Caution October 19, 2023

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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. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

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

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Visa Application Form

Swedish Visa Application Form

Visiting Sweden and need a Swedish visa form? Find and download the right visa form for your needs, here.

Swedish Visa Application Form

The Swedish Visa for your Trip to Sweden

Applying for a Swedish visa is necessary when visiting on holiday trip or to see a relative or living in Sweden or on a business trip.

Usually, a visitor should be able to apply for the necessary Swedish visa online/ at the nearest Swedish embassy in the country where you live.

General Visa Requirements and Validity Period of Swedish Visa

It is advisable to check the Swedish visa requirements, before applying for your visa to Sweden.

A brief list of the most important requirements and conditions when getting the visa for Sweden:

  • You do not intend to carry out unpaid work that may otherwise be performed by a paid employee in Sweden.
  • You do not intend to participate in an employment relationship in Sweden.
  • You do not plan to give services to Swedish organisations (this is allowed with a Swedish work visa or business visa).
  • You do not mean to provide or sell product or services to consumers in Sweden.
  • You and your relative are not in debt to the Sweden Government.
  • You do not pose a threat to the health or safety of residents of Sweden.
  • You have the ability to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your stay and return from Sweden.

sweden tourist visa form

Do you need a Swedish visa?

It relies on your nationality and the kind of travel document you are using to take a trip to Sweden.Please go here to check if you need a Swedish visa.

Who exactly can make an application for a Swedish visa?

Any individual choosing to go on vacation to Sweden can make an application for a Swedish visa.

There are many types of visa for Sweden which you can use as a visitor to Sweden. If you are not sure which sort of Swedish visa you need to apply, please call the nearby Swedish visa office to get additional clarification as goal of this page is to provide you general guide when obtaining Swedish visa.

What type of Swedish visa do I need?

This relies on 3 aspects:

  • The citizenship according to your passport – If the citizenship according to the passport is from a nation that is on visa free travel to Sweden or eligible to apply for a visa on arrival in Sweden, then you may not need to make an application for a Swedish visa prior to leaving from your home country. Please go here to confirm if you need a Swedish visa.
  • The length of your trip in Sweden – If you intend to remain in Sweden for a much shorter duration less than ninety days, then you can make an application for the Swedish visa. If you want to remain longer, then call the local Swedish visa office to obtain the appropriate visa for your travel.
  • The activities you hope to perform in Sweden – If your main purpose of taking a trip is for holiday, then you can make an application for all types of Swedish visas talked about on this page.

General Visa Application Requirements to Apply for Swedish Visitor Visa

  • Traveler visa Form for Sweden – Completed Swedish visa application form.
  • Original and signed passport – The passport should be valid for at the very least six months prior to going into Sweden and three months after departing Sweden. It has to contain a minimum of 2 spare visa pages and can not be older than 10 years.
  • Passport type photo – Photo needs to be no older than six months and must be 35 x 40mm in width.
  • Previous passport – Supply a previous passport if you had any.
  • Previous visas – Copies of previous Swedish visas details if you had any.
  • Flight tickets to Sweden – Reservation of return or round trip flight tickets. In some situations the Swedish visa office might ask for prepaid air travel tickets to Sweden.
  • Travel insurance policy – Evidence of travel insurance with a minimum cover set by the Swedish embassy provided with the Certificate of Insurance coverage and the table of benefits. The travel insurance policy need to cover the cost of repatriation for medical reasons and the Certificate of Currency should be issued by an insurer. If you are considering utilizing your credit card travel insurance for your travel to Sweden, please call Swedish embassy for more details and travel insurance requirements for the Swedish visa.
  • Original financial institution statements – Original bank statements for the last 3 months revealing adequate funds to cover stay in Sweden. If statements are printed online then it needs to be Confirmed (marked) by the bank officials.
  • Hotel Reservations in Sweden – Copy of confirmed hotel bookings including name of the applicant, name and address of the hotel, length of stay. In many scenarios, only bookings which are partly or completely pre-paid can be accepted.
  • Employment letter – This letter should be: original and signed letter from employer written on company letter head paper, validating your ongoing employment, the status of employment, regular monthly salary and yearly leave. Likewise, please offer your 3 latest pay slips. If you are self-employed: provide certified copies of company registration, income tax return.
  • For students. Please give the following:
  • Evidence of present student status: Certificate of Enrollment.
  • Original and signed letter from university written on university letter head paper, affirming ongoing enrolment, confirming the payment of tuition fees or any type of scholarships, and confirming term break.
  • Insurance coverage from Organisation/University– Offer a letter from the University stating the purpose, period of travel and confirmation that you are going to be covered by the insurance policy for the whole journey in addition to the Certificate of Currency and summary of benefits.

