Visa Information Regarding Travel to Sweden
Sweden is a beautiful Scandinavian country. Its tourist destinations are among the best in Europe, and its climate is considered one of the best in the whole world. It’s not surprising therefore that many foreign tourists find Sweden a nice place to visit. However, a large number of tourists who are planning to travel to Sweden in the near future (or the long term) may be concerned about traveling through Sweden. This is because Sweden is considered to have some high crime rates and strict immigration policies.
The most pressing concern for many tourists travelling to Sweden is security. Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. The Swedish Government consistently reminds U.S. citizens of their obligation to report any crime to the authorities, including any crimes that they may notice while in the country. Entry from other EU, Nordic and Baltic countries is subject to no exit restrictions. A temporary ban on travel to Sweden from certain non-EU countries, imposed after a call by the European Union and the European Commission, is currently in force.
There are also some specific entries ban details in force in Sweden, which tourists should be aware of. Anyone travelling to the following areas within the period of the entry ban will be required to show proof of a Swedish residence or visa before being allowed to enter the country: All the Swedish counties of Malmo, Vasterbron and Sverige, Fjordlands, Lovisa, Gothenburg and Kalmar. The northernmost point in Sweden is the island of Sigtuna. For those travelling from UK or Ireland, there are some special deals, which can be used to get to Sweden through Malmo.
The most important thing to note is that, regardless of the entry ban details stated above, all travellers will be required to undergo a positive criminal record check before being granted a visa to Sweden. This is an absolute requirement, irrespective of the reason for travel to the country. In addition, there are some significant exemptions to this general rule. These exemptions include naturalizing and choosing another citizenship without the need of a visa, for instance if you wish to live in Sweden for three years or less or if you plan to leave the country for five years or more.
As regards the first two of these exemptions, it is worth pointing out that the government has not introduced a negative covid-19 test for citizens of EU member states, nor has it introduced a national Swedish language test. In these circumstances, there are special arrangements made by private organizations, in cooperation with the Swedish embassy, for citizens of EU countries travelling to Sweden on holiday. Citizens of non-EU member states will be required to take an approved international exam prior to gaining entry to Sweden.
Regarding the third exemption, a person who is completing school in a non-Swedish school facility for the first time or a period of stay at a school in Sweden whilst the mother is completing an extended school program may be permitted entry to the country for a limited period of time. These exceptions are specified in a detailed document that can be obtained from the Swedish Migration Agency. In these circumstances, the applicant must be provided with a copy of the document, duly certified by the immigration authorities, and must obtain a visa. In the case of the mother of the child, a temporary entry ban may be granted. In these circumstances, the applicant must have a registered copy of a child’s birth certificate. This must be obtained from the Swedish Migration Agency and must be presented along with the birth certificate.
As already stated, there are some significant exceptions to the entry ban on foreigners to Sweden. These include family members. In these cases, if the foreign national spouse is not a qualified immigrant, an entry ban will not apply. Furthermore, there are three specific exceptions to the entries ban for tourists. If the foreigner is a family member of an indigenous Swedish citizen or a Swedish citizen who has become a permanent resident of the country, this person may enter the country for up to three years. If the spouse of a foreign national who is in Sweden is also a qualified immigrant, then the marriage would be recognized and would not be subjected to the ban.
The information contained in this article is for the purpose of information and is intended only for reference purposes. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice regarding immigration, residence or any other topic. This article is not intended to serve as legal advice and any reader should seek the advice of legal professionals regarding issues relating to immigration, law or any other topic. The US Department of State’s webpage on Travel to Sweden contains important information regarding travel to Sweden and the requirements for entry. Visa information can also be obtained from the Swedish embassy.
