information on the embassy’s website.

After you have submitted your application

Follow your visa case.

If you applied online, you can follow your case in My page. You can see if a decision has been made and in some cases also book or cancel an appointment for a visit to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general. You can also see the information and documents that you have enclosed in your application.

Log in to My page

Waiting time for the deci­sion

You will usually receive an answer within two weeks, however the processing times at the embassies or consulates-general vary.

After the deci­sion

The embassy or consulate-general will make the decision in your case and will notify you if you have been granted a visa or not. If you have submitted your application at the company that collects applications for the embassy or consulate-general you will receive a decision from that company.

If you are granted a visa, a permit sticker will be glued into your passport. The permit sticker says when and for how long the visa applies.

If you are not granted a visa, you can appeal the decision to the Migration Court. If the decision has been made by another member state that represents Sweden, the decision can be appealed to that member state’s authorities.

If you want to appeal

If your application has been rejected you can submit a written appeal no later than three weeks from the day when you received the decision. Instructions on how to submit the appeal can be found in the decision.

If the embassy or consu­late-general changes the deci­sion

The decision might be changed if new information is submitted. In that case, you will be notified and your visa is glued into your passport.

If the embassy or consu­late-general does not change the deci­sion it is forwarded

If the appeal was submitted on time, and the embassy or consu­late-general does not feel that there is any reason to change the decision, they will forward the case to a Migration Court in Sweden as soon as possible. The court will then make the decision.

Facts about visa

A visa is only valid for your stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a period of 180 days.

It says on the visa sticker that is glued into your passport how many days you may stay in the Schengen countries. The days can be used during the time period that is indicated on the sticker. The period is often 15 days longer than the number of days that you are allowed to stay in the Schengen countries. The reason for this is so that you will have a chance to change your travel date if something unforeseen happens.

The visa can be valid for multiple entries or exits

On the visa sticker it says how many times you are allowed to enter and exit the Schengen countries during the period of validity.

You may apply for a Schengen visa that is valid for multiple entries if you visit Sweden on a regular basis. A visa with multiple entries can be valid for stays of up to 90 days during a 180 day period for up to five years.

The visa may only apply to certain countries

If you receive a visa you can often visit the other Schengen countries as well.

Your visa may in certain cases only be valid for entry and stay in Sweden or in certain Schengen countries, for example if your passport is not accepted by all Schengen countries.

Calculate your visa time

With the help of EU’s visa calculator you can calculate when you can travel into the Schengen area again, and how many days you can stay.

Controls at the border

Your short-stay visa allows you to travel to Sweden and usually to other Schengen States. It does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area therefore you may have to provide certain information at border or other controls. You may, for instance, have to provide information on your means of support, how long you intend to stay in Sweden and why you are visiting Sweden. In some cases, such checks may result in a refusal for the visa holder to enter Sweden or the Schengen area.

You should therefore carry with you copies of the documents which you presented when you applied for the visa (e.g. letters of invitation, travel confirmations, other documents stating the purpose of your stay).

Extend a visit

A visitor's visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. If you have already stayed in a Schengen country for 90 days during the last 180-day period, you cannot extend your visa. Instead you can apply for a visitor’s residence permit.

Read more about a visitor's permit

Exten­ding a visa

You can apply for an extension to your visa if your combined period of stay in the Schengen countries will not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period.

This is possible in the following cases:

• force majeure – unforeseen events that prevent you from leaving Sweden or the Schengen countries, e.g. extreme weather
• humanitarian reasons – if you or a close relative who lives in Sweden has been taken seriously ill, for example.

You can be granted a visa extension

• if you have compelling personal reasons – this includes health care or a business trip.

The reason behind your need to extend the visa must have occurred after your entry into Sweden. You need to apply to extend your visa before it expires. Submit your application for an extension well in advance so that the Migration Agency has enough time to process your application before your current visa expires. 

When you submit an application to extend your visa, you do not need to pay any fee. However, if the Migration Agency estimates that the application is based on strong personal reasons, you must pay a fee of 30 euros when we make a decision on your application. You will receive information on how to pay the fee before we make a decision.

An application to extend a visa because of force majeure or humanitarian reasons is free of charge.

How to apply for a visa exten­sion

An application for a visa extension must be submitted before your visa expires. Leave your application at one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s Service Centres.

The Migration Agency's visiting addresses See also the instructions in the application forms for any additional documents that you may need to attach.

You should enclose

• the application form Application for Schengen Visa, form 118031. It is available at all Swedish Migration Agency’s permit units and here at our website
• copies of the pages in your passport that show personal data and all entry stamps. The passport must be valid for the time that your stay in Sweden is expected to last
• an explanation why you think you should be granted a visa extension
• documentation which shows the reason why you need to prolong your stay (including certificates from companies, doctor’s certificate or similar)
• individual medical travel insurance which covers the costs which could arise as a result of emergency medical assistance, emergency hospitalisation or medical repatriation. The insurance should cover costs of at least EUR 30,000 and be valid in all the Schengen countries.