As a whole, visa applications for Swedish visa must be sent for a maximum of 6 months, and no behind 15 days, before the journey.

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VFS GLOBAL

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 .

photo specs

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 .

IMAGES

  1. Sweden Visa Application Form Pdf

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  2. Sweden Visa Application Form Pdf

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  4. Belgium visa application form download: Fill out & sign online

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  5. How To Fill Out Schengen Visa Application Form For Philippine Passport

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  6. Documents Checklist for Sweden Visa

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COMMENTS

  1. Visit Sweden for less than 90 days

    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. Swedish (svenska) Print. Listen.

  2. PDF Application for Schengen Visa

    This application form is free. Family members of EU, EEA or CH citizens or of UK nationals who are Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries shall not fill in fields no.21, 22, 30, 31 and 32 (marked with*). Fields 1-3 shall be filled in in accordance with the data in the travel document. 1.

  3. Applying for a Visa to Sweden

    A Schengen visa can be issued for a maximum of 90 days. U.S citizens do not need a visa to visit Sweden if the visit is 90 days or less. Visa applications for travel to Sweden can be submitted to one of the VFS Global Visa Application Centers in the USA. All Schengen visa application in the U.S should be submitted to VFS Global in the U.S.

  4. Visiting Sweden

    From 15 January 2024, the rules will be clearer when it comes to residence permits for visitors. In a new judicial position, the Swedish Migration Agency emphasises, among other things, that in the future the applicant must be able to show that they have insurance and show how they will support themselves during their visit in Sweden. 2023-06-09.

  5. Sweden Schengen Visa Types, Requirements & Guidelines

    Required Documents for a Sweden Visitor Visa. When applying for a visa to visit family members and/or friends in Sweden, you should submit: ... Check where you need to apply for a Sweden visa. Complete the application form for a Swedish short-stay visa. Try not to make any mistakes and avoid typos, since the embassy/consulate tolerates none. ...

  6. Information on visas

    A visa is a permit that must be applied for before entering the Schengen area (including Sweden) for a short period. The aim of the visit may be to visit relatives or friends, a tourist visit, a business visit, to participate in a conference or just to travel through (transit). The decision whether to grant a visa is made in advance of the ...

  7. Visiting Sweden

    If you are visiting Sweden 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 maximum of 90 days. If you intend to stay in Sweden for longer than 90 days you will need a visitors' residence permit. Citizens from the following countries/territories require a visa when ...

  8. 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. Visa: USD. Schengen visa application. USD 89. Children, ages 6-11 (unless otherwise stated in the Visa Facilitation Agreement) USD 44. Children, under the age of 6 years.

  9. Checklists and forms

    Tourist Visa Checklist (groups) Medical Visa Checklist. Cultural, Sport, Religious events, and Film crews Visa Checklist ... Schengen Visa Application form (English) Schengen Visa Application form (Swedish) Invitation form (English) Invitation form (Swedish) Consent Letter for Minors. Power of Attorney . Last updated 07 Apr 2022, 10.12 AM ...

