ETIAS for Sweden
Europe Travel Authorisation System for Sweden
This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.
ETIAS visa waiver for Sweden is an electronic travel authorisation currently being developed by the European Union.
ETIAS will be operational from 2026 . It will become an obligatory entry requirement to visit Sweden or any of the other countries in the Schengen Area.
SWEDEN: BASIC INFORMATION
Officially known as the Kingdom of Sweden, it is located in Northern Europe. A parliamentary democratic constitutional monarchy. There are a total of 349 members in the Swedish parliament.
In the 1930s, it developed a welfare system that is known as the “Swedish model”. This system ensures that all of its citizens have access to:
- Universal healthcare (publicly funded)
- Assistance for the unemployed
- Childcare and schools
- Eldercare
- A minimum of 5 weeks paid vacation each year
Sweden is 977 miles (1,572 kilometers) long and shares borders with these ETIAS countries:
- Finland to the east
- Norway to the west
Three stretches of water: The Skagerrak, the Kattegat, and the Öresund straits separate Sweden from Denmark.
With an area of 173,860 square miles (450,295 square kilometers) Sweden surpasses many of its fellow EU nation-states in size claiming third place regarding land area. Though it has a large territory, Sweden is one of the least populated countries in the EU. It is largely rural but densely populated in urban areas.
The country is part of the geographical area called the Fennoscandia Peninsula. This region is comprised of mainland Finland, The Scandinavian and Kola Peninsulas, and Karelia.
The climate varies greatly due to its latitudinal difference and is significantly influenced by the sea. In general, summers in Sweden are often warm, while winters are snowy.
Sweden
Capital City: Stockholm
Official language: Swedish
Currency: Swedish krona
Population: 10.23 million
EU member state since: 1st January 1995
SWEDEN’S ROLE IN THE EU
An economic crisis in the early 90s led to policy changes that promoted a referendum to join the EU.
In 1995, this became a reality, and Sweden, along with the other previously neutral nations of Austria and Finland, became the 13th, 14th and 15th countries to join.
Sweden plays a significant role in the EU, however, throughout history it has remained neutral.
In 2002, a similar referendum rejected the proposal to join the Eurozone, therefore Sweden has since maintained the traditional currency: Swedish Krona. However, Sweden has participated and cooperated in many European policies. One of the latest schemes supported by Sweden is the visa waiver program for Europe: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The creation of this system will contribute to the EU’s border security.
The European visa waiver for Sweden will be operational from 2026 and is based on a similar model called ESTA used in the US, and other countries such as Canada and Australia.
SWEDEN TRAVEL ADVICE
Sweden has been a member of the Schengen Area since December 19, 1996.
The Schengen Agreement promotes the free movement of people, therefore, Swedish citizens can travel freely in the region. This also means that this Scandinavian nation has a visa liberalisation policy which allows travellers from over 50 non-EU countries to visit its territory without a consular visa.
Once ETIAS is established, eligible travellers will need to obtain their visa waiver before travelling to Sweden, or any other country in the Schengen Zone. ETIAS will also be required to visit Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania which are in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
The process to obtain this electronic travel authorisation will be quick and simple.
According to the most recent data, almost 15 million people visited Sweden in 2018.
GETTING AROUND SWEDEN
English proficiency in Sweden is very high. The country ranks second in the world, below the Netherlands. This allows foreign visitors to easily communicate with locals as well as getting around the country. The country is extremely well connected and public transport is easily accessible.
Stockholm has been referred to as the Venice of the North. It boasts canals, bridges, and walkways that connect different areas of the city. A vibrant, modern city it embraces diversity, tolerance and stands up for equality.
Other important cities in Sweden include Malmö, in the south and in close proximity to Denmark; and the city of Gothenburg, the second-largest city and a lot less visited by tourists.
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN
Sweden is famous for the northern lights or aurora borealis. To appreciate them, it's best to visit the northern part of the country in spring or fall. Natural beauty in Sweden abounds and it is one of its main attractions.