Appli­ca­tions

Deci­sions regar­ding visas.

The Swedish Migration Agency will send you its decision regarding your visa application. If the Migration Agency has decided to grant you the right to an extended visa you will receive a permit sticker in your passport as proof of your extended visa. You or a representative (someone acting on your behalf) should go to the Swedish Migration Agency to have the sticker glued into your passport. Your representative needs to be authorised by you.

If the Swedish Migration Agency decides not to grant you an extended visa, your application will be rejected. A rejection of a matter which is reviewed according to the Visa Code cannot be appealed.

You have the right to stay in Sweden for as long as you have a valid visa. If your visa has expired you lose the right to stay in any of the Schengen countries. If you have applied to extend your stay after your visa has expired, you do not have the right to stay in Sweden and wait for the decision.

If you have applied for an extension to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days during the last 180-day period, other rules apply. Read more under the heading Visits lasting longer than 90 days.

User terms and conditions for a visa application

You are given the following text for information at this stage concerning the rights and obligations that apply in conjunction with a visa application. Then you have to accept the text in conjunction with your visa application.

The text set out below has been taken from the visa application form adopted by the European Commission.

Extract from the visa appli­ca­tion form adopted by the Euro­pean Commis­sion

I declare that the particulars given by me in this visa application are correct. Any false statements will lead to my application being rejected or to the annulment of a visa already granted. I am aware of and consent to the particulars and any photograph and, where applicable, fingerprints given by me in my visa application being supplied to the relevant authorities in member states for the purposes of a decision on my visa application.

Decisions about my application will be registered and stored in the Visa Information System (VIS). I have the right to be told what information is registered about me in VIS. To be told what information is registered about me in VIS, I contact [email protected] .

Legal basis

The Swedish Migration Agency processes personal data in accordance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Swedish Migration Agency also handles personal data pursuant to the Aliens Data Act (2016:27) and the Aliens Data Ordinance (2016:30). These register statutes also contain provisions stating that the data may be processed without the data subject giving their consent. The Swedish Migration Agency also processes certain personal data under provisions in the Data Protection Act (2018:218). The Swedish Migration Agency sometimes processes personal data pursuant to other EU regulations and directives.

I am aware of and consent to the following.

Compulsory collection of data

The collection of the data required according to the visa application form, photography and, where applicable, the taking of fingerprints are compulsory in the examination of a visa application. All personal data about me stated in the visa application form will, as will my fingerprints and photograph, be sent to the relevant authorities of member states. These authorities process them to enable a decision to be made on my visa application.

Storage of data

These data and data concerning the decision on my application or a decision to annul, revoke or extend a visa issued will be registered in the Visa Information System (VIS) and be stored there for a period of at most five years. During that period the data will be accessible by the visa authorities and the authorities that are competent to check visas at the external borders and in member states and also to the immigration and asylum authorities of member states. The data are accessible in order check that the conditions for legal entry to and stay and residence on the territory of the member states have been met; to identify persons who do not, or who no longer, meet these conditions; to examine an asylum application; and to determine who is responsible for such an examination. In certain circumstances the data will also be accessible to designated authorities of member states and to Europol to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist offences and other serious offences. The following authority in Sweden is responsible for processing the data: Swedish Migration Agency, SE-601 70 Norrköping, www.migrationsverket.se .

You can also contact the Swedish Migration Agency’s Data Protection Officer [email protected]

The right to check personal data

Declaration.

I declare that to the best of my knowledge all particulars supplied by me are correct and complete. I am aware that any false statements will lead to my application being rejected or to the annulment of a visa already granted and may also render me liable to prosecution under the law of the member state that deals with my application.

I undertake to leave the territory of the member states before the expiry of the visa, if granted. I have been informed that possession of a visa is only one of the prerequisites for entry into the European territory of the member states. The mere fact that a visa has been granted to me does not mean that I will be entitled to request compensation if I fail to comply with the relevant provisions of Article 6.1 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (the Schengen Borders Code) and am thus refused entry. The prerequisites for entry will be checked again on entry into the European territory of the member states.

Last updated: 2024-04-12

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Passport and visa information for Sweden

Passport and visa information for your visit to Sweden.

Planning a holiday in Sweden? Find out more about passport and visa information for your visit to Sweden.  Please note that we do not have any visa application service at Visit Sweden and are not able to assist with your visa application.

For UK residents:

Holders of certain British Passports/Travel Documents do not need a visa to travel to Sweden.

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

For information about what happens if the UK leaves the European Union with no deal and any other travel advice or updates please check the FCO website for information

For US residents:

A valid passport entitles United States citizens to a three-month stay in Sweden.

