Facts

The European Union has launched an information portal on migration matters. Among other things it gives guidance on national rules and procedures. It also advices on places to work and study, informs about rights and warns about the risks of irregular migration.

To visit the portal please follow the link below:

http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/

Visa for visiting Sweden

In order to visit Sweden you may need an entry visa. An entry visa is a permit required by persons wishing to enter Sweden for a temporary visit (usually for a maximum of 90 days), for example:

• as a tourist
• on business or professional training 
• to take part in a conference
• to visit relatives and friends
• for sport or cultural events
• when passing through in transit

The simplest and fastest way to submit a visa application is to do so electronically. When you fill out and submit your application you can book a personal appointment. If you apply electronically the decision will be made normally within 7 calendar days after that you have submitted your documents to the Embassy.

For The Migrations Boards general information about visas, please see the Swedish Migration Board homepage, www.migrationsverket.se. For information about the Embassy’s requirements for issuing different visas please refer to the different headlines on the right hand side column of this page.


Where is a visa valid?

An entry visa is normally valid in all the Schengen countries (uniform visa). In exceptional cases a visa may be granted solely for entry into one or some of the Schengen states (visa with limited territorial validity). For more information on the Schengen Agreement please refer to the link to the right.

When do I apply?

Your application can be lodged earliest three months before the start of the intended visit. Applicants shall appear in person when lodging an application. Exceptions from this must be agreed on beforehand, with the Embassy. For Further information on each type of visa, please refer to the links on the right side.

How long does it take?

Applications shall normally be decided within 15 calendar days.
When an application has been lodged, the Embassy will consider it complete and immediately start to process it. Therefore it is important that all required documents (see list under relevant kind of visa) are handed in at the same time as the application is lodged.

What if my application is refused?

From April 5, 2011 it is possible to appeal a negative decision on a Schengen visa. If your application was refused or rejected you will get information on why your application was refused/rejected and how to appeal. Note that a written appeal must be submitted to the Embassy no later than 3 weeks from the day you received the decision.