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.

How long does it take?

The processing time at the Embassy varies, but decisions are generally made within 15 days from the day that the Embassy receives the application. 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 in order 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 in order 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. 

How to read the visa sticker

A visa is only valid for your stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a period of 180 days. The days can be used during the time period that is indicated on the sticker. 

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 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 visas

You must leave the Schengen area before the period of stay that is allowed by your Schengen visa expires. 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.