For EU citizens:

Being an EU citizen means that you have the right to work, study or live in Sweden without having a residence permit. You'll need a valid national identity card or passport when entering Sweden from another Schengen EU country. A driving licence don't qualify as a travel document and we recommend that you bring your passport in case you will need to prove your identity. More information about  travelling within the EU  can be found at the European commission's website.

Tourist visas to Sweden for other countries:

If you are visiting Sweden as a tourist and are a citizen of a non-EU country , you may need a visa. A visa is a permit to travel to and stay in a country for a limited period.

More information and requirements for visa applications can be found here  

Countries whose citizens require a visa

Countries where Sweden is represented by another Schengen state

Swedish embassies and consulates-general

To apply for a visa, you must fill in the form Application for Schengen Visa.  

Citizens of other countries can also check with a Swedish  diplomatic representative  in their home country. https://european-union.europa.eu/live-work-study/travelling-eu_en

For UK visitors

Holders of certain  British Passports/Travel Documents  do not need a visa to travel to Sweden.

For all information about what happens if the UK leaves the European Union please check the  FCO website  for the most up to date information

For US visitors

A valid passport entitles North American Citizens to a three-month stay in Sweden. U.S citizens do not need a visa if the visit is 90 days or less. 

More information can be found on the Embassy of Sweden's website

Tourist visas to Sweden for other countries

If you are visiting Sweden as a tourist and are a citizen of a non-EU country, you may need a visa. A visa is a permit to travel to and stay in a country for a limited period.

More information and requirements for  visa applications can be found here  

Citizens of other countries can also check with a Swedish  diplomatic representative  in their home country.

Sweden Tourist visa

Required documents sweden schengen visa.

Documents for a Swedish Schengen visa application must be completed or translated into English or Swedish.

• At least 2 blank pages
• With the applicant’s signature
• Not more than 10 years old
• Valid for at least 3 months after the expiration of the requested visa
• Previous passport, if applicable
• Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Plain white background
• Taken within the past 6 months
• Forward-facing with facial features visible and clear
• Completed application form
• Biometric data (Fingerprints)
• Sweden Schengen Visa fee
• Travel Itinerary or plan
• Proof of return to the country of residence or forward ticket to another country
• Reason for travel to Sweden
• Flight reservations
• Proof of financial means (bank statements over the last 3-month period, personal properties, and/or other assets)
• Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel)
• Valid through the entire visa period
• Valid in all Schengen countries
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR must be purchased
• Insurance conditions such as validity, duration, and extent of your coverage to be clearly stated on the confirmation letter or insurance document
• Name and address of employer
• Nature of employment
• Starting date of employment
• Purpose of travel
• Duration of time off from work for travel
• Personal-ID page of passport.
• Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
• Residence permit (if relevant).

Applicants below the age of 18 are required to submit the following additional requirements:

• If the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are divorced, divorce papers are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are deceased, death certificates are required
• Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
• Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians

It may also be necessary to submit supplementary documents in relation to your travel visa application.

Sweden Schengen Visa Fees

The standard fee for the application of a Swedish Schengen visa is 80 EUR. However, there are particular applicants who are exempted from fees, such as most student visas and visas for children below the age of 6. Applicants will probably have to pay a separate, non-refundable service payment with their application.

Sweden Visa Application Steps

• Prepare all the required documents.
• Select “Tourism” as the reason for travel on the visa application form.
• Decide the number of entries needed to Sweden or the Schengen area.
• Application procedures for a Swedish Schengen visa may vary, depending on where you are applying from. Contact the Swedish Embassy or visa processing center directly to determine whether your application should be through a third-party provider or through the Swedish Embassy.
• Applications can be submitted through the Swedish E-service only if they are applying through the Swedish Embassy in Korea, Iran, Tokyo, or Tanzania. The E-Service can be accessed here .
• Most applications require an in-person appointment at the nearest Swedish Consulate or visa center in order to submit the application. Alternatively, applications may be submitted without prior appointment during normal operating hours. Contact the Swedish Consulate or visa center to determine if there is a need to schedule an appointment.
• Note: Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the date of travel but not earlier than 6 months before the date of travel.
• Generally, applications must be submitted in person to the Swedish Consulate or visa processing center. However, there may be a few differences in the submission procedures.
• Applicants will likely be required to submit their fingerprints (biometric data). Children below the age of 12 are exempted from biometric data collection, but facial photo capturing is a must, regardless of the applicant’s age.
• Applicants may also be asked to come back on another date for an interview regarding their trip.
• Pay the visa application fee.

When to Apply for Sweden Visa

Visa applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the travel date but not earlier than 6 months before the travel date.

Where to Apply

Applications should be submitted personally either through the Swedish Consulate, or the consulate of a country that represents the consular affairs of Sweden.

