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6 ways to enter

Sweden visas

Sweden tourist visa

Some visitors can enter Sweden without a visa. Others need a short-stay Schengen visa.

Ways to get a Sweden tourist visa

  1. Visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can visit Sweden for pleasure without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Short-stay Schengen visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa and meet the entry and application requirements can apply.

    Stay
    Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Usually the planned trip for new applicants; up to five years for qualifying multiple-entry visas.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    EUR 90 standard; EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 12; free for children under 6. Other exemptions and reductions apply. An external service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    Within 15 calendar days for an admissible application without issues; delays can occur.
    1. Apply to Sweden's embassy or consulate when Sweden is your main destination.
    2. Submit no earlier than six months before your planned entry.
    3. Attend in person for your first application and interview.
    4. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

  4. Visit using an existing visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen state, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit Sweden without an additional visa. An existing Schengen short-stay visa also covers Sweden unless marked otherwise.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period for visits using a long-stay visa or residence permit.

  5. Bilateral visa-free stay

    No visa needed

    Australian and New Zealand citizens have separate visa-waiver arrangements with Sweden.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in Sweden without reference to time spent in other Schengen countries.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  6. Visa-free visit for refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland

    No visa needed

    Refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland qualify for Sweden's listed exemption.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of EU single market countries, nationals on the visa-free list and certain holders of residence permits or visas can enter without a separate Swedish visa.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Sweden's embassy or consulate if Sweden is your only or main Schengen destination.
  2. If no main destination can be identified, apply to the country where you will first enter the Schengen Area.
  3. Submit your application no earlier than six months before your planned entry. An external service may collect applications.
  4. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview.
  5. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required. Children under 12 do not provide fingerprints. You may not need to repeat these checks if you provided them within the past 59 months.

What to bring

  • Travel document.
  • Evidence of your visit's purpose and planned arrangements.
  • Proof of enough money for your stay and onward or return journey.
  • For Sweden's funds requirement: three months of bank statements or two years of income tax declarations, unless an official sponsor provides proof.

Good to know

  • Count short visits across the Schengen Area together. The usual limit is 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Sweden's reference amount for living costs is SEK 450 per day.
  • A Schengen visa covers Sweden unless its territorial restrictions say otherwise.
  • Visa validity and permitted stay are different. A visa valid for several years does not allow you to stay continuously for that long.
  • Some nationalities have different fees, procedures or rules for multiple-entry visas.
  • Visa fees can rise to EUR 180 for certain nationalities, except children under 12.
  • A shared online visa application platform is planned, with a transition scheduled until 2031. This does not establish an available Swedish online visa programme.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Sweden?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa. Citizens of EU single market countries, nationals on the visa-free list and certain holders of residence permits or visas can enter without a separate Swedish visa.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Sweden?

There are 6 options: Visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Short-stay Schengen visa (a visa from an embassy); Freedom of movement (no visa at all); Visit using an existing visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Bilateral visa-free stay (no visa at all); Visa-free visit for refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland (no visa at all).

Who can go to Sweden without a tourist visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can visit Sweden for pleasure without a visa. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can enter, reside and work in Sweden without a visa. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen state, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit Sweden without an additional visa. An existing Schengen short-stay visa also covers Sweden unless marked otherwise. Australian and New Zealand citizens have separate visa-waiver arrangements with Sweden. Refugees and stateless people resident in Ireland qualify for Sweden's listed exemption.

How long can I stay on a Sweden tourist visa?

Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Sweden tourist visa cost?

Standard visa fee: EUR 90. Children aged 6 to 12: EUR 45. Children under 6: free. Other reductions and exemptions apply. An external application service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.

How long does a Sweden tourist visa take?

Normally within 15 calendar days after an admissible application is lodged, if there are no issues. Appointment shortages and longer processing times can occur.

How long is a Sweden tourist visa valid?

New applicants usually receive a visa for their planned trip. Visas can be valid for up to five years. Entries: One, two or multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a Sweden tourist visa?

Travel document.; Evidence of your visit's purpose and planned arrangements.; Proof of enough money for your stay and onward or return journey.; For Sweden's funds requirement: three months of bank statements or two years of income tax declarations, unless an official sponsor provides proof..

How do I apply for a Sweden tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply to Sweden's embassy or consulate if Sweden is your only or main Schengen destination. 2. 2. If no main destination can be identified, apply to the country where you will first enter the Schengen Area. 3. 3. Submit your application no earlier than six months before your planned entry. An external service may collect applications. 4. 4. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview. 5. 5. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required. Children under 12 do not provide fingerprints. You may not need to repeat these checks if you provided them within the past 59 months.

What rules do I have to follow on a Sweden tourist visa?

Count short visits across the Schengen Area together. The usual limit is 90 days in any 180-day period. Sweden's reference amount for living costs is SEK 450 per day. A Schengen visa covers Sweden unless its territorial restrictions say otherwise.

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