To travel to Sweden, foreign visitors must have a valid passport and depending on their nationality, a valid visa is required. From 2026 , visa-exempt travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation for Sweden.
DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT SWEDEN?
Foreign travellers who need a Schengen visa to travel to Sweden for tourism or business purposes do need to have medical insurance. It is in fact a requirement to obtain the visa in the first place. Visa-exempt travellers are not obligated to have medical insurance, though it is strongly advised in case of an emergency.
European travellers, on the other hand, are recommended to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS SWEDEN
In order to obtain ETIAS Sweden, health insurance is not a requirement. Upon arrival in Sweden, travellers won’t be asked to present health insurance. Though it is not mandatory, it is still recommended.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
International travellers who need a Schengen Visa to visit Sweden will be asked to obtain medical insurance to get their visa. The insurance should meet the following:
- A minimum coverage of at least €30,000
- It should be valid for all of the Schengen Area
- Cover all expenses in case of repatriation for medical reasons
- Cover all expenses in case of an emergency, treatment
- Cover all expenses in case of death
SWEDEN’S BORDER CONTROLS
The Schengen Agreement eliminated internal borders between its members. However, since 2015, the Swedish government decided to reintroduce border controls with other Schengen countries at selected border crossings.
Persons who wish to enter Sweden must always have a passport or national ID-card, this is proof of their right to enter and stay in the country.
Travellers from visa-exempt countries have to present a valid passport at any border control in Sweden. Starting 2026 , these foreign visitors can apply online for their ETIAS visa waiver. This travel authorisation will be electronically linked to their passport, allowing the Swedish police or border control authorities to check the status of their ETIAS.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA HOLDERS
Schengen visa holders who wish to enter Sweden will be required to show upon arrival the following additional documents:
- A passport, issued in the last 10 years and valid 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay (credit card, cash)
- A return or onwards ticket
- An accommodation reservation or address
Border authorities may ask visitors to provide the reason for their trip and the length of stay.
ARRIVING IN SWEDEN
The largest airport in Sweden is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, situated 23 miles (37 kilometres) from Stockholm. It is the major gateway to international air arrivals, in 2017, close to 27 million passengers arrived in Arlanda.
It is also possible to arrive in Sweden by train, road, or via ferry. The country is well connected to the rest of Europe. It’s possible to travel to other Schengen countries in a short period of time.
ARRIVING IN SWEDEN BY AIR
Besides Arlanda, Stockholm has 4 airports.
Stockholm-Bromma airport is situated north-west of the city centre. However, it is mostly used by smaller aircrafts.
The other two are called Stockholm Skavsta and Stockholm Västerås Airport, also a minor international airport.
When travelling to Sweden by air, foreign visitors will most likely arrive at Arlanda. From there, they may rent a car, take a bus or use the Arlanda Express which takes you straight to the city centre.
From this airport it’s possible to take the train to other destinations in the country.
ARRIVING IN SWEDEN BY TRAIN
Traveling to Sweden and around by train is easy. One advantage is being able to enjoy beautiful Swedish scenery.
The main railway stations are in Stockholm, west coast Gothenburg, and Malmö in the south. There are 2 high-speed services between all 3 stations. And also a high-speed train between Arlanda and the capital.
Visitors may travel to other neighboring ETIAS countries via train:
- Norway: Oslo to Stockholm (6h)
- Denmark: Copenhagen to Stockholm (5h 23m)
ARRIVING IN SWEDEN BY ROAD
Sweden has well-kept motorways, making it safe for locals and foreigners to move within the scandinavian region and beyond.
Between 2006 and 2012 an interconnecting motorway was built between Öresund Bridge to the Swedish, Danish country.
It is possible to take a ferry to Sweden from several neighbouring nations, including Denmark, Poland, Finland, and Germany.
VISITING SWEDEN: TOURIST INFORMATION
From Swedish politics to cultural, gastronomical and natural phenomena, Sweden is one of the 25 most visited countries in the world.