In countries without any Swedish consulate, applications may be submitted through a Schengen state consulate representing the interests of a Swedish consulate. Applicants who want to apply through a non-Swedish consulate should contact them to ensure that they accept such applications.

A list of Swedish embassies and consulates is available here .

Applications should be submitted only in the country of citizenship or residence.

Sweden Visa Processing Time

Generally, it takes approximately 15 days to process Sweden Schengen visa applications. However, in some cases it might take longer.

For approved visa applications:

Applicants must ensure that the information on the visa is complete and valid upon collection.

Applicants who have received their Schengen Visa for Sweden should remember the following things:

• Inform the Swedish Consulate or visa application center of any change to your itinerary after submission is completed.
• The approval of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry upon arrival to Sweden or other countries in the Schengen area.
• Additional documents pertaining to your financial means or accommodation may still be required to gain entry to Sweden or other Schengen areas.

For denied Sweden visa applications:

If your application for a Swedish Schengen visa was rejected , you have the right to appeal the decision within 3 weeks.

The appeal process begins by picking up the standard-issued visa refusal form which also has the details of the reason for the rejection and the procedures of the appeal process.

The appeal should be in writing and must be submitted to the consulate that rejected the application. Appeals submitted to another country’s consulate will be considered by that country’s authorities.

Appeals rejected by consulates will be forwarded to the Migration Court of Gothenburg and their decision is considered final.

A non-refundable fee must be paid for the appeal to be processed.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

Latest news and articles.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Sweden - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed

Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Sweden.

If you decide to travel to Sweden:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Sweden.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

At least three months beyond the period of stay

Space for entry and exit stamps

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros (or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy stockholm.

Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(46) (8) 783-5300 Fax: +(46) (8) 783-5480 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sweden for information on U.S. - Sweden relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Sweden is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Visit the  Embassy of Sweden  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need  sufficient proof of funds  and  a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Sweden.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism : Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Sweden has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past and the potential for a future terrorist incident remains.  As in other countries in the Schengen area, Sweden’s open borders with its European neighbors could permit terrorist groups to enter and exit the country with anonymity. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks, but all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page .

Crime:  Sweden has a low crime rate, and most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles, residences, and public areas. While armed violence against the public continues to be a rare occurrence, violent crimes, such as homicides and sexual assaults, can occur. The majority of violent crimes occur in Sweden’s larger cities, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. Organized crime groups have also committed armed acts against each other.

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common in and around major tourist attractions, especially Stockholm’s Old Town (“Gamla Stan”) as well as at restaurants, coffee shops, amusement parks, museums, bars, airports, and on public transportation.

Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract well-dressed, professional thieves who blend in with guests and target purses and briefcases left unguarded by tourists and business travelers.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are counterfeit goods illegal to bring back into the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sweden. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• romance/online dating
• money transfers
• bank overpayments
• online relationships that evolve into requests for emergency financial assistance

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault, should first contact local police authorities by dialing 112. Crime victims may contact the U.S. Embassy at +46 (8) 785-5300 after they have contacted local authorities.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting all crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information on  Sweden’s Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

There is no provision for bail in Sweden. U.S. citizens who are arrested may be held in custody until an investigation or trial is concluded, either of which can range in duration from a few days to a year or more.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement: Swedish law enforcement authorities have no tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana. Marijuana of all forms, including CBD products, are illegal to bring into or possess in Sweden. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Sweden are strict, and convicted offenders can face imprisonment, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering Sweden.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs, is considered a very serious offense. The maximum legal blood-alcohol level is .02% - much lower than in the United States. Swedish police often conduct alcohol tests on roads and highways. Drunk driving rules are strictly enforced and fines can be severe, including possible jail sentences.

Child Protection Laws: The treatment of children is taken very seriously in Sweden. All forms of corporal punishment of children are against the law, and any form of violence, humiliating treatment, or neglect may result in the child being taken away from parents by the Swedish authorities and placed into long-term care by Sweden’s social services and/or criminal charges being brought against the offending parent. Homeschooling is not allowed in Sweden, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Compulsory Military Service: In March 2017, Sweden reintroduced military conscription for men and women. Dual U.S.-Swedish citizens are also subject to conscription, although persons who have previously done military service may be excluded from the requirement and should contact the Swedish Ministry of Defense for more information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Sweden.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Sweden prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Accessibility to public facilities and transportation in Sweden is extensive. The Swedish Government actively funds programs promoting disability access to streets, public buildings, stores, restaurants, and public transportation. For more information on accessibility in Sweden, visit the  Tourist Bureau ’s website.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Medical care in Sweden is comparable to that found in the United States. Non-residents are expected to pay their own medical costs in full.

For emergency services in Sweden, dial 112. Assistance in English is available.

Ambulance services are widely available.

