Sweden Schengen Visa: Application guide

How to apply for a Sweden Schengen visa

Last updated: April 2024

Embark on an adventure to the lively streets of Stockholm or the serene landscapes of the Swedish countryside with ease. This guide is your key to seamlessly applying for the Sweden Schengen Visa—your gateway to a memorable journey!

Whether you're drawn to Sweden or any other Schengen destination for leisure or business, we're here to equip you with all the essential details for a smooth Sweden Schengen Visa application experience.

What is the Sweden Schengen Visa?

The Sweden Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa allowing travelers to explore the Schengen area. It allows you to traverse multiple Schengen member countries, including Sweden, without the hassle of border crossings or needing separate visas for each destination.

With the Sweden Schengen Visa in hand, the visa holder gains access to 27 Schengen states: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

While the Swedish Schengen Visa allows you to visit other Schengen countries, Sweden should be the primary destination where you plan to spend the majority of your time within the Schengen Zone.

What can I do with the Swedish Schengen Visa?**

• Enter Sweden and the Schengen Area for tourism.

• Visit family and friends residing in the area.

• Make stopovers at an airport in the Schengen zone.

• Attend business meetings and conferences or conduct other business activities.

• Do a short recreational course or training.

• Play sports and participate in cultural activities.

• Do scientific research.

• Visit Sweden for medical reasons.

What can I not do with the Swedish Schengen Visa?

• Do remunerated business (paid work).

• Study for an extended time.

Who can apply for the Sweden Schengen Visa?

European residents and nationals of Schengen countries enjoy the privilege of traveling visa-free within the Schengen Zone. However, foreign travelers from over 100 countries must fulfill specific requirements and undergo an interview process to get a Schengen visa.

Children or minors must also get a Schengen Visa if they visit Sweden from an eligible country. In such cases, both parents must sign the application form, and additional documents, such as a birth certificate, may be required.

There are certain countries whose passport holders can visit the Schengen Zone without needing a visa, including:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

To check whether you need a Schengen Visa, use our convenient Visa Checker Tool.

How long is the Sweden Schengen Visa valid?

You are generally allowed a maximum stay of 90 days Per Entry within 180 days. This means that you can freely enter and travel between any Schengen country as many times as you wish, as long as the total duration of your visit does not exceed 90 days.

It's important to keep in mind that the type of visa you receive, whether it is multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry, is ultimately determined by the Swedish government. Multiple-entry visas, if granted, can have a validity ranging from 180 days up to a maximum of 5 years.

It’s usually not possible to extend a Schengen Visa during your trip. An extension is only granted in exceptional circumstances (for example, a medical emergency). If you want to extend your trip, you must exit the Schengen Area and apply for a new visa.

For more information on other Sweden Visa requirements, for example, a long-stay visa or work visa, please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate near you.

Required documents and information for the Swedish Schengen Visa application

The documents that are usually required include:

• A copy of your valid passport: It must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date.

• Proof of your travel plans: This can be a return ticket to your home country, confirmed hotel reservation(s), or invitation letter from your host.

• Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your trip. You can do this by providing bank statements, for example.

• Travel/medical insurance: This insurance must cover expenses for medical treatment up to €30,000 and repatriation in case of an emergency.

• Two passport-size photos: If you don’t have one, use our affordable and convenient digital photo service.

• Visa application form: You’ll receive this during the application process.

• Other documents: Proving your civil status and employment status (if applicable).

You may need to provide additional documents for any dependents traveling with you, such as your spouse or children.

How to apply for the Sweden Schengen visa online with us

The general steps to apply are:

1. Choose the Schengen visa type based on your travel purpose.
2. Fill out the Schengen Visa application form accurately.
3. Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means.
4. Book a visa interview appointment at the Estonian embassy/consulate or visa application center.
5. Present your application and documents at the appointment.
6. Pay the visa application fee as per the current rates.
7. Monitor the status of your visa application online or through the embassy/consulate.

You can find more detailed information about the application process on the Swedish Government Website.

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can join our waitlist to be notified when we do:

Cost and processing time of the Sweden Schengen Visa application

The Swedish government aims to give a decision on your application between 15 and 45 days. You should apply at least 45 days before your departure to Sweden.

It’s possible to start your application six months before your departure date.

The government fee of about US$85 (can differ per nationality) must be paid during the appointment (half-price for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).

Do I need a Sweden Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?

If you are stopping at a Swedish airport on your way to a non-Schengen country, you must apply for a Sweden Airport Transit Visa. Whether you need to apply for this visa may depend on your nationality.

We advise contacting your local embassy to check if you need a Transit Visa.

Other travel documents for Sweden

You've probably heard of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Here’s more information about the differences between the ETIAS and Schengen Visa.

The ETIAS is a new travel authorization system to improve European security. The system aims to check if visa-free travelers to the European Union and the Schengen Area do not pose a safety risk to the region.

The system is inactive but will work similarly to the United States ESTA system. If you are one of the lucky travelers who enjoy visa-free travel (and does not need a Schengen Visa), you can apply for your ETIAS online with us as soon as it’s available.

Where can I learn more?

Learn more about the Swedish Schengen Visa by contacting our dedicated online team of customer service agents.