  10. Visit Sweden for more than 90 days

    If you want to visit Sweden for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visitor's permit. If you are in Sweden and want to extend your visit so that it will be more than 90 days in total, you must also apply for a visitor's permit. If you are exempt from the visa requirements and have a valid residence permit, issued by Sweden or another ...

  11. Visa Information

    Applicants can instantly track the status of their application by clicking on Track your Application or by sending a SMS to VISA SE passport number to 57333. There will be no need to follow up with the Embassy or the Call Centre to ascertain when the passport will be returned. Please Note.

  12. List of foreign citizens who require Visa for entry into Sweden

    *) = Holder of a Diplomatic Passport or a Service Passport does not require a visa. Visa-free travel also applies to Turkish citizens who hold special passports. **) = Holder of a Diplomatic Passport does not require a visa. ***) = Holder of a Diplomatic Passport does not require a visa for a short stay according to an agreement between the EC and respectively state on the facilitation of the ...

  13. Sweden International Travel Information

    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.

  14. Swedish Visa Application Form

    General Visa Application Requirements to Apply for Swedish Visitor Visa. Traveler visa Form for Sweden - Completed Swedish visa application form. Original and signed passport - The passport should be valid for at the very least six months prior to going into Sweden and three months after departing Sweden. It has to contain a minimum of 2 ...

  15. Apply for a Schengen Visa

    Dover CT17 9EF. Kent. Office hours: by appointment. The consulate covers the areas of: Kent (the Rochester area, east of a line between Tunbridge Wells and Faversham) Honorary consul: James Ryeland. Edinburgh. Phone +44 (0) 1316 050 109. E-mail [email protected]. 15 Old Fishmarket Close.

  16. Invite relatives or friends who need visas in order to travel to Sweden

    Invi­ta­tion for visi­ts up to 90 days. Citizens of a non-EU country may need a visa to visit Sweden. If you wish to invite a person who needs a visa to travel to Sweden, and who wants to visit you for up to 90 days, you must fill out an invitation form, Invitation before application for Schengen visa, number 241011 Pdf, 822.2 kB, opens in new window., and send to the person you wish to ...

  17. Visa Information

    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 ...

  18. Required documents

    The journey must be planned to start within six months of submitting an application and the following documents must be presented: Printed and signed web application form or a completed and signed application form no. 119031, Application for Schengen Visa. This must be completely filled out and signed. If the applicant is under the age of 18 ...

  19. Download Schengen Visa Application Form 2024

    Download Schengen Visa Application Form. Click on the following image to download the New Harmonised Schengen Visa Application Form. * This is the only form to be used starting from 02.02.2020. Get Schengen insurance from Europ Assistance and Secure your Schengen visa. Travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance are accepted by European ...

  20. Frequently asked questions about visiting Sweden

    If you want to take part of the entire decision, the person applying for the residence permit or the Schengen visa must enclose a power of attorney with their application. Use the form Power of attorney, 107011 Pdf, 641.6 kB, opens in new window..

  21. PDF Invitation

    Invitation - Before application for Schengen visa. To be filled in by persons in Sweden who wish to invite relatives or friends from abroad. Use this form if you wish to invite a relative or friend to visit you for maximum 90 days in a period of 180 days. Then send it complete with attachments (see below) by mail or scan them and send them ...

  22. Visiting Sweden (less than 90 days)

    Visiting Sweden (less than 90 days) If you are a Canadian citizen with a Canadian passport (travel document not accepted) and would like to travel to Sweden for a visit (tourism or business travel) and your stay will not exceed 90 days, you do not need to have a visa. You still need to meet a number of requirements.

  23. Required documents

    A completed and signed application form. Can be found here: Visit Sweden for less than 90 days - apply for a visa - Swedish Migration Agency (migrationsverket.se) A valid passport (valid for at least three months after your departure from the Schengen area, contain at least two empty pages for visa purpose and should have been issued during ...