For non-emergencies, you can visit a local medical center or clinic, called an “Akutmottagning” or “Vardcentral.” Be prepared to present your passport.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept credit card payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Sweden’s  Medical Products Agency  to ensure the medication is legal in Sweden. Please note that local physicians may not prescribe the quantities or dosages of medication that a U.S. doctor would. Stringent Swedish customs regulations prohibit the shipment of drugs to Sweden. Most pharmacies (“Apotek”) are open during normal shopping hours, but major cities will have a 24-hour pharmacy.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of local hospitals and health facilities here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Swedish roads are comparable to those in the United States, though secondary roads may be less heavily traveled. Road signs use standard international symbols and Swedish text. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.

All vehicles on the road must have their headlights turned on, no matter the time of day. You must use snow tires between December 1 and March 31, and you should be experienced driving on ice and snow if you are going to drive in the winter.

You must use seat belts, and children under 135cm (4ft 5 inches) in height must be seated in approved child or booster seats.

Gas stations in rural areas can be far apart. Some stations are unattended and require a credit card with a chip to purchase fuel.

Slower vehicles should move onto the shoulder to allow faster moving vehicles to pass.

Traffic Laws: You can use a valid U.S. driver’s license while visiting Sweden, or as a resident in Sweden registered for less than one year, but you must be at least 18 years old to drive.

The maximum speed limit is 120 kilometers per hour (approximately 75 miles per hour).

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Sweden is the recommended way to travel within larger cities. Taxis are more expensive than in major U.S. cities. Most local residents use public transport in Stockholm, as parking can be expensive. The bus, train, and subway systems are considered safe. Cyclists are common on many roads, especially in urban areas.

See our  Road Safety page  or Driving in Sweden website for more information. Visit the website of Sweden’s  national tourist office  and  national transport administration  responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Sweden’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Sweden’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sweden should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA maritime safety information website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Sweden . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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What are the Required Documents for a Sweden Tourist Visa?

• Europe Visas
• Sweden visa
• Sweden Visitor Visa Requirements, Sweden Visitor Visa Application Process

Sweden is a paradise for travelers. The naturally beautiful landscapes attract everyone. If you have considered visiting Sweden for your next holiday, you might need a Sweden tourist visa. It allows you to enter the country for a short time and do what you want.

In this blog, we will cover the nationalities who need and don’t need a Sweden tourist visa, the requirements, application process, fees, processing time, FAQs, and more.

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Sweden tourist visa.

Table of Contents

Do You Need a Sweden Tourist Visa?

Sweden is among the members of the Schengen Area. So the same rules of the Schengen countries apply to it. A Sweden Tourist Visa is a short-stay visa. It means you can only stay there up to 90 days in a six months period. If you need a Sweden Tourist Visa or not depends on your nationality.

Video description 

Find the links and extra information explained in the video here.

You can see the pdf file related to the youtube video here:

https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/sweden-tourist-visa.pdf

The residents of the EU, EEA, the USA, the UK, and all 26 Schengen states are exempt from Sweden visa.

The citizens of these countries DO NOT NEED to apply for a Sweden Tourist Visa:

North America

South america.

If you are a citizen of the above countries, you don’t need to apply for a Sweden Tourist visa. You can visit the country with a passport for up to 90 days. Please note that if you need to STAY LONGER, you have to APPLY for an appropriate visa.

If you do not need a short-stay visa, you do not need a transit visa either.

Once you know you need a visa to visit Sweden , you should gather the required documents:

A. Sweden Tourist Visa application form

You should complete the online form. Then print, date, and sign it. Please keep it until you submit it with the rest of the documents to the Swedish officials.

B. A valid passport

It must be valid for three months over the date you will leave Sweden. It must be issued in the past ten years with two blank pages. You must submit a copy of your previous visas (if had any).

C. Have enough funds

You need to have enough money to cover yourself in Sweden. You should have 48.26€ for your trip to Sweden.

D. Travel insurance

You must buy travel health insurance to cover all your medical emergency costs in Sweden and across Schengen states. It must cover your costs for 30.000 EUR.

It must be new (taken in the past three months), and your face must cover %70 of the photo.

F. Cover letter

It states the purpose of your visit and travel itinerary. You write a letter to the Sweden officials and explain the purpose of your visit.

G. Proof of accommodation

You have to state where will you stay during your visit. It could be a reserved hotel receipt or rental contract.

H. Proof of civil status

It includes your marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse.

I. Invitation letter

If you have a family or friend living in Sweden, they could send you an invitation letter. It could raise your chance to receive a tourist visa.

The reserved flight tickets, along with the flight number and the date you will leave Sweden.

K. Insurance

You have to busy insurance valid in Sweden and all Schengen states. It must cover your expenses for at least 30.000 EUR.

The Required Documents based on your job status

 if employed.