The country’s Arctic north has been called the “land of the midnight sun”, as in the summer months the sun doesn’t set. Summer nights in Stockholm only last 4 hours.
In the fall and spring, one of the most stunning natural events occurs in the north. The northern lights attract thousands of intrigued travellers each year. The glittering green and red lights occur due collisions of tiny particles in the Earth’s atmosphere.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN SWEDEN
Sweden has numerous attractions that range from exploring Stockholm nightlife to fascinating museums to camping.
Some of the reasons to visit Sweden include:
- It’s one of the safest in Europe
- It has several amusement parks
- One-of-a-kind national parks
- Winter sports
- Friendly and open-minded locals
- Charming cafes
- Swedish Royal Family palaces
While visiting Sweden, these are some of the main attractions it has to offer:
- Vasa Museum, to learn about Swedish sailing history
- Skansen and Djurgården, largest open-air museum featuring a historic village
- Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town
- Drottningholm Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Stockholm Archipelago, over 30,000 islands
- Göta Canal, an impressive engineering accomplishment
- Liseberg Theme Park, it also stages concerts in the summer
- Abisko National Park, known for its beauty
BREATHTAKING NATURE
Boasting stunning mountains, impressive lakes, ancient forests, and wetlands, nature in Sweden will take anyone’s breath away. It was the first country in Europe to establish national parks. Currently there are a total of 29 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature reserves that serve as habitats for endangered species.
The northern lights are a unique phenomena as well. Visitors should consider visiting in fall of spring to appreciate it.
ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SWEDEN
From 2026 tourists from eligible nations visiting Sweden may present an ETIAS Sweden at border control in order to be allowed passage.
To obtain the ETIAS for Sweden, each applicant must meet the following ETIAS requirements before applying:
- Passport
- Email address
- Debit or credit card
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
The ETIAS visa waiver programme for Sweden allows travellers to enter and travel around Sweden and other Schengen zone countries as many times as they like during a 3-year period after applying just once, or until the corresponding passport expires.
To be in possession of a valid visa waiver for Sweden, visitors must complete an online ETIAS application form which is quick and simple to fill out. They will get a response within minutes to their email address.
Each applicant should provide the following info:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Country of first intended stay
- Address and phone number
ETIAS applicants must answer a series of basic security, health and immigration questions.
Once the form has been submitted, it will be screened by the ETIAS system. After the ETIAS fee has been paid online via credit or debit card, the approved visa waiver for Europe will be sent to the applicant via email.
ETIAS for Sweden - FAQ
Which countries can I visit from Sweden? Toggle faqs
Sweden is well connected with the rest of Europe. The closest countries to Sweden are Finland, Norway, and Denmark. Visitors may travel from Sweden to the rest of the Schengen area by road, ferry, air, or train.
ETIAS will be available to visa-exempt travellers. It will be necessary to have a valid ETIAS to travel to Sweden and all other Schengen member nations, among them, Norway and Finland.
Which type of visa do I need for Sweden? Toggle faqs
The type of visa needed to visit Sweden is determined by a person’s nationality. EU nationals, for instance, do not need a visa or authorisation to travel to Sweden.
Citizens of over 50 countries outside of the EU are able to visit Sweden visa-free. This will remain the case in the future. Instead of a visa, these foreign visitors will have to get an ETIAS visa waiver online, prior to their trip.
All other foreign visitors must get a visa to travel to Sweden. This visa is called a Schengen visa and its applicants must meet a series of requirements. Besides a passport, they must present additional documents at an embassy or consulate.
Which documents do I need to enter Sweden? Toggle faqs
Once ETIAS becomes available to current visa-exempt visitors, they will need to have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the European ETIAS countries.
Their travel document should be valid beyond their intended stay in the Schengen zone. ETIAS will grant its holder a stay of up to 90 consecutive days within a 180-day period. Exceeding the alloted time could have an impact on future ETIAS applications.
Holders of a Schengen visa must also travel with medical insurance. Upon arrival in Sweden, they will need to present their visa and passport.