• English

Sweden & United Kingdom

Visa to Sweden

The rules for travelling to, moving to, working or studying in Sweden changed for British citizens on 1 January 2021.

For general travel requirements to Sweden, see this page.

Travel to Sweden from 1 January 2021

From 1 January 2021, British citizens are able to travel to Sweden and other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism. More information on The Swedish Migration Board's website here.

Schengen visas 

If you hold a UK Travel Document, you will need a Schengen visa to travel to Sweden. The Embassy in London does not process applications for Schengen visas. All applications should instead be submitted at VFS Global.

List of countries whose citizens need a visa for entry into Sweden here

Visit VFS Global for information about different types of visa and the documents you will need to submit together with your application.

All applications for a Schengen visa (less than 90 days) to Sweden are processed and decided by the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden. Applications are decided on within 15 calendar days, which is in accordance with Article 23.1 of the visa code.

We strongly recommends applicants to lodge applications six months before the start of the intended visit.  

  • Please note that The Swedish Migration Agency does not recognise ordinary passports issued by Somalia and Somaliland. However, diplomatic passports issued by Somalia are recognised.
  • Please note that visa applications for Sweden from Ireland are currently handled by the Danish Embassy in Dublin.

Residence permits for visiting Sweden for longer than 90 days

Before you apply, you must:

  1. Prepare the required documents, more information here.
  2. Book an appointment by sending an email to the Visa Section at the Embassy. Find the visa section's opening hours and email address here.
  3. Note that the fees for residence permits submitted at the embassy must be paid at the time of application. Please note that all fees at the Embassy are paid in British pounds, preferably by card payment (American Express is not accepted).

Biometric appointments

If you need to submit biometrics for your residence and work permit you can visit the Embassy during the visa section’s opening hours. You do not need to book an appointment. Please bring your valid passport with you (as proof of ID).

Last updated 03 Mar 2023, 4.33 PM