• Contract of employment
• Bank statements for the past six months.
• Permission letter from your employer.
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

 If self-employed

• A copy of your business registration/ business license

If a student

• Proof of enrollment
• Permission leave from your school/university.
• Pension statement of the latest six months.

Please remember that the Sweden authorities might ask for more documents.

The Application Process for Sweden Tourist Visa

Figure out if you need a visa or not.

As we mentioned earlier, first, you should find out if you need a Sweden Tourist Visa or not. You can see the list above to answer this question. If your nationality does not need a Sweden tourist visa, you could enter the country with a passport.

Complete the Sweden Tourist Visa application form

You have to complete the online form and could get it from the Sweden embassy in your country. Complete, sign, and date it. Keep it until you deliver it to the officials during your interview. Please be cautious while you complete it.

Gather the required documents

Now you should collect the required documents. Please remember the Schengen visa has high credibility, but the states are strict with their regulations and laws. So don’t take anything easy. Pay attention to even small details.

Book a visa appointment

When you gather all the requirements, you should arrange an appointment. You should get one to the Swedish:

• or a visa center authorized by the Swedish government.

Attend the appointment

Once the time comes, participate in the appointment. Please get there on time. You should submit the application and the required documents to the Swedish officials. Then you should pass an interview. The Swedish visa officer will ask you a few questions about your background and the purpose of your trip. Please be confident, friendly, and give honest answers. The fate of your visa rides on this interview. If officials suspect you have illegal intentions, they won’t issue the visa.

Pay the fees

You must pay the visa for the Sweden tourist visa application. The fee for adults is €80. You should check whether the embassy/consulate you apply to accept cash/credit card. The tourist visa’s cost for 6-12 children is €40. Under six children are visa-free.

Wait for processing

At this step, you have to wait until your application gets processed. It often takes about 15 days for a Sweden tourist visa to get processed. If your application gets accepted, the officials will send you the visa stuck on your passport. If not, they will inform you through a letter explaining the reason.

Sweden Tourist Visa Interview Questions

The Sweden visa officer will ask you a few questions during the interview. If they don’t find you fit, they could reject your application. You can avoid this by prior knowledge.

There are general and often unusual personal questions that the visa officer might ask you:

• The place you live
• Educational background
• Marriage status, children, will they travel with you.
• Are you expecting it?
• Do any of your friends or family members live in one of the Schengen countries?
• Financial status
• Permission leave from your employer.
• The purpose of your visit to Sweden.

How Long is the Sweden Tourist Visa Valid For?

The Sweden Tourist Visa, like every other Schengen visa, is valid for 90 days in a six month period. You can spend some of these 90 days in another Schengen country as well. How many times you can enter Sweden depends on the type of Sweden Tourist Visa you will receive:

• Single-entry
• Double-entry
• Multiple-entry

Can You Extend a Sweden Tourist Visa?

Yes, but only for force majeure or emergencies. You must have a compelling reason to extend your tourist visa. If not, you have to leave the county.

Can You Work in Sweden with a Tourist Visa?

You may not work in Sweden or any Schengen country on a Sweden Tourist visa. You have to apply for a Sweden work visa to do so.

Can You Apply for a Permanent Residence with a Sweden Tourist Visa?

No, you may not. You have to apply for a Sweden Permanent Residence from your residence country.

Do You Have to Buy a Health Insurance for a Sweden Tourist Visa?

YES. You have to buy health insurance that is valid in Sweden and the entire Schengen state. It must cover your medical expenses for 30.000 EUR.

Let’s sum up …

In this blog, we explained all the information about the Sweden Tourist Visa.

If you need a Sweden Tourist Visa or not, the requirements, the application process, and a few common questions got explained.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. You can find all the types of Sweden visas at the left sidebar.

You can check the Visa Library website to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

• Published by
• August 25, 2020

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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Short Stay Visa

Note: VFS in London UK is currently only accepting application for Schengen Visa to Sweden.

Schengen visa

Citizens of some non-EU countries are required to hold a valid Schengen visa when travelling to the Schengen area, which is a group of European countries that allows a person, who’s been admitted to the Schengen Area, to travel without any further form of border control within the Schengen Area.

Current Schengen States are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

A Schengen visa is a short stay visa , i.e. for stays up to 90 days, allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen Area.

A Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Mission of the Schengen State, which will be the main destination (i.e. where the most nights will be spent) during a single trip to the Schengen Area.

A single trip is considered when a customer enters the Schengen Area, stays there for a certain period and eventually leaves the Schengen Area.

If an equal amount of nights will be spent in different Schengen States during a single trip to the Schengen Area, then the Schengen visa must be obtained with the Mission of the Schengen State, which will be entered first.

