Sweden makes an excellent destination for tourists who like to explore beautiful landscapes, lakes, forests, and islands. It is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and welcomes around 2 million tourists from around the world every year.
Since Sweden is a member of the Schengen Area, tourists from non-EU countries need a Sweden Schengen (Tourist) visa to be eligible to enter and visit the country.
A Schengen visa, also known as a Sweden type C visa, allows you to enter and stay in Sweden for less than 90 days.
Do I Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Sweden?
The category of people listed below do not need a Schengen (Tourist) visa to visit Sweden:
- Citizens from countries with a visa-free agreement (US, Canada, Australia, etc.).
- Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports. This also applies to Turkish citizens who hold special passports.
- Holders of a biometric passport.
- Holders of a passport with an identity card number.
Citizens from countries with a Schengen visa requirement are obliged to leave Sweden before their visa expires.
Is Sweden Part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Sweden signed the visa agreement in December 1996 and started implementing it later in March 2001. As a result, Sweden shares the same visa policy as the other 25 Schengen member states.
A Sweden Schengen visa allows its holder to move freely to other member states of the Schengen Area within the 90 days within a 180 days period. To calculate the number of days you can stay in Sweden and the entire Schengen area, you can use the online Schengen visa calculator on our website.
Types of Sweden Schengen Visas
A Schengen visa can be used for different purposes. You have to choose the type of Schengen visa you want to apply for based on the purpose of your visit to Sweden:
- Sweden visa for business purposes.
- Sweden visa for a family visit.
- Sweden visa for tourism.
- Sweden visa for medical purposes.
- Sweden visa for studies, research, or as a doctoral exchange student.
- Sweden visa for religious purposes.
- Sweden visa for volunteer work or an internship.
Requirements for a Swedish Schengen Visa
When applying for a Swedish Schengen visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Sweden visa application form. Fully complete the application form and sign it at the end before submission.
- Valid passport. An original passport not older than ten years with two blank pages and copies of your passport pages.
- Passport-size photograph. Attach a recently taken photo to your application. The photo must follow the Schengen photo rules.
- Cover letter. A short, clear letter stating the purpose of your travel.
- Travel Health Insurance. Insurance policy to help you cover the emergency medical expenses during your stay in Sweden.
- Travel Itinerary. A travel itinerary proving that you have booked a ticket for your flight to Sweden and a returning flight to your home country.
- Accommodation. Provide a document that you have a place to stay while you visit Sweden (hotel, an invitation from a family friend/member, rental agreement, etc.).
- Financial Means. A bank statement of the last three months to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially during your whole trip to Sweden.
- Civil Status Documents. Documents that prove your civil status include birth certificates, marriage licenses, household certificates, etc.
- Employment Status Documents. Documents that prove your status of employment, such as an employment contract or a business plan, etc.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Sweden?
Sweden offers many ways of applying for a visa. For example, citizens from countries without a Swedish embassy must submit their applications for a Schengen visa through VFS Global, Swedish Visa Application Center. The process of application through a VFS center is the same as the application at the embassy.
Here is how you can apply for a Sweden Schengen (Tourist) visa:
- Book an appointment. Contact the Swedish embassy or consulate-general or the VFS center you are applying to and set up an appointment for your application.
- Complete the application form. Fill in the application form in correct way, with honest answers and sign it at the end. You can download the application form, fill it in, print it, and submit it to the embassy or the VFS center.
- Submit documents. The document checklist will show you all the documents you must submit together with your visa application form.
- Pay the visa fee. Pay the required fee of 80€ and print the receipt as proof of payment.
- Attend the interview. The embassy will require you to show up for an interview and answer questions related to your visit to Sweden.
- Wait for an answer. You will be notified within two weeks about whether your visa has been approved or not.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Sweden Schengen Visa?
The normal processing time for a Sweden Schengen visa is usually 15 days, however, the processing time at the embassy or consulate-general can last longer. Usually, the processing time for individual cases can take up to 45 days.
How Much Does the Sweden Visa Cost?
The application for a Sweden visa costs 80€ for adults and 40€ for children between 6 and 11 years. The fee can be paid online or at the designated Swedish embassy or consulate-general.
*In cases of visa rejection, the visa fee is nonrefundable.
How Long is the Swedish Tourist Visa Valid?
A Swedish tourist visa is valid for 90 days within any 180 day period for the purpose of tourism, business, study, etc. The visa sticker on your passport indicates the number of days you are allowed to stay in Sweden.
During this time, you can also visit other members of the Schengen Area. However, in these cases, you must select the ‘multiple entries’ in your visa application.
Can I Extend a Schengen Visa in Sweden?
A Schengen visa extension is not possible if you have been in Sweden for 90 days. You must apply for a visa extension before the expiration date and will not be charged a fee during the process.
The Schengen Sweden visa can be extended only in special cases:
- Force majeure.
- Humanitarian reasons.
- Personal reasons.
For a Schengen visa extension, you must enclose:
- The visa extension application form.
- Copies of the pages in your passport.
- Documents stating why you need to extend your stay.
- Individual medical travel insurance.
Note: Applications must be placed in an envelope saying “Application for a visa extension.”
Can I Work or Study in Sweden With a Tourist Visa?
No, a Schengen visa does not allow you to work in Sweden. Citizens from outside the European Union must apply for a work permit to work in Sweden only if they have a job offer from a Swedish employer.
A Schengen visa allows you to study in Sweden only for three months (90 days) and not longer. Anyone who wishes to continue their stay in Sweden for educational purposes must apply for a study visa and a residence permit for higher education.
Different rules apply to EU/EEA citizens or family members of an EU/EEA citizens or Swiss citizens.
Can I Visit Other European Countries With a Swedish Tourist Visa?
Yes, a Swedish tourist visa allows you to enter all the Schengen area member states. However, if you plan on visiting other countries besides Sweden, make sure to fill in the ‘multiple entries’ option in your visa application.
In special cases, the visa can only be valid for entering Sweden and some of the Schengen countries.