- English
If you want to visit Sweden and you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA, you may need a visa. A visa gives you permission to enter and stay in Sweden for a short period. It is valid throughout the Schengen area, but you apply to the country that is the main destination for the journey.
Visas can be granted for such purposes as:
You can submit your application at the earliest three months before your planned visit. Considering the high number of applications we recieve, we recommend that you apply as far in advance as possible, minimum four weeks prior to departure. Usually, you get a decision within two weeks.
A visa can be granted for between 1 and 90 days. You have to make use of these days within a given time frame of six months at the most (period of validity).
How many days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area, and for how long altogether, is stated on the permit sticker attached to your travel document.
If you need to travel to Sweden often, you can ask to be given several entries. Such visas are valid for five years at the most. If the visa is for more than six months, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per six-month period.
A visa does not automatically mean you can enter the Schengen area. Entry checks are always made at external border points. So it is a good idea to bring along copies of the documents you submitted when applying for a visa. Border controls may result in your being denied entry.
It is the embassy or consulate that decides whether you are to be granted a visa. In certain cases, the matter is referred to the Swedish Migration Agency for a decision.
Read more about visa applications in the menu on the left and on the Swedish Migration Agency website.