The documentation related to the means of travel and accommodation must cover the complete itinerary of the single trip to the Schengen Area ; i.e. travel tickets must be provided, not only for the travel from and to the Schengen Area, but also for the travel between the different Schengen States, when more than 1 Schengen State will be visited during the single trip.

Each Schengen visa application must fully comply with the documents required for the respective visa category and can only be submitted up to 6 months before the intended departure date.

The acceptance of a Schengen visa application and supporting documents by VFS does not guarantee the issuance of a Schengen visa.

The issuance of a Schengen visa, the Schengen visa validity period, the number of entries and amount of travel days are at the sole discretion of the Mission.

If a visa application is returned by the Mission requesting missing documents or any other missing/ incorrect information, the customer must accept responsibility for any delay that may occur in the visa application processing time.

Holders of valid Schengen visas are still subject to immigration control upon arrival in the Schengen Area and are not necessarily guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries, even though they may hold a valid Schengen visa for these countries.

Following visa categories are considered Short stay visas:

Visitor Family/Friends

Business/officials, eea/eu and swiss national family member.

• Airport Transit

Documents Required

Photo specifications, processing time, download forms.

Every customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online.

For Non-EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out. Please note that holders of UK Travel Documents issued under the directives of United Nations Convention 28 July 1951(blue covered travel document) and Convention 28 Sept 1954( red covered travel document) will need a visa to enter Sweden.

Customer who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Customer must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• holding a valid passport/travel document
• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then customer may apply for a Schengen visa as long as the customer couldn’t apply from the country of residence since he/she has already left the residence country more than 6 months ago
• applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit

On October 7, 2021 the European Commission decided to temporarily suspend some of the provision of the Visa Code for citizens of Gambia. As of November 1, citizens of Gambia will not be able to be exempted of any of the document requirements. The application process will take 45 days instead of 15 days. Will not be able to receive multiple entry visas, diplomats or holders of service passport will not be exempted of the application fee.

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee of 20 EURO (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by cash (except in Edinburgh), Credit/Debit card.

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the customer can always be asked to provide additional information/documents if requested by Sweden Migration Agency.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and it is mandatory to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview section to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

For Minors, please click here . Note, minors must provide documents both for the category they are applying for (sports, family visit etcetera) and for minors category.

Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

Extended passport may still be valid, but a passport older than 10 years, i.e. date of issuance is more than 10 years back, on the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area is no longer acceptable; in that case customer first needs to apply for a new passport.

UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, must be valid for at least one month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here ) is only acceptable, if the customer couldn’t apply from the country of residence since he/she has already left the residence country and resides consecutively more than 6 months in the UK.

• Proof of current occupation

a. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed , headed letter references from your employer, which must include company registration number in the UK, contact details, address, date of issue, position and salary of the employment should also be indicated. In addition, you must include your last three payslips

b. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed , UK school/college/university letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming customers enrolment, type of studies, completion date, number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record)

c. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming customers self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable): The letter must also state the annual salary drawn from the company.

i. customers accountant: when customers company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant

ii. solicitor: when customers company has been registered by a solicitor.

iii. bank manager: when customers company has a business bank account.

iv. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if customers name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection customer – company should be provided.

d. Unemployed/retired

• Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service.
• Housewife/man (only applicable to spouses/partners): customers may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

a. Marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or Swedish, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK.

b. spouse/registered partner’s passport (copy)

c. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)

d. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds

e. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship

• Proof of funds

a. Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 40.00./day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees.

b. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

c. Credit card(s) and credit card statement showing the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must obtain information of the monthly limit or the sending cap.

• Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

a. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning customers name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area. Please note: Flight tickets to be issued from airlines company only and not from the travel agencies.

b. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If the customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates need to be provided too.

Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning customers name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

If the customers name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket.

The travel insurance – clearly showing the customers name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be at least 30.000 €.

To see how your data is processed by the Sweden Migration Agency please click here .

Please provide one recent colour photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the customer wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
• Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here ), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Every customer can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

Information for applicants with Gambian Passport:

Information for applicants with Russian Passport:

As per the COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2022/333 holders of Russian diplomatic passport need a visa to enter the EU. The general procedure time (15 days) applies to holders of Russian diplomatic passport and Russian business people and representatives of business organisations.

General processing information:

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 days , customers are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Sweden Migration Agency to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s actual return date as delays may occur.

For certain nationalities ( see list here ) the visa application needs consultation from the other Schengen countries and therefore the processing time can take longer.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the responsible Sweden Migration Agency requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Customers also need to be aware that, especially during the busy season around Easter, the summer holidays (July and August), and Christmas, the handling time might be affected.

Furthermore, customers need to consider that VFS/Swedish Migration Agency closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures ) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore, VFS recommends all customers:

• Submit their application at the earliest so that they can get an appointment at VFS centre
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Sweden Migration Agency’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Sweden Migration Agency

Customers submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to Sweden Migration Agency- Stockholm the following day.

