sweden visit visa documents required

• Experience Guide (sv, dk, no, eng)
• Corporate (in Swedish)
• Press & Media
• Travel Trade
• About Sweden

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.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

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

View Alerts and Messages Archive

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.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

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.

Greece unveils visa-on-arrival program for Turkish tourists to 10 islands

Ireland imposes visa requirements on citizens of Dominica, Vanuatu, and Honduras

The essential traveler's guide to understanding various types of visas

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• 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.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Sweden

On this page you will find questions and answers about visiting Sweden.

Do I have to visit the Swedish Migration Agency to show my passport when I apply for a residence permit to extend my visit in Sweden?

Yes, when you apply for a residence permit to visit Sweden for more than 90 days, you have to visit the Swedish Migration Agency in person before we can make a decision. You need to show that you are in Sweden, and you need to show your passport. In some cases you will also need to answer supplementary questions. When you apply through our e-service, you book an appointment for the personal visit through the e-service.

Do I need to apply for an entry visa to visit Sweden if I have a residence permit issued by another Schengen country?

No, if you have a valid residence permit issued by another Schengen country, you can travel to and stay in Sweden for up to 90 days without having an entry visa.

Can I apply for a visitors permit to extend my visit in Sweden, when I have an ongoing application for a residence and work permit?

The Swedish Migration Agency recommends for several reasons that you do not apply for a residence permit for a visit that concerns stays over 90 days, when you have an ongoing application for a residence and work permit:

• You cannot be granted two residence permits at the same time. The Swedish Migration Agency decides in the case that is most advantageous for you.
• If you apply for a residence permit for a visit while you are in Sweden, you are at risk of a rejection of your application for a residence permit to move to someone.
• If you are outside Sweden, you must wait until a decision is made in the application that is most advantageous for you. This may mean that the dates that you apply for a residence permit for a visit may have passed when the decision is made.

Can I apply for a residence permit for visit online?

You can apply for a visitor’s residence permit online. You can find the application here:

Visit Sweden for more than 90 days

When you apply, you must make an appointment to visit the Swedish Migration Agency (if you are in Sweden) or an embassy (if you are outside the country). Here you can see which embassy to select for your appointment:

Embassies responsible for migration matters

How can I take part of the entire decision for my relative or friend that I have invited?

Can a child invite a relative or parent living abroad to visit?

No, a child under the age of 18 can not sign an invitation.

The person can apply as a tourist and in the application state that they are to visit the child and explain what relationship they have. Or the legal guardian of the child in Sweden can write an invitation to invite the relative or parent.

Last updated: 2024-02-15

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 .