Helpline number for visa enquiries, to book an appointment and find out about the progress of your visa: 0871 376 0023E mail: info.seuk@vfshelpline.com
Who needs a visa?>Check here the list of foreign citizens who require a visa for entry into Sweden
According to the EU Directive 38/2004 family members of EEA nationals who are in possession of a British "Residence Card of a family member of an EEA national" or "Permanent Residence Card" do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days to Sweden and many other EU member states. Your UK permit need to look exactly like the example picture for you to be able to travel without a Schengen visa.> Read more
The issuing of Schengen visas is discretionary and depends on consideration of each individual case, including purpose of visit and intention to return. A Schengen visa is not appropriate if you wish to remain in a Schengen country for longer than three months, to take up employment, to establish a business or to enter a trade or profession.
Please note that holders of Schengen visas are still subject to immigration control and are not guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries, even though they may hold a valid visa for these countries.
Where to apply for a Schengen visa
If you want to visit one Schengen country, apply for a visa at the Embassy of that country. If you want to visit several Schengen countries, apply at the Embassy of the country of your main destination. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, apply at the Embassy of the Schengen country of your first port of entry.
How to apply
If you are not a resident of the UK you should apply at the Embassy in your country of residence. In countries where there is no Swedish diplomatic mission, Sweden is represented by another Schengen state.> These countries are listed here
All applicants have to book an appointment in advance to apply for a Schengen visa. In emergencies, such as a relative’s death or critical illness, the Embassy can give an earlier appointment or advance the date of an appointment. A letter of support from an undertaker or a hospital is required. For an emergency appointment please contact the embassy directly.
Your UK permit must be endorsed in your passport and should be valid for another three months after your departure from the Schengen area. The passport must have a blank visa-page. Your UK permit must be endorsed in your passport or in the form of a residence permit identity card.
Apply for the correct type of visa for your travel purposes as this will increase your chances of obtaining a visa.> Tourist Visa> Business Visa/ Conference Visa> EU Family Visa> Airport Transit Visa> Visa to visit Friends or Relatives (Non-Swedish citizens living in Sweden can issue invitations - as well as Swedish citizens living in the UK).
New Schengen visa service offered from 15 June 2009
In order to improve its service to applicants and facilitate the visa processing the Embassy has commissioned VFS Global Services (UK) Pvt. Ltd. to receive visa applications in London to be forwarded to the Embassy. The use of the VFS Visa Application Centre is available from 15 June 2009 to all nationals residing in the UK, who require a Schengen visa to visit Sweden.
The VFS centre is located at:1-8 Bateman’s BuildingSouth Soho SquareLondon W1D 3ENHelpline number: 0871 376 0023Email: info.seuk@vfshelpline.com> http://se.vfsglobal.co.uk
Submission of applications Please make an appointment by phone to 0871 376 002308.30 am - 5.30 pm or through the VFS website.
Processing time is usually approx. 7 working days, once the application has been accepted by VFS.Collection of passports:At VFS centre from 2.00 – 3.00 pm.
The service incurs a fee of £ 24, in addition to the application visa fee. This fee is due to VFS for the service provided. The fees are non-refundable.
Should you choose not to use the VFS services, you can submit your application directly to the Embassy. An appointment is required. It is made in writing to: Embassy of SwedenVisa section11 Montagu PlaceLondon W1H 2AL
Enclose a copy of your passport and UK permit and a self-addressed stamped envelope for your appointment confirmation) or by a visit to the Embassy. It will take a minimum of 30 days to obtain an appointment and up to 14 working days to receive a decision after your appointment.
Holders of diplomatic and service passports may submit applications without prior appointment.
The visa section at the Embassy is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 - 11 am.Wednesdays closed.
Some of the Swedish Honorary Consulates will continue to receive visa applications, to be forwarded to the Embassy. For information, please contact the relevant Consulate.