A Schengen visa gives you permission to stay in the Schengen area for less than 90 days. 

A Schengen visa do not guarantee entry to the Schengen area. A Schengen visa allows you to travel to Sweden and usually to other Schengen countries, but it does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area.

You may have to provide certain information at the border or in other controls. You may for instance have to provide information on your means of support, how long you intend to stay in Sweden and why you are visiting Sweden. In some cases, such checks may result in a refusal for the visa holder to enter Sweden or the Schengen area. It is therefore recommended that you carry copies of the documents which you presented when you applied for the visa (e.g., letters of invitation, travel confirmations, other documents stating the purpose of your stay). This will help to make the border control procedure easier and to avoid delays at the border controls.

Please note that all travelers are responsible for verifying the travel restrictions in place before departure. 

When to apply

Applications can be lodged earliest 6 (six) months in prior to the start of the intended visit and for Seafarers in the performance of their duties, no more than 9 (nine) months before the intended date of departure. 

Who decides my case?

In most cases, the Embassy decides whether or not to grant a visa. In some cases, the Embassy passes the case on to the Swedish Migration Agency for a decision. The regulations in the Visa Code determine whether or not you are granted a visa. 

EU Delegation has adopted a new cascade system for India and we will start fully applying this cascade from Monday, 22nd April 2024:  

• This Decision applies to visa applications for short-stay visas lodged by Indian nationals residing in India with Member States’ consulates in India.
  
  
• By way of derogation from Article 24(2), points (a) and (b), of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, where the applicant fulfils the entry conditions set out in Article 6(1), points (a), (c), (d) and (e), of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council, a multiple-entry visa shall be issued for a validity period of two years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.
  
  
• This Decision shall not affect the application of Article 24(2), point (c), of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009.

Where the validity of the visa would exceed that of the travel document, a multiple-entry visa shall be issued with a period of validity ending three months before the end of validity of the applicant’s travel document

Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of 9 March 2016 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj).

How long does it take?

The processing time at the Embassy varies, but decisions are generally made within 15 days from the submission date. This period may be extended up to a maximum 45 calendar days in individual cases, when further scrutiny of the application is needed. In exceptional cases it may take up to 60 days to receive a decision.

Make sure to submit all required and supporting documents to avoid unnecessary delays.

What if I'm granted a visa?

When you receive your Schengen visa, make sure that all the information it contains is correct. Check the following:

• Your passport has a passport number. This number is also indicated on the visa sticker. Make sure that these numbers are the same.
• Check the validity time of the visa.
• Check that your name is spelled correctly.
• Check how many entries to the Schengen area you have been granted (1, 2 or Multiple Entries)

Do this yourself to avoid any problems or extra costs arising when you travel with the visa. If you think that the information on the visa is incorrect, contact the Embassy so that any potential errors can be corrected. 

What if my application is refused?

If your application has been refused, you may appeal the decision. You get information in the decision as to why your application was rejected. If you received a decision and you are not satisfied with, you can submit a written appeal no later than 3 weeks from the day you received the decision. For more information on how to appeal, click here.

Visits longer than 90 days

If you are planning to visit Sweden for longer than 90 days you should apply for a Visitor's Permit.

Misuse and overstay of Schengen visa

You must leave the Schengen area before the period of stay expires on your Schengen visa. Misuse and overstay may result in deportation, getting banned from entering the Schengen area for a specific amount of time and difficulties in obtaining a new visa in the future.

Common Schengen Information Sheet