The list of countries whose citizens require a visa to visit Sweden

There is temporary entry ban to Sweden. Please read more here about the handling of visa applications during the Covid-19 outbreak.

From 6th of February 2021, it is required to present a certificate showing a negative result for ongoing COVID-19 infection from a test conducted within 48 hours prior to arrival. There are a few exemptions from this requirement. For more information, please visit the Swedish Government’s website.

Applying

To improve the services to visa applicants, the Consulate General cooperates with an external service provider, VFS Global. Visa applications can be submitted in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Applications should be submitted by applicants in person if the applicant doesn't have a Schengen visa issued after November 2014. If you have a Schengen visa issued after November 2014, you may not need to apply in person. In that case, please pay more attention to have all the required documents, signatures and a biometric photo not older than 6 months. Otherwise, you may not be able to apply. Applicants need to book an appointment in VFS Global to hand in their application there. VFS Global can also provide you with information and other kinds of service. When the decision has been made, within 15 days, you collect your passport and your visa at the VFS Global.

VFS Global charges a service fee per application (over and above the visa fee) for their services. Check the VFS Global website for the application centre’s address and opening hours and for other practical information.

If you cannot or do not want to apply from VFS Global you can submit your application in person to the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul instead. You need to make an appointment through VFS Global. A decision on your application will be available after 15 days. 

How to apply

Applying via VFS Global 

The quickest and easiest way is to apply for a visa at the Swedish Visa Application Centre, which is run by VFS Global. This means that you, in most of the cases, do not have to visit the Swedish Consulate General in person.

How you proceed is described step-by-step at the VFS Global website. 

 

Applying via Consulate General

If you cannot or do not wish to apply via the Swedish Application Centre, you present your application forms and other documents in person at the Swedish Consulate General. You have to make an appointment, and the processing period may be longer. How to proceed:

 

1. Prepare the documentation

Check which documents and personal information you need. You must for instance have arranged for a passport and medical travel insurance and have booked an air ticket (although we advise you to delay payment until your visa has been granted), and you must also have an invitation from the person you will be visiting in Sweden.

Scroll down for more information about ‘Required documents’.

 

2. Make an appointment

To make an appointment at the Swedish Consulate General, you contact VFS Global on following telephonenumber +90 0212 373 58 03 free of charge.

 

3. Pay the application fee

Payment must be made at the Consulate. Please bring exact change. Payment of the visa fee does not give any guarantee or right that a visa will be granted. The visa fee is non-refundable if the visa application is denied or if the applicant decides to withdraw his or her application.

Read more under ‘Fees’.

 

4. Visit the Consulate General

Bring the completely filled application form and all the required documents at the appointed time. If you do not have all the documents with you, there is a risk that your application will be rejected.  During the visit, you may be required to answer some additional questions.

Furthermore, applicants (from 12 years of age) must have his or her biometric data taken by Consulate General.

If you have a Schengen visa issued after November 2014, you may not need to visit the Consulate General in person. In that case, please pay more attention to have all the required documents, signatures and a biometric photo not older than 6 months. Otherwise, you may not be able to apply.

You can find the address of the Consulate General under ‘Contact’

5. Wait for the decision When you submit your application for visa you will receive information regarding when you can collect the decision and your passport. The processing time is approximately 15 days.

Avoid other people selling services

Please note that the Consulate General only cooperates with VFS Global. The Consulate has nothing to do with sellers outside the premises of the Consulate or the VFS Global office who offer services for payment. No sellers can influence either the processing period or the decision.