Sweden is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. One of the most notable aspects of Swedish culture is their respect for the environment and commitment to sustainability. They are a global leader in organic agriculture, recycling, and renewable energy. Tourists will not be bored as there are interesting places to Explore in Sweden. From fields and rolling hills in the south to the archipelagos in west Sweden. Experience the history and culture in the capital of Stockholm or travel north to look for the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland. These side attractions have made Sweden very attractive for international tourists and visitors wishing to visit Sweden on Holidays. Foreigners planning a visit to Sweden for tourism purposes may need to acquire a Swedish tourist visa, especially if they are from a country not part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). In this write-up, we will list the procedure for acquiring this Visa.
Eligibility
Intending tourists must first find out if they will need a visa to visit Sweden or Citizens of countries within the EU/EEA or countries that have visa-exempt agreements with Sweden (such as the United States, Canada, and many others) who do not need a tourist visa to enter Sweden for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). The full list of these countries is available on the Swedish immigration website.
Requirements
These documents will be required for the issuance of a Swedish tourist visa
- Valid passport
- At least 2 blank pages
- With the applicant’s signature
- Not more than 10 years old
- Valid for at least 3 months after the expiration of the requested visa
- Previous passport, if applicable
- Passport-sized photos
- Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
- Plain white background
- Taken within the past 6 months
- Forward-facing with facial features visible and clear
- Completed application form
- Biometric data (Fingerprints)
- Sweden Schengen Visa fee
- Documents pertinent to your trip
- Travel Itinerary or plan
- Proof of return to the country of residence or forward ticket to another country
- Reason for travel to Sweden
- Flight reservations
- Proof of financial means (bank statements over the last 3-month period, personal properties, and/or other assets)
- Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel)
- Travel medical insurance
- Employment letter with the following information:
- Name and address of employer
- Nature of employment
- Starting date of employment
- Salary
- Purpose of travel
- Duration of time off from work for travel
- Scans (copies) of:
- Personal ID page of passport.
- Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
- Residence permit (if relevant).
- Applicants below the age of 18 are required to submit the following additional requirements:
- Copy of birth certificate
- If the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents are required
- If the minor applicant’s parents are divorced, divorce papers are required
- If the minor applicant’s parents are deceased, death certificates are required
- Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
- Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians
How to Apply
- Prepare all the required documents.
- Select “Tourism” as the reason for travel on the visa application form.
- Decide the number of entries needed to Sweden or the Schengen area.
- Fill out the application form.
- Application procedures for a Swedish Schengen visa may vary, depending on where you are applying from. Contact the Swedish Embassy or visa processing center directly to determine whether your application should be through a third-party provider or the Swedish Embassy.
- Schedule a visa appointment, if applicable.
- Most applications require an in-person appointment at the nearest Swedish Consulate or visa center to be submitted. Alternatively, applications may be submitted without prior appointment during normal operating hours. Contact the Swedish Consulate or visa center to determine if an appointment is necessary.
- Submit your Sweden Schengen visa application.
- Note: Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the date of travel but not earlier than 6 months before the date of travel.
- Applications must generally be submitted in person to the Swedish Consulate or visa processing center. However, the submission procedures may differ.
- Applicants will likely be required to submit their fingerprints (biometric data). Children below the age of 12 are exempted from biometric data collection, but facial photo capturing is a must, regardless of the applicant’s age.
- Applicants may also be asked to come back on another date for an interview regarding their trip.
- Pay the visa application fee.
Cost of Tourist Visa to Sweden
The standard fee for applying for a Swedish Schengen visa is 80 EUR. However, certain applicants are exempt from fees, such as most student visas and visas for children under the age of 6. Applicants will probably have to pay a separate, non-refundable service payment with their application.
Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted personally either through the Swedish Consulate, or the consulate of a country that represents the consular affairs of Sweden.
In countries without any Swedish consulate, applications may be submitted through a Schengen state consulate representing the interests of a Swedish consulate. Applicants who want to apply through a non-Swedish consulate should contact them to ensure that they accept such applications.
SWEDEN VISA PROCESSING TIME
Generally, Sweden’s Schengen visa applications are processed in approximately 15 days. However, in some cases, it might take longer.