Visa for visiting Sweden

• as a tourist;
• on business;
• to take part in a conference;
• to visit relatives and friends, or
• when passing through in transit.

Where do I apply?

Your application should be submitted to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria or to the Swedish consulates in Cape Town or Durban. You must apply in person or through a representative. We do not accept applications by mail.

Please be advised that South African temporary passports are no longer accepted as travel document when applying for a visa to go to Sweden.

Visa applicants in Botswana

If you are in Botswana, you need to apply for your visa through the German embassy in Gaborone.
> Visit the website of the German embassy in Gaborone

Visa applicants in Namibia

If you are in Namibia you should apply for your visa at the Finnish embassy in Windhoek.
> Visit the website of the Finnish embassy in Windhoek

How do I apply?

In addition to a completed application form for Schengen visa, you need to submit a number of documents with your application.
> Download the application form for Schengen visa
> See the visa checklist to find out what other documentation you need

How long does it take?

The processing time is normally 5 working days, excluding Wednesdays, plus an additional 2 days for courier from/to Cape Town and Durban if necessary. For non-South African passport holders the processing time can be up to 10-14 working days.

How much does it cost?

The fee is currently R660, excluding bank service charges. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful, and must be paid in advance into the embassy's bank account. Bring your receipt as proof of payment when you apply for your visa. Please note that the embassy does not accept payment in cash for visas.

Bank name: Nedbank
Account name: Embassy of Sweden
Account no: 1602 346 933
Branch code: 160245
Branch name: Hillcrest, Pretoria
Reference: Applicant's surname and initial

> Download the price list

Please note: If you are applying at the Swedish consulates in Cape Town or Durban you should not pay the fee into the embassy's bank account, but submit it in cash when you hand in your application.

When is the visa office open?

The visa office hours are 9-12am Monday-Friday, Wednesdays closed.
Telephone inquiries: Monday-Thursday 2-4pm, Fridays closed.

How long is a visa valid?

Visas are granted for a maximum of 90 days at a time. In exceptional cases applicants may be granted a visa for a visit of more than 90 days, but never for longer than a year.

Where is a visa valid?

An entry visa is normally valid in all Schengen countries. In exceptional cases a visa may be granted solely for entry into the country that issued it. For more information on the Schengen Agreement please click on the link to the right.

A visa granted for longer than 90 days is only valid for entering and staying in Sweden.

What if my application is rejected?

You cannot appeal against a decision to reject a visa application. You can, however, re-apply or request that your original application be reconsidered.

In that case you should write in and request a review of the decision. You should send the letter to the body that took the original decision (the embassy, the consulate or the Migration Board).

Remember!

Make sure that you are properly insured so that you are covered for any costs associated with illness, accidents, etc.