The Sweden Migration Agency may always request additional information/documents or invite customers for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which customers accept the responsibility for, this is in accordance to the Visa code.

For Sweden every customer needs to

• Your Sweden application should be submitted using the Sweden e-application portal .
• Please ensure that you upload all mandatory supporting documents on your visa application.
• You will be requested to download, sign, and re-upload the visa application form after successful verification of your application on the Sweden E-application portal.
• Please note that the responsibility to upload the correct, and a good-quality scan for the requested document is on the customer.
• You will have to arrive at the centre on your date of appointment with your passport/travel document to submit your biometrics.

Invitation form if staying with someone in Sweden:

If you are hosted by a person in Sweden, the inviter must fill in the Invitation form and sign in section 9 of the form.

The inviting person’s passport copy or Swedish ID, to be provided. If the host is a non-EU citizen, then this information must also be provided with the form.

If the host is supporting the customer while in Sweden, then 3 months wage slips and 3 months bank statement are required from the host.

Please click here to download the form.

Every Customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment ) by the Customer.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out. Please note that holders of UK Travel Documents issued under the directives of United Nations Convention 28 July 1951(blue covered travel document) and Convention 28 Sept 1954( red covered travel document) will need a visa to enter Sweden.

Customers, who intend to travel for business purposes, i.e. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to make business deals, to recruit, to train or other work related activities can apply as Business.

Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Sweden, if not, Customer will need to apply as Tourist .

In regards to conference/seminar/workshop the following Customers can also apply for a Business visa:

• Customers-employees going to attend a conference/seminar/workshop organised by their company or another company directly related to their company
• Customers-employees going to be actively involved in a conference/seminar/workshop
• Students going to attend a conference/seminar/workshop related to their studies

Employer letter needs to confirm clearly the purpose of attending the conference/seminar/workshop, if not, Customer will need to apply as Tourist .

• holding a valid UK residence permit. In case Customer holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then Customer may apply for a Schengen visa as long as the Customer couldn’t apply from the country of residence since he/she has already left the residence country more than 6 months ago

Important Notice: Non-EU family members of EU citizens living in UK:

• Holders of a Residence Permit based on a UK, EU/EEA national nad travelling with the UK, EU/EEA national or alone needs a visa. Full documentations according to the Visa Code required. Visa fee required. Please have a look under the Tourist or Visitor Family/Friends for the required documents.

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the customer can always be asked to provide additional information/documents if requested by Sweden Migration Agency

Minors are Customers who haven’t reached the age of 18 years when submitting a Schengen visa application (Tourist, Visitor Family/Friends, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit).

Therefore each minor MUST provide the following additional documents:

• Child’s unabridged/full birth certificate showing both biological parents their names
• Written consent (signed and dated) of mother and father mentioned on the child’s birth certificate
• Copy of both parents their passports’ Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page
• In case the parents are divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then respectively the court order confirming one parent’s sole custody or the deceased parent’s death certificate.
• In case a guardian has been appointed by the parents, then the guardianship letter and the guardian’s passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page

Due to European legislation regarding protection of children/minors, it has to be emphasised that Minors, who are not providing all the required documents, may not be granted a Schengen visa.

Applicable visa fee for minors varies in 3 age groups:

• Minors under 6 years old: Gratis
• Minors 6 years old but just not 12 years old: Reduced visa fee
• Minors 12 years old and more: Full visa fee

Airport -transit, Lorry drivers, Seafarers

Every Customer has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment ) by the Customer.

Customers, travelling by plane to a destination outside the Schengen Area, may make a stopover in the Schengen Area. During the stopover they may disembark the aircraft and then stay for a certain time in the airport’s transit zone (without going through Immigration Control).

Certain nationalities (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka) have to apply for an airport transit visa in order to be allowed to make such an airport transit.

• Holders of a valid uniform visa, national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Member State
• Fill out and submit the visa application on the Sweden E-application portal .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Sweden set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Swedish Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Sweden.

Accompanied under-18s

Carry a letter of consent from the parent or guardian of children under 18 who are travelling with you.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Sweden, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

To enter Sweden (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Sweden). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you haven’t overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If you live in Sweden, read our Living in Sweden guide for passport stamping information.

At Swedish border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Border controls on arrival from Denmark and Germany

Border controls are in place in Sweden for people travelling from Denmark via the Öresund crossing and arriving on ferries from Denmark and Germany.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (which includes Sweden) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends

to attend business meetings, cultural or sports event

• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to Sweden and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Swedish government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Swedish Embassy in the UK .

If you stay in Sweden with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need in TravelHealthPro’s Sweden guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Sweden . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Sweden

Many shops, cafes and restaurants do not accept cash, so make sure you have a debit or credit card with you.

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