Sweden

Visa Requirements for Swedish Citizens

With the passport ranking 4th globally, Swedish citizens hold one of the world’s strongest passports. This allows Swedish travellers to explore a wide range of countries with minimal restrictions and easy entry procedures.

Many countries welcome Swedish visitors without a visa, while others offer convenient digital travel permits such as an eVisa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Currently, Swedish citizens can apply online for an eVisa or eTA to around 54 destinations. These electronic systems save time, remove the need for embassy visits, and make the travel process much smoother.

However, some destinations still require travelers to apply for a traditional visa through embassies or consulates.

Whether it’s a regular visa or a digital one, travelers must always ensure their passports are valid for at least six (6) months beyond their intended stay.

Since every country has its own entry rules, Swedish travelers are advised to double-check visa requirements before planning their trips.

Countries Offering eVisa and ETA to Swedish Citizens

An eVisa is an online visa that can be applied for without going to an embassy or consulate. Once approved, travelers receive their visa via email and can carry a printed or digital copy when entering the country.

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital entry permit that allows Swedish citizens to enter a country without applying for a traditional visa beforehand. It’s usually processed online and linked directly to your passport.

Both systems make travel much easier, and an eTA is a bit different. It is usually valid for a shorter time frame and must be used within that period. If a traveller misses reaching the destination within a specific time frame, the eTA becomes invalid, and they must reapply for a new eTA. 

Below is the list of countries that offer eVisa or eTA options for Swedish citizens:

eVisa Required Countries (41)

  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Congo Democratic Republic
  • Cuba
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Russian Federation
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam

eTA Required Countries (13)

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Seychelles
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

A Visa on Arrival (VoA) allows Swedish citizens to receive a visa after landing at the airport or arriving at the land border. It’s a convenient option for travelers who decide to visit on short notice.

Currently, 10 countries offer this facility to Swedish passport holders. However, processing fees, entry conditions, and allowed stay durations may differ between destinations. It’s always best to confirm the latest visa-on-arrival rules before your trip.

Here are the countries that offer VoA to Swedish nationals:

VoA - Visa on Arrival Countries (10)

  • Bangladesh
  • Burundi
  • Comoros
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iraq
  • Lebanon
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Somalia
  • Zimbabwe

Visa-Free Destinations

The Swedish passport provides visa-free access to 118 destinations worldwide, giving citizens the freedom to travel easily across most parts of the world. Depending on the country, Swedish travelers can stay for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days without a visa.

Here’s a list of countries where Swedish citizens can travel visa-free:

Visa Free Countries (118)

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cabo Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Netherlands
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Palau
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Tuvalu
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia

Visa-Required Destinations

Despite Sweden’s excellent global mobility, there are still 17 destinations where Swedish citizens must apply for a traditional visa before traveling.

For these countries, travelers are required to apply at the nearest embassy or consulate. This involves filling out a visa form, submitting recent photographs, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and some cases, financial statements to show the ability to cover expenses during the trip.

Many embassies now allow hybrid processing, where travelers can fill out part of the application online before submitting documents in person. However, processing times can vary widely. It can take from a few days to several weeks.

To avoid delays, you should apply well in advance, ideally a few weeks before your planned travel date. 

Here’s the list of countries that require a traditional visa from Swedish citizens:

Visa Required Countries (17)

  • Afganistan
  • Algeria
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • North Korea
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Yemen

Schengen Destinations with Short-Term Visa-Free Entry for Swedish Citizens

As Sweden is part of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, Swedish citizens enjoy the privilege of free movement within Schengen member countries. They can live, work, and travel in these nations with a visa or residence permit.

Here are the Schengen and associated countries where Swedish citizens can travel visa-free:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland

General Visa Requirements for Swedish Citizens

While visa policies differ from country to country, most share similar basic requirements. Swedish citizens applying for any type of visa usually need the following:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six (6) months after your intended arrival date.
  • Visa Application Form: This can be filled out online or at the embassy. You’ll need to include your personal details, the purpose of your travel, and your itinerary.
  • Photograph: One or more recent passport-sized photos with a white background are usually required.
  • Flight Tickets: Some embassies ask for proof of round-trip flight bookings.
  • Proof of Accommodation/Stay: This may include hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.

Partners We Work With

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries can we visit with a Swedish passport?

You can visit around 199 countries with your Swedish passport. This includes destinations that allow visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, eVisa, eTA, and traditional stamp/sticker visa.

Which country visa is free for a Swedish citizen?

Swedish citizens can visit 118 countries without needing a visa. This includes most of Europe, North America, and several parts of Asia and the Pacific.

What is the best way to prove citizenship?

The most reliable way to prove Swedish citizenship is by presenting a valid Swedish passport or national ID card. In some cases, a birth certificate or citizenship certificate issued by Swedish authorities can also serve as proof.

Can a Swedish person have dual citizenship?

Yes, Sweden allows dual citizenship, meaning Swedish nationals can hold another nationality without losing their Swedish one.

What is the validity period of a Swedish passport?

A Swedish passport is generally valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 12. Travelers should make sure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure time.

  • Information Updated on:
  • November 10, 2025